5 Things Expecting Parents with Disabilities Should Do to Prepare for Their New Arrival
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Preparing your home and your life for your first child is inherently tough, but it can seem even more daunting if you or your partner are living with a disability. There are many parents with disabilities living happy lives and raising healthy children, however, so you can do it too! Here are some things you can do to ensure you’re ready for your bundle of joy.
Buff up your emergency savings fund ASAP
Kids are expensive. Modifying your home and buying adaptive products can be even more costly. Factor in your own medical expenses, and you can see why strengthening your savings is more than smart — it’s an absolute necessity. You should begin saving for an emergency fund as soon as possible. Start small and try some easy ways to save.
Prepare your home
Modifying your home is about protecting you and your new child. With the right changes, there is no reason you can’t be fully independent in your care — from day one and beyond. Some simple home fixes to consider include:
● Widening doorways. This can be done with special hinges, and unless you plan to widen entire hallways or rooms, you shouldn’t need any actual demolition.
● Ramp up. Turn existing stairways into accessible ramps. This is a good idea even if your disability doesn’t require you to be in a wheelchair.
● Fix your flooring. Slippery surfaces (like tile) and trip-prone surfaces (like high-pile carpets) should be removed and replaced with non-slip surfaces and secure, low-pile rugs.
Invest in some adaptive products
You don’t have to make do with traditional parenting equipment. Adaptive products exist that can help parents with all sorts of disabilities, and you would be wise to invest in the ones you truly need. Some amazing products include cribs that open from the side (so you don’t have to reach over the top), hands-free baby carriers, strollers that hook up to your wheelchair, and nursing slings and pillows. There are even self-installing car seats and comfortable, wearable breast pumps.
Let technology help
Fitting your home with some smart technology is an option that was not afforded to parents just a few years ago. Embrace smart home tech to make your life easier. Smart cameras can help you monitor your child remotely, so you don’t have to physically check on them at inconvenient times. Smart baby monitors can sync up with your smartphone to provide easier monitoring as well. Complete smart home devices, like the Google Home and Amazon Echo, allow for voice commands and can link to other helpful tech, like smart home lighting and thermostats.
Get your self-care routine in order
It’s very hard — near impossible, even — to begin a new self-care routine when you’re dealing with a new child. That’s why you must make taking care of yourself a priority in the months leading up to the delivery. If you already have a set routine, you have a greater chance of being able to stick with it. For example, if you’re prone to letting clutter build up around the house, make it a point to stay as organized as possible. Not only will this help your home feel comfortable, but it will also cut down on stress and anxiety, which is of the utmost importance.
To further self-care, it’s also important to gather items now to help you through the remainder of your pregnancy and beyond. Look for clothing such as a cozy robe, a functional labor and delivery gown, comfortable leggings and nursing bras and tops. Next, look for items like hand lotion, a reusable water bottle, a comfortable nursing pillow, nipple cream and nursing pads that you can keep close at hand w
Self-care is of monumental importance. You cannot be a good parent if you don’t first do what needs to be done for you. At the very least, be sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritiously, and staying hydrated so you have enough energy before the baby arrives.
If you’ve lived with a disability for a significant amount of time, then you’re used to planning, adapting, and finding smart solutions to life’s daily challenges. In a way, this prepares you for parenthood better than anything. You’re going to rock this.
Laura is passionate about teaching and loves writing to help teachers, parents, and students. She is passionate about advocating that learning should be fun and should not just be confined in the classroom. Edutude is her brainchild to be able to share free resources for teachers and parents. Submitted by: Laura Pearson, edutude.net
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