While it sounds like this baby does have something going on and I would encourage the mother to follow up with her pediatrician, it doesn't sound like a brachial plexus injury (BPI)/Erb's Palsy. While a baby who doesn't regain nerve function may eventually have a very tight, contracted limb with a BPI, the typical presentation at 6 weeks would be a limp or weak arm, unilaterally on the side that was anterior at the time of birth, with a history of difficult delivery (shoulder dystocia, vacuum, or forceps). 

If it does end up being a brachial plexus injury, feel free to have the parents contact me directly. In addition to being a CNM and IBCLC, I have a 3 week old daughter who has a brachial plexus injury and I've quickly become an expert of sorts! There is a ton of misinformation about brachial plexus palsy (Dr. Google is not the best source for a lot of things, but I've found it particularly lacking for this!).  I've spent the last two weeks talking to other parents, reading just about every research paper written on obstetric BPI, and talking some of the best brachial plexus specialists in the country to figure out the best course of treatment for my daughter.  I'd be happy share what I've learned if it ends up being applicable for these parents.

Katie Towers, CNM, WHNP, IBCLC
Sacramento, CA

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