What to Do If Your Baby Was Hurt by Forceps or Vacuum Delivery
The birth of your child should be a joyful moment, but when forceps or vacuum extraction causes injury, that joy turns to fear and heartbreak. These medical instruments serve legitimate purposes during difficult deliveries, but only when used correctly and appropriately.
Why Forceps and Vacuum Extractors are Used
Forceps are metal tongs that grip the baby’s head to guide it through the birth canal. Vacuum extractors use suction attached to the baby’s scalp to assist delivery. Both instruments are designed for specific situations:
- When labor has stalled
- When the mother is exhausted and cannot push effectively
- When the baby shows signs of distress requiring quick delivery
- When the baby’s position makes natural delivery difficult
These instruments can be safe when clinicians follow proper protocols. The key is appropriate patient selection and correct technique.
What Proper Use Looks Like
Competent clinicians follow strict guidelines before using delivery instruments:
- They confirm the baby’s head is properly positioned and engaged in the birth canal.
- They verify the cervix is dilated and the mother’s pelvis is adequate for the baby’s size.
- They ensure they have the skill and experience to use the instruments safely.
During the procedure, proper technique requires careful placement to avoid excessive pressure on vulnerable areas of the skull. Clinicians need to limit traction force and the number of attempts (typically no more than three pulls). They must continuously monitor for complications and be ready to switch to cesarean section if the instrument delivery fails.
How Improper Use Causes Injuries
When clinicians violate these protocols, injuries result—and they’re often life changing for a newborn. Some of the most common birth injuries directly linked to instrument misuse include:
- Skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhages from excessive traction force
- Facial nerve palsy from improper forceps placement
- Brachial plexus injuries and Erb’s palsy from pulling at wrong angles
- Subgaleal hemorrhage from vacuum suction placed incorrectly or left on too long
- Brain damage and cerebral palsy from prolonged attempts causing oxygen deprivation
These aren’t random complications. They’re predictable results of negligent technique—and a birth injury lawyer can prove it.
Protect Your Child’s Future
No family should bear the burden of medical negligence alone. Your baby deserves every opportunity for the best possible recovery and quality of life.
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your birth injury claim. When your baby has been hurt by improper use of delivery instruments, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 944-4373 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
