Erb's Palsy and Other Birth Injury Prevention: Advocacy Group Holds Awareness Week
The United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc., held an Awareness Week Oct. 18 to 24 to educate parents, families, and individuals about the risks of birth injuries such as Erbs Palsy, which can require surgery or physical therapy and have temporary or lifelong effects.
The group's website informs parents-to-be about birth injuries that can occur related to the position of the mother, possible complications, and delivery techniques used by the obstetrician. The group cautions mothers from giving birth on their backs and from consenting to allow physicians to use "tools" such as forceps and suction devices, which can sometimes cause injury to the newborn.
A Florida Erbs Palsy attorney may be consulted by families in cases where they believe their baby son or daughter may have suffered birth injury due to actions by the physician. Families are best advised to consult an attorney who is experienced with birth injuries to determine if medical negligence or malpractice may have occurred.
Brachial plexus injury refers to damage such as stretching and tearing of the group of nerves that control the muscles of the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. One of the most common factors leading up to an erb's palsy injury is a delivery complication known as "stuck shoulder." Improper obstetric technique can worsen the situation. The United Brachial Plexus Network offers information to help parents prepare for things that can happen during child birth, so they can make better decisions with their obstetricians.
United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.
Related Web Resources
Mayo Clinic: Erb's Palsy Treatment in Children
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:
NINDS Brachial Plexus Injuries Information Page
