6 Preparation Tips for Expectant Parents with Disabilities
Surveys indicate that nearly one in eight people have a disability. Thanks to the internet, there are more ways to find out how to take care of your child while you have a disability and discover all sorts of resources. If you’re expecting a little one soon, here are some tips from Birth & Beyond Doula Services on how to prepare.
1. Pick insurance that works best for your needs
There are pros and cons of buying life insurance. You may not need life insurance if you already have enough money saved up to pay for a burial and any living expenses should the worst happen. Additionally, if people are not dependent on your income, you aren’t subject to estate taxes, or you already have enough to take care of you and your spouse, then you also may not need it.
On the other hand, if your spouse and children (and perhaps other people) do depend on your income, it might be worth looking into life insurance. According to Forbes, buying term life insurance is something that is often recommended as a necessity for all new parents, and it’s more affordable than most streaming services.
2. Make rooms accessible
Given how much time you’ll be spending in your home when the baby comes, you’ll need to consider how you should modify the rooms in your abode for accessibility. You can find expandable hinges for your doorways that can help you and your baby get through them more easily. You might also want a crib that is accessible for individuals with limited mobility or who use wheelchairs.
If you’re having difficulty with this tip, you may need to explore finding a more accessible home. Just make sure you understand how much you can afford to spend on a new home, and find a trustworthy real estate agent who can help you find the property that best suits your needs.
3. Locate support communities
Preparation might require identifying organizations or resources that can assist with adaptive parenting by offering insight and innovative solutions to difficulties that you might encounter. There are support communities online and in real life that can help you learn how to overcome common challenges. You can ask other people how they upgraded their home, what financial decisions they made, and how they navigate any other difficulties. Having a strong, positive social network can make parenting that much easier.
4. Make your floors skid-resistant
When you have children, there’s a lot more movement happening, so make your floors skid-resistant to make mobility easier for both you and your child. Eliminate rugs that pose a significant tripping hazard. There are some types of skid-resistant flooring you can install as well, such as vinyl rugs that can go over the top of the floor without having to tear up your existing surfaces.
5. Replace steps
Stairs pose a significant injury and tripping hazard. If you use a wheelchair, you probably have at least one ramp replacing your home’s steps. However, your child can be just as prone to injury as well. Find ways to replace the steps in your home, like adding a ramp over the stairs. This can be especially useful for increasing your own mobility around the home.
6. Utilize your social network when the baby comes
There’s a reason behind the expression, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Many mothers with disabilities say that finding peer support groups is an important part of the parenting process. They’re like community support groups, but they’re a little closer to home. Look at the people in your life and your relationships with them. Some of them can be very helpful when you have your baby. They’ll also offer good conversation and a shoulder to cry on when times get tough.
Another valuable member of your village should be a postpartum doula from Birth & Beyond. We offer a variety of services to help you and your family thrive in your fourth trimester (the first three months of your little one’s life), including sleep, feeding, and household maintenance services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you settle into parenthood.
Preparing for a new baby can be a lot of work. It’s important that all new parents make sure to get a little personal time to recharge and maintain their own individual health. As you prepare for your new baby, remember to take care of yourself and be present for your child.
Blog post courtesy of Josh Moore at Diaper Dads.