United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I had a baby on January 18, 2002 who was born with BPI.

All I know right now is that her shoulder got stuck on the way out (she was 10lbs. 4oz.) and has suffered a BPI. Before this happened, I had never heard of this.

My mom is a physiotherapist and has helped me a lot. My daughter (Avery) has seen a physio twice and I have exercises and movements to do with her 3/day.

I am in need of some support and encouragement. I have a 3.5 year-old as well and am a single mom. Right now I'm feeling quite strong and hopeful but I am concerned that the doctors are just kind of brushing this off and are being more positive about this than is helpful (I would rather them be realistic than all bright and cheery as though it's just a little scratch).

I don't know what degree Avery's injury is. She moves her fingers and wrist a bit but it's very weak. She has no movement in her elbow or shoulder.

I have so many questions like I'm sure all of you did when you began this journey...does it hurt her? Can she feel her arm? her skin? Right now her arms look identical but what will happen in the long run? no one can answer that for certain but I would be interested to know the possibilities.

Thank you
Bonnie

Hello Bonnie, and welcome to our community.

Congratulations on your new baby!!!

My son was born eight years ago on January 28, and weighed 10lbs, 5 oz. He also had slight hand movement but nothing else. Like you, I had never heard of this injury.

Our stories seem so similar, and my heart goes out to you as you set out on this journey...

Please read the Awareness information on this website (links from the homepage) particularly the stuff for new parents. There is lots of good info there.

I'm sure many people will welcome you to this message board and to our community, we are here to offer support and share our own experiences.

Best of luck to you!!

Bridget McGinn
UBPN Vice President

Forgot to say, I am also a single mom. Sounds like we have a lot in common!

Take care,
Bridget

So sorry you're having to go through this. It's the pits! But congratulations on your new baby. I will pray your baby gets better but in the mean time don't just sit back and let the doctor pull the wool over your eyes. Read all you can on the web pages and get an education as fast as you can. You will be her biggest advocate. I'm so glad you found us. Many people have written a lot of information here and also on Fancines pages she did about her daughter, Maia.
I Don't have it handy but I'm sure she will post it soon or you will come across it as you read. There are others in Canada too.
I hope you will get the answers you need and if you don't just ask. There are no dumb questions.
Love and healing to you both!
T.

Bonnie,
Welcome I'm Cindy mom to Melanie and Matthew both rbpi.
Melanie was born 8/4/99 8lbs 12oz and could not move her shoulder to her elbow. We saw our bpi doc and we did range of motion at every diaper change. She recovered at six weeks. No other problems to date.
Matthew was born 3/16/01. Labor was induced two weeks early and he weighed 10lbs 6oz. He had to be intubated and his injury was so severe that his phrenic nerve was also damaged. The phrenic nerve is what controls the diaphragm to breathe. He was in the hospital for a month after birth until he no longer required oxygen. He has physical and occupational therapy and also goes to acupuncture once a week which we feel has helped him a great deal. He also had surgery in Texas in October.
When the weather changes it seems that Matthew's arm is more sensitive. We try and rub different textures and items of different temps on his arm to make it less sensitive. Every now and again we give him advil but not to often. We rub a ginger/olive oil on his arm and shoulder area to keep it loose. Currently his arm is about a half inch shorter. Hope this helps.