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Childbirth/child birth complications

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Expert: - 12/27/2008


Question
my litle brother is in intensive care as he was distressed before he was born and pooied,he has now got poo in his lungs and is havind breathing difficulty,what is another word fot the poo,and how serious is this

Answer
Tara,

I'm so sorry to hear of the situation with your little brother.  Meconium is the the proper word.


The seriousness of the situation will depend on many factors, such as how much meconium was aspirated, how long it had been in his lungs, how low his oxygen levels are, and if an infection occurs.


Many babies are fine with no long-term complications while in serious cases, life-long problems can result.  Without more information, it's impossible for me to say how serious his particular case is.


He's in the best place at the NICU and they are trained to treat this condition.  They'll do everything they can to make him better.  



Best Wishes,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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