We need to bombard

[dmom]

I just picked up a free copy of the July 2005 "American Baby" magazine in my pediatrician's office today. I noticed an article called "The Overdue Blues," written by a doctor. She's talking about issues related to going past your due date. I wanted to share one paragraph in particular with you all, related to your baby "growing too big":

"One potential risk is called shoulder dystocia, which occurs in about 1 percent of all vaginal births. Dystocia occurs when the baby's shoulders get caught up under a woman's pubic bone. This may lead to TEMPORARY DAMAGE of your baby's shoulder or arm during labor, and often a large vaginal or perineal tear for you."

Excuse me ... TEMPORARY DAMAGE? Sure, that's true that children do recover - but what about all the rest of our children who have PERMANENT DISABILITIES?!?! (sorry for all the caps ... I'm SO TICKED OFF! I mean, how irresponsible of a doctor to leave pregnant women with the impression that the worst they have to fear from shoulder dystocia is "temporary damage" to their precious children!)

Anyway, I am going to write a letter to the editor and gently let them know that that this "temporary damage" has a name (BPI) and that not every injury is temporary. If some of you wrote in, too, I think that would be great and let this major magazine know about BPI.

C'mon, Lisa, I know you want to be first! "Hey, I've been on Dr. Phil, people! Listen up!" Ha, ha!

Janet

[dmom]

That thread title was supposed to be "We need to bombard American Baby!" Too long, I guess. Sorry!

[admin]

Janet,

Thanks so much for sharing this. I'd love to see a formal UBPN response to this. In addition, I think I'll write something about 5 years, 1 surgery, and 1,000 various medical appt's, and STILL waiting for this temporary damage to recover!!!!

Janet, could you post the name and addy for where we should direct our letters? Thanks.

I think everyone should keep their eyes open for opportunities to respond to these types of articles.



Lisa D

[tracy1972]

Yes, please post the address.
I would be delighted to let them it is not a temporary
injury being I am 32 yrs.old with robpi and having other problems related to this as they say "temporary injury".

Tracy in Tennessee

[cindyh]

Yes, Please post the address.

[admin]

I hope this doesn't sound too lazy, but might help more people to get a letter done. If anyone can share a draft that the rest of us can tailor a bit to our own story, that might help more people to get it done. I have all the best intentions of doing it, but the day flies by (yes, I should do it right now, but it's time to feed the baby!). Just a suggestion...thanks.

[BIGJAVSMOM]

Arggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

I too was told, " It will be fine in 2 weeks"

So mad about that, temporary my foot.

[cindyh]

I agree with Jason's Mom. I am terrible at staying on track when writing and saying the right things. Some people on this board write such great posts!

[Kath]

They told my Mom it would heal... that was 65 years ago --- how long will it take....grrrrrr I hate when I hear that.
Kath

[CW1992]

Kath! Your reply cracked me up!:) Reminds me of Brittney when I told her what the doctor told me about her "being just fine in two weeks" after she was born ..... just wait and see..... A few years back I remember her telling me very sarcastically "Well I'm WAITING!!! How long do I have to WAIT???". She's only been waiting 13 years - you've been waiting 65 - You win!!:)
I've always thought that 'Baby magazines' was the way to get this injury out there. I know that personally I read EVERY one before she was born because I was so excited about becoming a Mom and wanted to do everything right. I had never even heard of her injury before it happened... just like I'm sure the rest of y'all out there. If I would have read something BEFORE maybe things would be different.
Christy