The List

Following is a list, probably ongoing, of everything I can think of to tell a new parent of a child with Erb's Palsy. This is a really good list, not just for kids with BPI (Brachial Plexus Injury), but for any new mother dealing with a child with an unexpected birth injury or condition. Please, anyone who reads this and can think of more, tell me and I'll add 'em to the list! Most of them are things I wish I had thought of to do at the time, and have missed the opportunity. The rest came from experience.

• Okay, mama, DO NOT PANIC! Lots and lots of kids born with a BPI turn out just fine without medical intervention.


• When you go to your post-partum visit with your OB, DO NOT allow them to brush off your concerns.


• DO NOT allow a diagnosis of Erb's Palsy or Brachial Plexus Injury if your child is uninsured at birth, but will be insured by an individual policy. Get insurance and get a diagnosis from your pediatrician. Don't forget to add your child to your group policy before the cut-off date.


• Take pictures of your child's injury.
  
• Keep a journal of all doctor's appointments, phone numbers, addresses, miles traveled.


• Go here. http://www.drnathbrachialplexus.com/ Make an appointment for an outreach event near you. You can meet the doctor in person, and for free. Seriously, no one else knows what they are talking about.


• Just because a doctor has a white coat, does not mean he knows everything.


• Just because your child can move their arm, does not mean that everything is okay. I'm sorry, mama, but it just doesn't.


• If you don't feel that your child is receiving the level of care they need, they probably are not. Mama knows best.


• Refer yourself to your state's early intervention program, or have your doctor do it. While most of these therapists won't know a whole ton about Erb's Palsy, most are willing to learn, and can at least show you gentle range of motion exercises that can make a huge difference in the recovery of your kid. We love our very capable Occupational Therapist from our early intervention program, and she loves our kid back.



• Don't forget to stop and smell the roses. Your baby will grow up so quickly, and they are so much more than their injury.

• Get a lawyer. Most malpractice lawyers don't get paid unless you do, so give it a shot. You only have two years to file.


• No, it is absolutely not your fault. Yes, it is the OB's fault. Get a new doctor.