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Baby's 22-Minute Struggle: Brain Damage After Birth
19 Jun
Summary
- A baby boy did not breathe for 22 minutes after birth, leading to brain damage.
- The mother felt abandoned and unaware during the traumatic birth at Royal Berkshire Hospital.
- Staff allegedly failed to communicate during resuscitation efforts for the newborn.
- The child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy following oxygen deprivation during birth.
A mother recounts the devastating experience of her son Rome, born two years ago, who suffered brain damage and cerebral palsy due to a lack of oxygen for 22 minutes at birth. The incident occurred at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. The mother, Charity, expressed feelings of abandonment and helplessness during the 24 hours leading up to the birth.
She was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia two days prior and induced, despite warnings of potential staffing shortages. Charity described delays in moving to the labor ward and a prolonged wait for an emergency Caesarean section. During Rome's delivery, he did not breathe, and resuscitation efforts were counted aloud in the delivery room, leaving her in agonizing uncertainty.
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged meetings with the family but could not comment further due to legal proceedings. Charity continues to worry about Rome's future, though she describes him as a happy and cheeky boy.
