BUILDING A SUPPORT NETWORK : TOP EIGHT RESOURCES FOR PARENTS WHO HAVE A CHILD WITH A BIRTH INJURY

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH BIRTH INJURIES

Coping with a birth injury can be emotionally challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous resources to help you get the emotional support you need, as you navigate these life changes.

1. MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND SPECIALISTS

It's critical to establish a network of medical professionals who specialize in the specific condition or injury. This may include pediatricians, neonatologists, pediatric neurologists, orthopedic specialists, and therapists (physical, occupational, or speech). These experts will play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing the injury, and developing a treatment plan tailored to your child's needs, as well as answering any questions you may have.

2. SUPPORT GROUPS 

Connecting with other parents who have experienced similar challenges can provide invaluable emotional support and a sense of community. Various support groups and organizations focus on specific birth injuries or disabilities. For example, organizations like the United Brachial Plexus Network (ubpn.org) offer resources and a network of support for families dealing with brachial plexus injuries. The March of Dimes (marchofdimes.org) provides support for families dealing with premature birth-related complications. Momique (momique.org) also offers niche support groups, including the Birth Trauma Support Group. Joining these groups can help you navigate your unique journey and gain insights into managing your child’s condition.

3. MOMMY AND ME GROUPS

Parents can connect with their children and other like-minded parents by joining Mommy and Me Groups. Mommy and Me groups often consist of parents who are facing similar challenges and experiences. In these groups, parents can connect with others who understand the unique struggles, emotions, and triumphs associated with raising a child with a birth injury.

4. MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Mobile apps like Peanut (peanut-app.io) offer an opportunity for women to connect with other women who are navigating their children’s brain injuries. Peanut connects women who plan to become pregnant, are pregnant, and are mothers. According to the app, it’s a “safe space to ask questions, find support, and connect with other women.”

FINANCIAL SUPPORT RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH BIRTH INJURIES

Navigating the legal and financial aspects of caring for a child with a birth injury can also be overwhelming. Parents should seek out legal assistance and financial planning services that specialize in disability and healthcare law. Understanding your rights and available financial resources, such as Medicaid or disability benefits, is essential for ensuring that your child receives the care they need.

5. CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS

There are several charitable organizations and foundations that provide financial assistance and support to families that have a child with a birth injury. For example, Variety — The Children's Charity (usvariety.org) provides finan

cial assistance to families with children who have disabilities or special needs. This can include covering the cost of medical equipment, therapy, or other essential services.

6. HEALTH INSURANCE

When choosing a licensed and accredited health insurance company, make sure that your child's chosen providers are included in that network.

7. GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

Government programs can also help support families navigating a birth injury. Supplemental Security Income (ssa.gov/ssi) provides monthly payments to people with disabilities, while Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, including children with disabilities. Alternatively, the Children's Health Insurance Program provides lowcost or no-cost health insurance coverage for children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but cannot afford private insurance.

8. COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Community-based organizations or hospitals are also helpful financial resources. For example, Easter Seals (easterseals.com) offers a wide range of services, including: medical rehabilitation, therapy, and support for children with disabilities, including birth injuries. This organization has local chapters across the U.S. Additionally, Shriners Hospitals for Children (shrinerschildrens.org) has locations throughout the U.S. and provides specialized pediatric care, at no cost to families. 

NAVIGATING YOUR CHILD'S BIRTH INJURY

Parenting a child with a birth injury may present unique challenges, but it also opens doors to a vast array of resources and support systems. These resources, ranging from medical professionals to legal assistance, to advocacy groups, are essential in helping parents provide the best possible care for their children. By tapping into these resources and building a strong support network, parents can navigate the complexities of caring for a child with a birth injury with unwavering resilience and strength. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark McKenna, a partner at Hurley McKenna & Mertz (mmckenna@hurley-law.com), has been a trial lawyer since 1994. He has extensive trial experience in the Illinois state courts, and state and federal courts throughout the U.S., including Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, Florida, Ohio, and Maryland. He has successfully won more than $75 million for families with children who have birth injuries.