Each year in the U.S., thousands of children are born with birth injuries—medical conditions or physical trauma sustained during labor and delivery. With an estimated rate of 1.9 injuries per 1,000 live births and nearly 3.6 million births in 2023, this translates to about 7,000 affected children annually.
Birth injuries affect not only the child but also their siblings and family as everyone adapts to the new challenges. Introducing a new baby with special needs requires empathy and open communication to help older siblings feel included and prepared.
Read on to discover ways to communicate openly, build a supportive environment, and engage siblings in care routines to strengthen family bonds. If your child experienced a birth injury, Fieger Law’s Michigan birth injury lawyers can help you access resources and pursue financial support for your family.
1. Communicate Honestly With Age-Appropriate Language
Every child is unique, so tailor your conversation to each child’s age and understanding. Young children may need simple, gentle explanations, such as, “Your baby brother needs extra help to grow strong.”
Older children may want to know more specifics, like the nature of the injury and how it may affect their sibling’s abilities. Be ready for questions and reassure them it’s okay to ask, helping them process and understand what’s happening.
If you’re unsure how to explain your baby’s birth injury, your attorney at Fieger Law can offer support. With experience in cases like cerebral palsy and brachial plexus injuries, we can help you understand your child’s condition and how to communicate it to their siblings.
2. Emphasize the Love and Care You All Share
Emphasize that, while the baby may need extra help, they are still an important and loved part of the family. Discuss ways siblings can help, like singing to the baby, talking softly, or just being present. Reassuring your children that the family love remains strong can help them adjust and feel secure in their own roles.
For added guidance, contact Fieger Law to speak with a compassionate birth injury lawyer. We can assist you with the legal and emotional aspects of your journey, offering resources and insights that ease the burden on your family.
3. Include Siblings in Care Routines
Involving siblings in appropriate aspects of the baby’s care can foster closeness and create a sense of teamwork. Depending on their age, siblings may be able to help with:
- Handing you a diaper or blanket
- Holding the baby’s hand gently
- Preparing bottles or snacks
- Reading or singing softly to the baby
- Helping organize baby supplies
- Keeping a “baby journal” to record milestones
Participating in these small tasks can help siblings bond with the new baby, making them feel valued and connected as they see how their actions positively impact the baby’s comfort and happiness.
At Fieger Law, our attorneys have worked with hundreds of families. Speak with our team for tips and resources to help you through this transition.
4. Create a Safe Space for Emotions and Questions
The news of a new sibling’s special needs can bring up complex emotions. It’s essential to create a safe space where siblings feel comfortable expressing feelings, whether sadness, confusion, worry, or even jealousy. Encourage your children to talk openly and let them know their feelings are valid.
Acknowledge their fears and let them know it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. This empathetic approach can help them process their experience healthily and avoid bottling up emotions.
If your family is dealing with a birth injury and needs legal advice or additional support, reach out to a qualified birth injury lawyer at Fieger Law. We can provide compassionate guidance and connect you with experts to help your family manage these emotional challenges while pursuing the compensation you need.
5. Encourage Understanding Through Stories and Resources
Books, videos, and stories about families with children with special needs can help siblings understand the new baby’s situation. Stories can provide context, helping children relate to their sibling’s needs and challenges. Choose materials that reflect your child’s age and that depict families who work together to support each other, reinforcing that your family is united in love and care.
At Fieger Law, we can draw on our extensive network of resources and experience to connect you with online organizations, such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and local groups where families share and learn from each other’s experiences. Consult an attorney at our law firm to discuss your legal path forward and explore options for the support your family deserves.
6. Spend Quality Time With Each Child
Caring for a baby with special needs can be time-consuming, so it’s easy for other children to feel left out. Make an effort to spend one-on-one time with each child, showing them they are a valued part of the family.
These moments will help reinforce that while the baby needs extra care, their needs and presence are also important to you. Quality time can go a long way in keeping siblings from feeling overshadowed by their new sibling’s needs.
Balancing family time during a birth injury can be challenging. Contact Fieger Law to speak with a Michigan birth injury lawyer for insights on resources that may help lighten your load. We can handle the legal aspects of your claim so you have more time to devote to your children.
Moving Forward Together as a Family
Supporting your children through a sibling’s birth injury takes time, patience, and compassion. Creating a safe, loving environment and involving siblings in care routines can strengthen family bonds and help you face challenges together.
Our skilled team at Fieger Law can help you secure the resources and long-term support your family needs. Contact us for a free case review, and let us provide the support you deserve.
