The last thing you want to see after giving birth is your newborn struggling with breathing or having difficulty eating. These two life-sustaining activities should come naturally and easily to your child. While these conditions may be the result of a congenital disorder, in many instances your baby’s difficulties are the direct result of an injury sustained because of your doctor’s negligent conduct in managing a complication during delivery.
Prosper Shaked is a Miami attorney for infant trouble breathing or eating due to complications at birth who can help analyze your case and determine whether the injury was the result of medical malpractice. For a free legal consultation and more information about your options, contact the Law Offices of Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676.
Types of Conditions Affecting Breathing and Eating in Miami Infants
Every pregnancy and delivery presents several inherent risks. Despite the best precautions, unforeseen complications can arise that put your child in danger. In some instances, potential problems are diagnosed but poorly addressed. It is your doctor’s responsibility to provide the necessary care to ensure a safe delivery for you and your child. However, mistakes occur, sometimes through a trusted physician’s negligence or recklessness. If your child suffered a traumatic head or brain injury due to complications at birth, several conditions could develop that affect their breathing or eating.
For example, dysphagia is a medical term for difficult swallowing. Symptoms of the condition include coughing while attempting to eat, excessive drooling, and bringing food back up, many times through the nose. It is usually related to other health conditions such as a head injury or injury to the nervous system during birth.
Additionally, when an infant’s lungs have not fully formed, they may suffer from neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. This condition exhibits a lack of “surfactant,” a slippery substance in the lungs. This can lead to the air sacks deflating, making it difficult for the infant to breathe. While it can be a genetic disorder, it can also develop if the child is deprived of oxygen during birth or if an emergency cesarean section is performed before the child is fully developed. If your child suffered an injury affecting its breathing or eating due to a preventable medical mistake, contact an experienced Miami attorney.
Birth Complications and Medical Malpractice in Miami Hospitals
Every delivery presents its own unique set of circumstances. Problematic complications can arise, and if mismanaged, your child can sustain a traumatic brain injury leading to disorders affecting their eating or breathing. The following are common examples of these mistakes.
Umbilical Cord Wrapped Around the Neck
One common complication is when a “nuchal cord” is present, which occurs when the life-sustaining umbilical cord wraps around your infant’s neck. Your baby’s normal movement in the womb may cause this condition, and in many instances, that movement also unwraps the cord. Generally, nuchal cords do not result in catastrophic injury. However, any prolonged compression of the umbilical cord can dangerously limit the supply of oxygen, blood, and nutrients to your child. Your doctor should be adequately prepared to address a nuchal cord. Failing to accurately diagnose or treat the condition may constitute medical malpractice.
Premature C-Sections
In certain situations, such as if your child is in distress, an emergency cesarean section may be necessary to protect your baby from permanent brain damage. However, performing a cesarean section before your child is fully developed increases the risk for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Breech Births
A breech birth is another common birth complication that can deprive your child of oxygen. During a breech birth, your baby’s feet and buttocks are pointed towards the birth canal, while its head is back at the top of the womb. If your child’s legs get them lodged in the birth canal, the flow of oxygen could be restricted. Additionally, while trying to guide the baby through the birth canal, your physician could negligently allow the umbilical cord to compress for an unreasonable amount of time. In some circumstances, your doctor may physically attempt to reposition your child, leading to a traumatic brain injury. Any sustained limitation of oxygen or head trauma can cause brain damage. Depending on the duration and severity of the damage, your child may develop a respiratory or eating disorder.
Forceps Injuries
If you are struggling to deliver your child, your doctor may employ the use of various medical instruments to assist the birth. One such device is obstetric forceps, which resemble pliers with rounded ends. Your doctor should apply gentle pressure on the baby, helping to guide their way through the birth canal. If excessive force is applied, your child may suffer a traumatic head injury, potentially fracturing the skull and causing brain damage.
Induced Labor Injuries
Your doctor may prescribe medication such as Pitocin to help induce labor or improve your contractions. If not properly monitored, the contractions strengthened by Pitocin may be too frequent and too powerful. The medically enhanced contractions can put excessive pressure and stress on your child, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients flowing through the umbilical cord.
Negligent Monitoring
Finally, your physician should monitor your health for the duration of your pregnancy. Keeping track of your vital signs allows your doctor to diagnose complications such as low blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Additionally, any infections acquired during pregnancy could adversely affect your child’s brain development or nervous system.
Call Our Miami Attorney for Infant Trouble Breathing or Eating Due to a Birth Complication for a Free Consultation
If your child is suffering from an injury or disorder affecting its ability to breathe or eat, contact an experienced Miami attorney who understands the complexities of a medical malpractice claim. Prosper Shaked is a Miami lawyer for infants having trouble breathing or eating due to complications at birth who will represent you and your child with respect and compassion. If you believe your doctor’s negligent care caused your child’s injuries, contact the Law Offices of Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676 to schedule a free legal consultation and learn more about your options.