Safety Concerns for Babies Like NEC

Congratulations—you’re getting ready to have a baby! This time is full of planning and prepping, and maybe a bit of worrying too. Having a baby is a huge responsibility—arguably the biggest responsibility someone could ever take on. We’re not trying to add to your list of worries, but we would like to work through a few recent safety developments that expectant parents should at least be familiar with. Being aware of these issues can help you be better prepared to protect your little one.

Infant Health Concerns like NEC

One safety concern that has gotten a lot of attention recently is the rise in NEC, or Necrotizing Enterocolitis. This is a potentially fatal disease that primarily affects premature babies. It’s characterized by inflammation and tissue death in the intestines, and it can lead to sepsis (a dangerous infection of the blood). NEC is on the rise in the U.S., and experts aren’t sure why. NEC most commonly occurs in babies who are born very early (before 28 weeks gestation), but it’s also been observed in full-term babies. Researchers are working hard to understand this disease better, and to develop ways to prevent and treat it. In the meantime, researchers are doing all they can to treat NEC and have come out with some promising treatments, such as the administration of specific probiotics and blocking the production of nitric oxide in the body. We also want to mention Erb’s Palsy. This is a condition that can occur when the nerves in the shoulder are damaged during childbirth. It’s not common, but it’s important to be aware of because it can cause long-term problems. The possibility of medical malpractice can be a serious concern in these cases. If a baby is larger than average and their head has to be moved from side to side during childbirth to make room for their shoulders, there is a higher risk for Erb’s Palsy. The condition can also be developed in the womb, depending on the way the baby is positioned. If your baby is diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy, there are treatments available that can help. Physical therapy is often recommended, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary. 

Baby Formula Shortages

For a few months in the early spring and summer of 2022, you couldn’t read the news without flipping through stories about the baby formula shortages. Due to supply chain issues and nationwide formula recalls,  parents were struggling to find the formula they needed for their babies. While this was happening, there were a lot of reports of parents being charged sky-high prices for formula, and even of fake baby formulas being sold online. It was a scary time for a lot of parents and some formulas are even being linked to conditions like NEC. Now that the shortages are stabilizing a bit, we want to remind parents to be extra careful when choosing a formula for their baby. If you can, try to find a formula that is made by a company with a good reputation. Be sure to check the expiration date on the formula, and always follow the mixing instructions exactly.

Keep Your Family Safe with Napoli Shkolnik

Having a baby is an amazing experience, but it’s also a big responsibility. We hope this article has helped to equip you with the knowledge you need to keep your little one safe from NEC and other diseased and healthy. If your baby does experience any of the conditions we’ve mentioned, or if you have any concerns about your baby’s health, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Our team of experienced birth injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you and your family deserve. Reach out to us today to talk through your experience and any possible options for legal help.