It is an overwhelming, confusing, grief-filled experience to learn at the hospital that your child has been diagnosed with a birth injury. This can instantly turn an otherwise joyous occasion into one filled with confusion on what to do next.
These first steps are crucial for what to do after such a diagnosis for the health of your child and, to find assurance in dealing with birth injuries by the whole family. Here we’ll offer immediate actions to have the best chance for a good outcome.
Step 1: Confirmation and Explanation of Diagnosis
The first thing to do when a birth injury is diagnosed is to fully understand the condition.
You will need your health professional to explain the nature of the injury, its possible effects on your child’s health and development, and treatments advised in great detail and clearly. Do not shy away from asking questions like:
- What birth injury in particular has taken place?
- What are the prospective short-term and long-term effects this could have on my child?
- What interventions are urgently required?
Step 2: Get a Second Opinion
Birth injuries can have quite complex implications, and most of the time, it is better to go in for a second opinion, be it to confirm diagnosis or to understand treatment options in totality. A second opinion may offer another set of eyes that either support what the first doctor had said or provide new insights, something that can be very critical for making informed decisions on treatment. In a second opinion, one should seek a specialist with expertise in handling similar cases.
Step 3: Initiate Rehabilitation and Treatment Early
Early intervention is part of the game in the management of birth injuries. Depending on the nature and severity of an injury, the treatment might be surgical intervention, medication, or care provided in specialized areas. Some types of rehabilitation services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy to better develop and function.
The last thing you want to do is delay any of these treatments. You want to get them started as soon as possible, to maximize your child’s recovery and development.
Step 4: Plan for Ongoing Medical Care
Plan for long-term care. As a child grows, there may be some kind of treatment or therapy that will take months or even years before you can notice some changes in your child.
You will also work with a team of healthcare service providers, including pediatricians, neurologists, and other specialists, to develop and keep an updated elaborate plan of care. They will ensure that all the changing needs of your child are well catered for through frequent follow-ups and changes in their health plan.
Step 5: Access Support Resources
Birth injury-related issues are medical, emotional, and practical issues, so they require emotional, practical, and social support. Parents, therefore, do not solely rely on medical care as they deal with the challenges birth injuries present.
Here are different support resources available for families:
- local and online support groups
- counseling
- organizations that provide services to disabled children
Seek help from friends, relatives, and others for emotional support and even practical advice. Consider looking for financial aid through insurance coverage, government programs, and grants for medical expenses.
Step 6: Legal Advice
In the event that a birth injury is possibly a result of medical malpractice, it is best to speak with a Chicago attorney specializing in birth injury cases.
A qualified attorney will help you in understanding your rights and the possibility of compensation to cover medical and care costs. This step is not just about seeking financial relief, but it ensures accountability and prevention of future incidents.
Step 7: Take care of family well-being
The feelings that follow a birth injury diagnosis should be recognized and addressed among all family members. Counseling is an option for family members to help them cope better with stress and adjustments in their lives. The welfare of every member of the family should take prime importance for a very supportive and loving home environment.
While a birth injury diagnosis can be a challenge to come to terms with, knowing what steps to take can go a long way in managing it. Understanding the diagnosis, seeking appropriate medical care, accessing available resources, and taking care of your family’s emotional needs lay a good foundation for a child’s future and ensures your family navigates this journey with strength and support.