Birth Defects In Your Child- How To Cope With The Trauma
Having a baby is a dream for every parent because nothing equals the joy of holding your bundle of joy in your arm. But the dream can turn into the worst nightmare if your child arrives with a birth defect. You will probably feel overwhelmed if unprepared because not all congenital problems are visible in prenatal scans. While some defects are mild, others are severe enough to cause disabilities and affect the quality of life.
At the same time, some conditions run in the family, while others happen due to chemical exposure or medical negligence. Whatever the reason, the pain of seeing your child struggling is the worst thing a parent can face. But you must learn to live with the situation and try to give the best life to your child. Here are some tips for coping with the trauma of a parent.
Acknowledge your emotions
The first step is to acknowledge your emotions, which is also the most challenging. Seeing a baby with a congenital condition is daunting for a parent who expects to bring a perfectly healthy child into the world. You may experience a mix of emotions, from shock to grief, denial, and guilt. Expect to feel angry if a doctor is responsible for negligence or malpractice. Likewise, you will have similar feelings for an employer or the government if your child is suffering due to toxin exposure. Accept the feelings, talk about them with your partner, or seek counseling support..
Understand the severity of the condition
Once you pick your emotions, you must assess the situation to plan for the future. Talk to your child specialist to understand the severity of the defect and how it will affect the mobility and independence of the little one. Seek advice on the potential treatment options. Your doctor can guide you about the best solutions even if a treatment is not available. For example, they can suggest mobility aids, home improvements, rehab, and long-term educational possibilities for the child.
Identify the cause of the birth defect
Besides understanding the severity and implications of the defect, you must dig deep into the possible cause. A hereditary condition is less likely to surprise because most couples know their risk with genetic testing. But toxin exposure and medical malpractice are challenging to deal with. Discovering that your little one has to suffer due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. You must find the root cause to address the concern and get peace of mind.
Seek justice for your child
Your child deserves justice for suffering due to negligence, and you deserve it as a parent as well. Fortunately, the law comes to your rescue as it lets you claim compensation in such situations. You can file a medical malpractice claim against a doctor or hospital for a birth injury. Parents who lived in Camp Lejeune during the period of 1953-1987 can bring up a toxic water lawsuit against the authorities. Claiming compensation gives more than peace of mind, but also provides enough money to provide better care to your child.
Keep medical records
Remember to maintain the medical records of your child from the beginning. It should include everything, from diagnostic reports to treatments, rehab, and medication over the years. These records can help you ensure timely appointments and track progress. They also serve as valuable pieces of evidence while filing compensation claims down the line. Your lawyer will require them to calculate the rightful claim value.
Seek support
Understanding your child’s condition enables you to provide them with the best care possible. But think beyond the doctors and care team when it comes to finding support to deal with your trauma. Talking with others going through the same thing helps. Consider joining a local or online support group to connect with parents facing similar issues. While members lend emotional support to each other, they can also provide valuable information regarding innovative treatment options.
Most importantly, you must learn to enjoy your parenting journey and celebrate the arrival of your new baby just as any new parent would. Cuddle and play with the little one, watch for developmental milestones, and share your joy with friends and family members. Your baby deserves the best welcome, regardless of the birth defect and sadness. The first right step sets you up for a successful life ahead, where you are in a better place to cope with the situation and do the best for your child. Moreover, it creates a better bond with your partner and others in the family.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
