[I am a Muppet]

My friend's baby was just born about a week ago, but there were some complications with the pregnancy and the umbelical cord suffocated the baby. He had to be revived and it's too early to tell what parts of the brain have been affected. He doesn't have a gag reflex yet, and is being fed with tubes. All she wants is for her son to show everyone that he can swallow so she can take him home and care for him. I don't normally pray or ask for people to do so, but I don't know what else to do and I want some sort of hope things will work out.He finaly can breast feed now! I'm so happy he can finally be home soon. The doctors said that there is over a 80% chance he'll be in a wheelchair... they are so pessimistic. I'm so mad because they should have done a ceserean according to the ultrasound pictures. They even broke her water without telling her. There was definately some malpractice going on, so I hope they get compensated for all the costs of therapy treatments. Either way her baby will be loved and cared for very well. Only time will tell the severity of the braindamage due to loss of oxygen.

[meesh933]

My husband's cousin has Down syndrome and she was fed via a g-tube for the first year of her life. She never drank from a bottle; she went straight from the g-tube to solid foods.Her mother said it was actually easier, because they could schedule when they fed the baby so that she never got hungry at night. She slept through the night from day one.Depending on how severe the brain damage is, he may never gain a gag reflex. I would think that if the mother is willing, tube feeding would not be the only reason the baby can't go home. Hopefully once he is stronger, he can go home and she can feed him however he needs to be fed. I am sure she wants him home, but the hospital is probably the best place for him right now. The staff there can show her exactly what he needs, and teach her how to care for him once he does get to go home.Your friend also needs to ask the doctor's about your state's early intervention programs. She can get free services in her home from the state that will help him get the best start possible. The services they get will depend on his needs, but the earlier they start the better off he will be. The early interventionist can evaluate the child to see exactly what he needs, and teach the family how to help achieve his maximum potential.I hope she is able to take her son home soon. I can't imagine having to leave a little one like that at the hospital.

[gecis1000]

Hey , i just blessed with a baby Girl.She also was pressing on the Umbilical cord after the water bag burst, but the doctor was quick enough to take a decision that we go for an operation.I really pray that all kids be healthy&pray from heart and soul that your friends baby is the way the parents desire.

I'm not sure what kind of answer you're looking for as only time will tell if he'll develop a gag reflex. All you can do right now is be there for your friend. She doesn't need your advice, she needs your comfort and your hugs and for you to listen to her fears about her son's recovery and condition. For your own information, you could check out the Mayo Clinic's web site to see if there's any literature on your friend's son's condition. I hope things improve for him.