A pregnant woman looks forward to bringing home a perfect bundle of joy after her delivery. While this is what happens in most cases, it certainly isn’t always the reality. A woman might learn that her baby suffered from hypoxia before or during labor and delivery. This is a condition that means that the baby’s brain didn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood and has suffered some damage.
The results of hypoxia can vary greatly. One of the possible results is that the baby will have cerebral palsy. This isn’t something that is noted at birth unless the condition is severe. Most cases will be diagnosed when the child is 1 to 3 years old. This can greatly change the course of the family’s life as they cope with the needs of the child.
It isn’t always what it seems
It is true that there are some severe cases of cerebral palsy that will result in global developmental delays. Doctors might provide parents with the worst case scenario when sharing the diagnosis. They might warn the parents that the child won’t be able to walk, speak or think normatively. This can be discouraging to parents. However, it is critical that they take time to learn about their child’s unique challenges so they can accommodate his or her needs. In cases of less severe cerebral palsy, the child might be able to live a fairly normal life with the help of assistive devices and therapy.
Unlocking the possibilities
As a parent who has a child with cerebral palsy, you might have to let go of the mainstream expectations that most parents have. Finding out what can help your child is a big part of the battle for these parents. People might be quick to discount what a child with this condition can do. You might have to fight for what your kid needs.
Don’t be afraid to allow new experiences, just be sure to pay attention to how the child is reacting to them. Even something as simple as allowing the child to try out a mainstream classroom can be beneficial if this provides intellectual stimulation without causing undue stress.
Many of the programs and assistive devices that can help these children to enjoy the best life possible are costly. Some parents might feel overwhelmed by the influx of medical bills and the potential decrease in income that comes with having a special needs child. Seeking compensation for the birth injury may be possible.