Returning home from the hospital in possession of a living human being, slightly larger than a doll, is without doubt one of the most daunting aspects of parenting we all face. Where’s the manual? What do we do now? Wheres the FAQ section?
Wether its trying to dress the baby or changing his/her nappy, we are always worried
about causing damage or injury to this precious gift. One of the most common incidents that occurs with a baby is them falling, slipping out of hands, baby carriers or baby bath tubs whilst placing them or removing them.
What to do?
Dr. Fathima Mohamed, a leading Paedeatrician explains why any kind of fall of a baby must be taken seriously and shares her own experience.
“So I had two cases of babies who fell out of a baby carrier. Well , so the story goes – I was untying baby – (both my patients were less than a month old) and she slipped out of the grasp of the carrier…and my hands. And what next?, you may ask. Is it important to act responsibly and get these babies seen by a doctor? Or is it not necessary, because you have had a look at your baby and you feel baby’s physique is okay…ish?
Well, the honest answer is a baby under a month, who has been injured, is a different creature from your other children, the neighbour’s child and every other child mentioned on the 100.000 Google searches (which I’m sure you have conducted nearing to a panic attack), especially if it’s at the most inconvenient time for you to get to a Dr. In fact, you are at a birthday party, Sunday brunch with your sweethearts, or its just too late to try to find a doctor or AE with a wait shorter than the most uncomfortable 4 hours on dot, and the list continues.
Mummies and daddies, you might want to note it down this time – the baby needs to be seen and examined by a DOCTOR. Preferably a Paediatrician, who has trained in neonates (the study of babies under 28 days of age). The baby needs to be examined – a clear history of the fall needs to be documented, and then the Paediatrician may opt to do X-rays of limbs, or a CT Scan of the child’s brain, and all other too-complicated-to-even-pronounce procedures. After assuring the baby is fit and well – no serious harm done – you may return to the brunch table, or any other regular weekday activity.
Basically its crucial you do not take any fall of a baby lightly and especially of a neonate. Always, get them examined asap. The brunch, the dinner or whatever activity can wait, because you and baby are worth it!”.