The newborn with a fractured clavicle or humerus
may wear a cloth sling to splint the injured arm. Recovery
is spontaneous. Approximately 80% of brachial
plexus injuries heal over 3 to 6 months postpartum.7,8
Newborns who lack spontaneous arm movement or
show no improvement in 4 to 6 weeks postpartum
should be referred to pediatric neurologists for
evaluation.8 Demonstrating any special arm care and
assessing parental comfort with that care are essential
components of newborn discharge planning. Parents
need to understand any newborn referrals and be able
to schedule the appointments