United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everyone, my good friend recently had a baby. He was 8lbs, and she had trouble in delivery - the baby's heart rate was dropping and the doctors did not want to cut her but they need to get the baby out. She believes that the doctor pulled him out by the arms. A few days after coming home from the hospital she noticed that his right arm was limp, and as he was getting a little older he used it less then he used the other. The doctor refered her to a nuerologist and he was diagnosed with erbs palsey. She is waiting for an at-home evaluation to be done, and does not yet know the extent to which his arm is damaged. Is there any information that anyone would like to share with her? I would especially like to know if she hould be massaging or moving his arm - does any body know of a daily therapy that may help (or at least couldnt hurt)? one of the worst thingsshe is dealing with is that she feels helpless. Any information you could share would be appreciated.. Thank you and God Bless.
Dee

Has he started therapy yet? She should be doing range of motion at diaper changes. What state is she located in? Have you visited www.injurednewborn.com? It is the best for resources. We all go to different hospitals for evals but we personally go to TCH. Katie's injury (most of the kids on here are) was very serious and requires multiple surgeries.

Is she waiting on the Birth to Three eval? The list is so long of things she needs to be looking at. Here in WV we have very few choices to get the best care for our kids, that is why if you post what state or area some of the members will let you know the best person(s) she should be seeking.

We wish her the best and welcome her to the board. I hope she had internet access, this place is wonderful for support and she will need plenty.

What movement does he have exactly? Please post more and tell her to enjoy her little one but she will need to be his number 1 advocate for services and care.

I'm very sorry your friend's son was injured at birth. I suggest you go to the "Resources and Handbook" section of this site (link is on homepage) where you can access information for new parents of bpi baby, therapy, ROM (range of motion exercises), etc. Of course, any therapy conducted should be demonstrated by an experienced pt/ot or physiatrist or other knowledgeable medical professional. It's important the baby be monitored closely for progress or lack of progress. Perhaps your friend lives in a town where there is a bpi support group nearby with families who've experienced this and who already have a network of local medical types who are helpful. There is an online directory here where your friend can register and find other families.

You might also want to visit: http://www.injurednewborn.com, a site by Francine Litz that is very helpful and has many, many useful links.

Your friend can e-mail me if she'd like to talk to a mom who has been through this all (my little girl is 3 now). You're a good friend for doing this "legwork" for her. She must be devistated.

I am sorry to hear about your friends difficult delivery. I understand all to well..Logan was 11 lbs. 10 years ago they did not even begin to think about surgeries for BP until after 2 yrs of age. 7 weeks ago he had surgery at Texas Childrens Hospital. He is doing FANTASTIC!!! The others here with recent info can help you more on the specifics for your friend...however ..all I can tell you is that we have been told repeatedly that having had therapy for 9 years is the reason he is regaining so much use of his arm and hand....he has never been able to lift his arm above shoulder level or never been able to straighten and bend his elbow....he is now doing all of these things and with strenthening excersizes he will be able to do all of these things on his own. Please please...tell her not to wait and to contact Lisa Thompson at Texas Children's hospital and she can direct her to where she needs to go and what she might need to be doing.
If she wants she can contact me and I will even talk to her...I cannot say enough but act on this now...the younger the better. Good Luck and best of wishes to you and your friend and her family!!
JoDonna and Logan and family

Dee - please read this page and pass this on to your friend? Thanks

ubpn.org/awareness/A2001Rnewparentguide.html

We will pray for the recovery of this baby!

-francine

Hi. I think it's great that you are helping out your friend. The more information she receives and support the better. What state is she in? My daughter was born with left bpi and the doctors were downplaying the injury as a wait and see. But I was able to get a great therapist to teach me how to support the arm and not let it hang, etc. Then went to Dr. Grossman in Miami, FL and seen by his therapist. There is soo much information and services out there. Also, visit this website for range of motion exericises:
http://membrane.com/bpp/index.html Good Luck and God Bless you for helping out that family.-

At this tender age, any advice? sure
breastfeed! LOVE,
snuggle
and ROMs