My baby boy was born not breathing due to an umbilical cord prolapse, where the cord came out before him, cutting off his oxygen and blood supply. As a result, he was born blue and gasping for air.
The medical team immediately placed him on oxygen and rushed him away for further care. They were concerned about potential brain damage and put him on cooling therapy, which lowers a newborn's body temperature to help treat brain injuries caused by oxygen deprivation.
He was heavily sedated with morphine to help his brain relax and was on a ventilator for two days.
After hearing from two seperate people about the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), we decided to consult with Rabbi Avroham Gurawitz. He recommended we pursue the treatment, as, despite our baby seeming fine now, the long-term effects of possible brain damage from the lack of oxygen at birth were uncertain.
At 7 weeks old, we began taking our son to Oxychai for HBOT. The staff there were incredibly caring and accommodating. Since we were from out of town, we had to stay in someone's home, and it wasn't always easy so soon after giving birth, but I was determined to give my child every fighting chance.
Today, my son is a thriving, happy little boy, reaching milestones ahead of his peers, and we are beyond grateful for his progress. We can’t know for sure what might have happened if we hadn’t sought out this treatment, but the statistics show that many children who suffer oxygen deprivation at birth can later face autism, learning disabilities, and social insecurities.
I hope sharing our story raises awareness of how beneficial Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can be. The sooner treatment is sought after such an injury, the better the brain’s chances for healing. We are so thankful for the opportunity to give our son the best possible start, and we are hopeful for a bright future ahead.
Grateful Mother
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