Q: My newborn baby was shifted to ICU immediately following birth due to shortage of oxygen. He was on life support system for 4 days and was kept in the ICU for 11 days. After 11 days the doctors suggested a MRI of the brain. As per the MRI report of the brain, the major portion of the brain got damaged due to shortage of oxygen at the time of birth. As per doctors there was less chance of his survival. But he has survived but does not respond to any sound. Is there any chance of improvement?

A:Babies who suffer around the time of birth due to lack of oxygen, especially with gross damages are likely to have developmental problems. However, the newborn baby has tremendous power to recover. You must initiate early stimulation and intervention programmes, see a developmental paediatrician who should be able to help you.