Newborn Care

When Mistakes Happen After Birth

Even after a safe delivery, newborns require careful monitoring and prompt treatment to stay healthy. The first hours and days after birth — known as the neonatal period — are critical. Errors made during this time can have lifelong consequences.

Parents are often the first to notice when something is wrong. When nurses or doctors ignore a parent’s concern, such as poor feeding, unusual crying, or changes in behaviour, opportunities to intervene early may be missed.

Below are some of the most common medical mistakes that can harm a newborn.

Misuse or Delay of Resuscitation at Birth

If a baby is born not breathing or with a weak heart rate, immediate and skilled resuscitation is essential. Mistakes during this process — such as delays in ventilation, incorrect technique, or lack of trained staff — can cause permanent brain damage.

Failure to Monitor High-Risk Infants

Babies born prematurely, with low birth weight, or after a complicated delivery need closer monitoring. Failure to check vital signs, blood sugar levels, or oxygen saturation regularly can result in preventable complications.

Failure to Recognize or Treat Neonatal Jaundice

Jaundice is common in newborns, but if bilirubin levels become too high, it can lead to brain damage (kernicterus). Health care providers must check for yellowing of the skin or eyes, test bilirubin levels, and provide timely treatment (like phototherapy) if needed.

Delayed Diagnosis of Infection

Newborns can become seriously ill very quickly. Signs of infection — like poor feeding, lethargy, or fever — may be subtle. Failure to recognize and treat conditions like sepsis, meningitis, or Group B strep can lead to brain injury, shock, or death.

Here to Help

If your baby was harmed after birth, you may still be searching for answers. Our team can help investigate what happened and whether proper care was given. When medical mistakes occur, we’re here to help families seek accountability and the support they need.