Welcoming a new baby into the world is supposed to be a momentous and joyous occasion for parents and families. However, when a birth injury occurs, it can shatter the dreams of a happy beginning and a healthy baby. Dealing with the emotional impact of a birth injury can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with the aftermath of giving birth or seeing your child rushed to neonatal care.
Below is a short guide for parents on coping with the emotional impact of birth injuries.
Processing your Feelings
Receiving the news, or being a part, of a birth injury can be an unexpected and devastating blow for new parents. You may feel shock, sadness, denial or even guilt, making it difficult to manage and process the situation at hand. It’s normal to question why this has happened, or even blame yourself for the injury.
Medical malpractice is a common reason for birth injuries, such as making a decision about the birth too late. This could lead to asphyxiation, which can be handled with an attorney for birth injury lawsuits. Although it won’t change what happened, bringing a medical professional to justice can help rid yourself of unnecessary feelings of guilt and prevent the same thing happening to another parent and baby.
Getting Emotional Support
The emotional impact of a birth injury can be serious and can leave you feeling depressed, anxious, fearful, and isolated. It’s essential that parents remember they are not alone, and there are medical professionals, counselors, family and friends, and support groups to rely on. Emotional support is important for recovering from the experience, especially if you were present during the birth.
By sharing your experience with other parents, you can find validation and understanding in your emotions and feelings around the matter. Additionally, talking to a licensed therapist will allow you to navigate the challenges that may arise from a birth injury, including emotional, physical, and social. A distressing time like this can put a lot of strain on a relationship, so couples counseling may also be an avenue you wish to explore.
Navigating Medical Information and Care
Understanding the medical aspects of a birth injury can be a lot to handle, especially when the terminology and treatments are unfamiliar. Parents should communicate openly with the child’s healthcare team, seeking clarification and asking as many questions as needed.
A good hospital will ensure that you’re always up to date with changes in your baby’s condition and that you understand every decision being made on your baby’s behalf. By empowering yourself with knowledge about the injury and what happens next, you can make more informed decisions about your child’s treatment and care.
One of the most distressing and challenging experiences a parent can face is dealing with the emotional impact of a birth injury. By taking the time to process your feelings, getting emotional support, and navigating medical information to ensure you understand every aspect of your child’s journey, you can start to feel more in control of the situation.
