United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I had discovered these boards years ago but let my busy life take me away. Well now my even busier life brings me back.

I'm 32 & have a LOBPI. I got to meet Dr. Nath the last time he did a clinic in AZ & thought he was wonderful. I'm affected from shoulder to fingertip & have had one surgery at age 10 to reshape wrist bones & straighten my carpi tendon.

Here is my question. It's directed more towards moms (but dads, your advice counts too). I'm the very proud mommy of a 2.5yo & 4mo twin girls but as to be expected my right arm is suffering big time. One of the girls is always needing attention &/or wanting to be held. I enjoy using my Snugli Infant Carrier but it really puts a tad too much pressure on my left shoulder. Any one have any ideas on how to better cope with moving them around, lifting them up & carrying them around. I knew the struggles would come, I was just hoping it wouldn't be this early on w/ the girls. I feel bad that they are spending a lot of their time in the swing, bouncer, jumperoo & excersaucer.

Lisa

Lisa
I had three children and my first two are 14 months apart. I remember all too well how hard moving my girls was for me...

Try to do things to save your arms.

Baths in the Kitchen sink when they were infants.
I lined the sink with a soft bath towel. I could not bend over the bath tub.

I played on the floor with my kids all the time this way I was sure i was not going to drop one.

I don't know the answer to carrying them around because when a baby wants to be held there is not much you can do but hold them.

It was easier with my third because it was only one baby to take care of and the girls were 4 & 5 at the time.

Try to get as much help as you can with baths etc. Save your arms for cuddling.

Kath robpi/ adult/

Yes, now I remember,...utilize young relatives, girls from age 8-12 and/or neighbor girls who love babies, as mother helpers..bath time and play time for your 2 yr old. yes, I bathed my Scott in his crib on top of a plastic garbage bag, then towels and a 1 inch cake pan for the water holding his head over my arm to do his hair. I was afraid to use the kitchen sink because I thought he'd slip from my arm and I was afraid to hold him with my "left Claw hand" because once clenched shut it tok "prying" to open my left hand. I used neighbor girls to play with him 2 handed.

Please let us know how you are doing and please save your arms and shoulders!

Hugs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/70


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

Thank you for the great advice. I have always been concerned about how I'd handle my children. I don't have any yet but it helps. The only advice I can give is to get massages or go to physical therapy to relieve the tension and pain. One session won't be enough, you might have to make a small commitment if you really need to relieve your pain and discomfort. You're mommies! You all deserve it!

Hi Lisa,
welcome back!

Just curious if you have tried a backpack type child carrier. I am a personal care attendant for a two year old (he functions at an infant level) and he loves being in the backpack type carrier. Its sold at sporting goods stores. Looks similar to a hiking packpack only it is a child seat. Has a stand so you can take it off and it stands up. I love using it with him as the pressure is pretty even on my shoulders. I love it. Definitely something I have to have when I have kids in a couple years.

Good luck!
Amy 21 years old ROBPI from MN