Many expectant parents focus on everything they need to do prior to welcoming their child into the world. There is a nursery to prepare. There are purchases to make. There are daycare arrangements to make and car seats to install, not to mention the birth plan that must be established.
However, most expectant parents do not consider what they would do in the event of a birth injury. Rather, people typically anticipate that the birth of their baby will go smoothly, resulting in a healthy bundle of joy.
One mom’s approach to a difficult delivery
For Hillary Frank, childbirth injuries led to starting a podcast to discuss, among other related matters, childbirth. When Frank was in labor, her medical providers encouraged her to continue pushing hour after hour, though nothing was happening. An episiotomy led to chronic pain.
Meanwhile, Frank felt like she failed at childbirth. Since her baby was turned the wrong way, she wondered what she could have done to provide a smoother delivery. And she was angry with the medical staff involved.
How a delayed birth can be dangerous
A long labor and delivery process may be typical. However, in some circumstances a delayed birth could cause lasting medical problems for not only the mother, such as with Frank, but also with the baby.
When an infant is in the birth canal for too long, he or she may experience trauma due to extended compression of the brain. This could result in injuries which include:
- Neurological problems
- Developmental delays
- Brain injury
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Spina bifida
Common disorders related to brain and spinal compression also include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, diagnoses related to the Autism spectrum might apply.
Medical malpractice could be a contributing factor
It is possible that a medical provider’s negligence could contribute to a preventable birth-related injury. In those cases, exploring legal options may be important for recovering damages necessary in providing for a child’s health and wellbeing.
About the Author: Frank Piscitelli
As a first-generation Italian in the United States, Frank is no stranger to tough times. His father’s family moved to Cleveland from Italy on May 22, 1958, with a few articles of clothing, some personal items and very little money. His family shared a home with three other related families but happily worked long hours doing jobs that involved physical labor, just to put food on the table. There was the promise of hope and opportunity, which was missing before his family moved here.
