Child Suffers Permanent Brain Damage During Botched C-Section

This case involves an infant in Maryland who suffered brain damage due to complications suffered during a botched c-section. On the date of the incident in question the child’s mother was taken to hospital by ambulance with contractions, however she could not feel the baby move. Fetal monitors were placed, and she was informed by that she needed an emergency C-section due to fetal distress. The baby was immediately taken for supportive care after the c- section, after which doctors determined that the child was brain damaged. It is alleged that there were complications due to improper treatment of the infant after the c-section.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you have extensive experience treating infants after c-sections?

2. Do you have knowledge of the proper steps and protocols for treating an infant after a c-section with this presentation?

Expert Witness Response E-013338

I have practiced university-based neonatal intensive care with high risk delivery room attendance and resuscitation for over 25 years. . I maintain the Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification and teach residents, fellows, and nurse practitioners proper techniques of newborn management in the delivery room and immediate postnatal period. I have managed many infants with perinatal complications such as these, and I have taught physicians and nurse practitioners how to manage these infants. I have lectured on birth complications including meconium aspiration, birth asphyxia, and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and have given Hospital Grand Rounds on HIE and its treatment. I have extensive experience in the evaluation of infants with perinatal depression to determine whether they meet criteria for the definition of birth asphyxia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.