Losing a child is likely the most painful thing that any parent can experience. In a Good Morning America (2020) feature, Kara Keough Bosworth opens up about losing a newborn son due to his shoulder dystocia. With this pregnancy, Kara had decided to have labor at home, which determined the kind of help her baby was able to get when he got stuck inside Kara’s pelvis. Unfortunately, the little boy’s heart stopped during delivery, which resulted in a severe brain trauma after his heartbeat was restored and eventually led to his death. I felt incredibly sorry for the parents while watching this video but was amazed by their strength and willingness to share their story. However, I could not help but feel that this accident could have been prevented had Kara decided to give birth in the hospital.
In general, in the medical community, the consensus is that there are no signs of shoulder dystocia and that it cannot be prevented. Nevertheless, if shoulder dystocia gets diagnosed during delivery by an obstetrician, the nursing team might attempt to introduce several interventions and maneuvers to reduce the risks of complications and help the baby be born unharmed. Thus, being aware of the inability to receive qualified medical help as soon as possible in the case of an emergency is crucial when deciding to give birth at home. On the other hand, at home, a woman has more control over the process, and her experience happens to be more intimate. If one feels that hospital settings are uncomfortable and intimidating and are able to get personal assistance from a qualified professional, she might choose the at-home delivery route. Either way, a mother-to-be is advised to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the possible risks of both options and decide what is best for her individually.
Reference
Good Morning America. (2020). Kara Keough Bosworth shares the heart-wrenching story of her newborn son’s death | GMA Digital [Video]. YouTube. Web.