CARING FOR AN INFANT WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Caring for infant is no easy task, but this important task is even more challenging for caregivers of babies with cerebral palsy. Your child may have significant developmental complications, which require a greater level of care and assistance.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Parenting magazine reports that nationally, about 10,000 babies are born each year with brain injuries that can lead to cerebral palsy. These injuries may occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Injuries in utero. An unborn baby may experience complications while in the womb. These problems may inhibit oxygen to the brain, leading to improper development.
• Childbirth injuries. Knowledgeable Baltimore birth injury attorneys understand that a doctor’s negligent actions may cause injuries during the birthing process. These birth injuries may eventually lead to the development of cerebral palsy.
• Early childhood injuries. For some babies, cerebral palsy may result from an early childhood infection, like meningitis.

Dealing with the Effects of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can affect an infant in various ways. They may experience delayed developmental milestones, if they reach them at all. Therefore, caregivers may need to seek out therapeutic services as soon as possible. Physical, occupational and speech therapies can assist your baby with improving muscle tone, increasing range of motion and eventual speech development. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires states to provide these services free of charge to eligible babies under the age of three. Check with your state to learn what services are available for your child.

Feeding is another area where parents may experience challenges in caring for an infant with cerebral palsy. Infants may need thickening agents added to their milk to help them with swallowing. Some babies even require medical interventions to receive necessary nutrition. As they mature, impaired muscle tone may prevent the baby from holding their head up independently, requiring the parent to provide extra support for the baby’s head. When the child reaches the age for eating solid foods, parents may need adaptive seating to hold the baby in an upright position.

It is vitally important for parents of infants with cerebral palsy to stay informed about their baby’s treatment by asking questions of doctors and maintaining communication with therapists. Parents are the most important advocates for these vulnerable infants, and not speaking up can inhibit effective treatment options. Taking an active role in the baby’s care can also help to strengthen the parental relationship and increase the child’s overall quality of life.

Quality Legal Assistance from Maryland and Washington D.C. Attorneys for Babies Affected by Cerebral Palsy

The lawyers of Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. understand the challenges of caring for an infant with cerebral palsy. That is why our award-winning attorneys commit themselves to pursuing full and fair compensation on behalf of your child and your family. If you suspect that a physician’s actions led to your child’s cerebral palsy diagnosis, please contact us today at 410-234-1000 to schedule a consultation in either our Baltimore or Washington D.C. office.

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