One in thirty-three babies born each year in the Unites States has some form of birth defect according to the March of Dimes. Parents are called to make important medical decisions. They are encouraged to arrange for their baby to have needed physical or occupational therapy. In addition, parents have the challenge and joy of making sure their baby has opportunities to use his abilities and strengths.
Provide Needed Assistance
Assistance for a newborn with a physical birth defect can come in many ways. Often a baby with a physical disability remains in the hospital for additional treatment (i.e. neonatal intensive care or surgery) prior to coming home. Once he is home, he may require special equipment or therapies to address his unique physical needs.
See Past the Birth Defect
Some family members and friends may have difficulty getting past the physical disability. They may unintentionally focus on what the baby cannot do, instead of his wants, needs, abilities, and personality. Spend time playing with, loving, and getting to know this wonderful baby as a person. The example of a parent can help others to see past the birth defect.
Encourage Baby’s Strengths and Abilities
It is critical to look at the baby’s aptitudes. Perhaps he has difficulty walking (requiring physical therapy), but that difficulty should not limit his interests, strengths, and abilities. For example, if he is very interested in building with blocks, provide a place that he can easily build with the block on the floor. For some babies this might more easily be done while sitting in the support of a highchair, using the tray as the building surface.
Communicate with the Child
Sometimes it is easy to let communication slide. Who better knows the needs of the child, than the mother? In her efforts to help her child, she may overlook valuable opportunities for communication. Talking is very important for the child’s verbal and cognitive development. Look for opportunities to encourage the baby to use his words. Expect that he will ask for things (snacks, drinks, toys) when he is old enough to do so. Encouraging communication is as important to the child’s independence as the physical therapy that he receives.
The baby who is born with a physical birth defect is a baby first. He will have all of the same wants and needs as other babies. Addressing his unique physical needs is important, but the baby greatly benefits from attention to his overall development as well.
Lynn Moore - Moore is a freelance writer, experienced special education teacher, and mother of two. She has worked as a developmental therapist for ...
