The birth of your child should be a time of celebration and joy, not confusion, grief and uncertainty. If your baby suffered any type of injury during the birth process, you and your family may wonder how this event will affect all of you and what life will be like for your baby. These types of events are traumatic for every member of the family, but none of you have to walk through the complicated aftermath of this event alone.
A birth injury can range from something relatively minor to one that can inflict permanent damage on the child. If your baby suffered harm during birth, it is beneficial to learn as much as possible about his or her injury and the potential effects it can have on his or her life. In addition to the physical symptoms your baby could have, it is also possible that a birth injury could lead to trauma for the entire family.
The long-term effects
A traumatic birth can affect mother, baby and the entire family for years to come. You may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks and other symptoms of long-term issues. For mothers, birth trauma could be the result of an unplanned C-section, unexpected blood loss, post-delivery infections and more. It can also be severely traumatizing if the mother watched her baby suffer an injury or require emergency care during or after delivery. It is important not to dismiss the impact of these things and their long-term effects.
It can take a long time to come to terms with the effects of a birth injury. If your birth experience was not as you hoped it would be, you may find it difficult to move forward. This is especially true if you or your baby are also facing the implications of a physical injury sustained during birth.
The aftermath and your rights
It is essential that you not underestimate the potential impact of a birth injury on your life or in the life of your baby. If you are unsure of how to move forward after a traumatic birth experience, you may benefit from seeking guidance regarding the legal options available to you. If your injuries or your baby’s injuries are the result of negligent medical care or a medical mistake, you could have grounds to pursue a claim in the Oregon civil justice system.