Understanding the Effects of a Birth Injury on Parents
An often ignored aspect of a birth injury is the stress and anxiety experienced by family members who care for an injured child. Parents, caregivers and even siblings of a child with a birth injury may feel depressed by the situation.
The financial strain combined with the emotional toll of a serious, life-changing injury to a child can, understandably, cause caregiver depression. It's important to consider your emotional health while you are caring for your child.
Suggestions to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Support groups or a support network of individuals who have dealt with a similar birth injury can be especially helpful. It's important to understand that you're not alone in struggling with the reality of a potentially permanent injury to your child. Support groups are often led by qualified medical professionals who can help caregivers understand their options for treatment, therapy and education. For more information about birth injury resources and support groups, see our list of birth injury support groups.
Support groups and therapy sessions can also help parents who feel guilt or responsibility for a birth injury, which can lead to caregiver depression. Birth injuries are usually caused by the negligence of a doctor or other medical professional, not the mother or father. Talking to others can help you work through any guilt you may feel over the unfortunate, yet preventable, birth injury.
In some cases, reaching out to others who have experienced a similar birth injury may not be enough. When all else fails and the depression lingers, you should seek the guidance of a qualified psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor who can offer additional treatment options, including light therapy, medication or therapy sessions. It's in the best interests of your baby to seek the care you need to cope with your child's birth injury.
Find Out More About Birth Injury Remedies
The Birth Injury Team is a subsidiary of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., made up of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience handling birth injury cases. We are dedicated to helping parents understand their child's condition and guiding them through the process of securing the care and support they need.
To discuss your needs with one of our professionals, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We serve clients across the United States.
