Story submitted by Rachel on December 13, 1999 at 12:10:20:
Rachel is 31, from Trenton, NJ.
Family:I am married with three children. My third child was born in October with Erb's palsy
Hi! My daughter was born on October 17. We were all shocked when her body did not quickly follow her head in the delivery room. I had an uneventful pregnancy and a smooth labor. Well, when she became stuck at the shoulders, the doctor called in a nurse who jumped up on my stomach while he pulled on her head. The result - a brachial plexus injury - Erb's palsy. I am so angry right now. After doing much research - I have found out that there were several other things the doctor should have done instead of yanking on her head. I still haven't returned for my six week checkup (it has been eight weeks) I don't even want to look at this man who injured my child!
After arguing with our pediatrician and finally switching to a more pro-active doctor we have seen a neurologist at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia and have started Occupational Therapy. It seems to be helping a little. I have read about the surgery but am scared to even consider it as a possibility. I keep praying that her arm will heal itself naturally. She can wiggle her fingers a little and move her arm over her head with no elbow flexion. I am going to videotape her next therapy session and send it to the hospital in Texas. But I still hold out hope she won't need it.
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