United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Please remember that some of the emotional "stuff" is partially due, I am sure, to baby blues. I know with all 5 of mine, right at 2 months old, I would get depressed. It was so hard. At 2 months old, your body's hormones that were running high during pregnancy are way down...and often running wild.

The lack of sleep isn't helping one bit either. No one can do with so little. You can't be a good Mom if you are completly neglecting yourself. Nap whenever they are napping....don't worry about the house etc....just you and them. Soon enough they will sleep through the night. And colic usually subsides by 4 months.

Don't be ashamed of asking for help from those around you. Those who love you know you wouldn't ask if you didn't need it. And if someone offers....accept!!!! Being a Mommy is the hardest job you will ever do, but it is the most rewarding also. Hang in there, and keep in mind that it will get better soon.

Dear Christine,
PLEASE do not feel guilty for putting your "angels" in the swings; they'll eventually adjust to YOUR routine of ways to give YOURSELF relief from holding & carrying....PLUS I just remembered to pass on something that I've recently discovered for myself. My son made me buy a "Lawn Buddy" cart from Home Depot[$20] to use for doing the laundery...we live in an apartment building that our laundry room is at the opposite end of our 2nd floor. Our building is almost a full block long. I used to have a heavy load or make 2 trips just to take the laundry down there. Now I don't have to wait for Sundays when Scott is home to do the wash. Today, you came into my mind & I think it would be ideal,better than a child's wagon; with pillows for you kids, it is deep enough to really prop them safely. The Lawn Buddy is smaller and deeper lighter weight than a child's wagon. It's tuff heavy duty plastic. The size is easy to get around furniture...ideal from room to room. The kids
would probably love the ride & adjust quickly because it is safely deep and right size for them both. It does glide on rugs very easily.It really makes a difference for me,my back, and less tiredness.
I pray for you that you'll get some relief soon
Hugs~Carolyn J

I put a search into Google and came up with this website for adaptive parenting equipment.

http://www.ncddr.org/rr/parent/result.html

It appears to start out if in wheelchair, but if you keep scrolling it goes into if weak hands etc.

Angela and Christine,
I checked out the site you found Angela, & it is great!! Wow, I'd do it all over again if I could....I never thought I'd ever say that!!LOL
Carolyn J

Thank you Carolyn J. I found another website I think you also might like

http://www.spinalcord.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=19679

I am not so sure I would like to be a mother of babies again. I thought one baby at a time with two strong arms was challenging. I did have 3 in just under 3 1/2 years, and was overwhelmed, with all my other obligations, not all of my choosing.

I struggled so, with no help, and just don't have any words of wisdom for you, KG. I still remember the day my oldest and only child then cried all day from colick, and there was no stopping her. I rember by the end of the day I sat with her on my lap and cried right along with her.

I don't know what I would have done with 2 at the same time. So I am of NO help.

Carolyn & Angela
I have 5 grandchildren and the youngest is a year old now. I think I like it so much better. I baby sit a lot but I don't mind I enjoy them... and the work is not hard. I get paid in kisses and hugs...
It was much harder when my kids were small and I had no help. NO... I don't want to start all over. I like all the new equipment but only to look at and see my kids using it... LOL..
Kath

Angela,
YAh, I was all alone too, never had even a babysitter the 1st 10 years in a strange city too when I had my son 34 yrs ago. It was hard, but it really made me stronger in alot of ways.After 2nd thoughts,Kath, I've decided I WOULDN'T do it again either!!LOL....
Carolyn

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a bit, while reading your message sent chills up my spine, I too recall holding my daughter and it hurt so bad that I felt guilty putting her in her swing too. Do not feel guilty at all. We need to be thankful that we can hold them at all even if it is for small amounts. My daughter is 8 years old now and its still hard when she is tugging at my arm, I always have to remind her that she cannot pull on mommy's bad arm because it hurts me. It's frustrating still at times however, do not feel gulity. You are doing the best that you can. *S*

I'm sorry but I had to reply even though I'm not an OBPI mother. I do have an OBPI daughter so your message caught my eye. I very often think how will my daughter manage when she has children. I know it's too soon to worry about it, she's only 9 months old.
But, I guess that's how we are. Anyways, after my daughter was born, It was pretty obvious that I could not take care of her. I had a rough delivery and was in pain, etc. I am a very independent person always thinking I can do everything on my own etc. Well thank goodness for my church group, they really helped me with the baby. What I'm trying to say is please ask for help. There's so many people that adore babies and would be honored to help out. I know people can't be there with you all the time, but you definitely need breaks etc.... I just hope that mothers do ask for help before they burn out. It's good for you and the baby.