Why might a mother not be informed of her baby's cerebral palsy diagnosis at birth?

A diagnosis of cerebral palsy is often not made immediately at birth because the condition may not be evident until later. Cerebral palsy is characterized by a variety of motor impairments resulting from brain injury or malformation, often due to factors surrounding the time of birth, such as hypoxia or premature birth. However, the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy, such as difficulties with movement, coordination, or posture, may not manifest until the child begins to show controlled voluntary movement, which typically occurs during the first few months of life.

Because the motor control aspects associated with cerebral palsy can develop over time, healthcare providers may choose to monitor the child's development before making a definitive diagnosis. This approach ensures that any motor impairments are accurately assessed and that a diagnosis is provided based on observed behaviors rather than premature assumptions. Thus, the confirmation of cerebral palsy relies on the observation of developmental milestones and voluntary movement, leading to a delay in informing parents, including the mother, about the diagnosis right at birth.