United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am looking to compile an article for Outreach regarding pregnancy (thoughts, concerns, questions, etc.)

If you would be interested please email me courtney at ubpn dot org please.

Thanks!

Courtney

Where are my TBPI moms out there? I just have a few questions. I am looking to compile an article for Outreach for mew moms, such as myself, on how to get things done best with one arm!!

Where are all of you!?

Courtney

Courtney,
I didn't realize you were a new mom! Congratulations!
Sue

Hi Courtney...Nice to meet you. I have lived with my TBPI 22 years and had all my children (3) starting as far back as 19 years ago. I had 3 children in 5 years!
My preganancies were all 42 weeks. I needed to be induced. Because my cord was namaged and it affected the entire left side of my body. Parts of the organs are paralyzed inside. So they gave me a kick start ozytosine. A natural hormone usually found in the body that starts child labour. I had natural births all of them. The first daughter I got a nanny on board to help with the first 3 months. My husband also was a great help. I recall thinking for hours on end how critical it was that the baby's spine be protected. So I use to lay them on their backs ...lean down with my body almost touching theirs. Fan my right hand out and slide it gently up their little backs and to cradle their head in my palm. I then would lift them right next to my body. They were pinned. Not going anywhere. As time goes on like weeks and months. The baby learns to roll and adjust to you, ( Mom) And before you know it there are six months and you got them on your hip. Arm wrapped right around. They hand onto anything your wearing, just like little monkey's
As for diaper changes. Have a large area at first a bed. Especially if they are in the rolling over stage. If you have a change table make sure it's up against the wall and you are in front of your baby. Make sure that everything is at your finger tips, wipes,powder,creams,diaper. Again go up and lightly turn your babes bum right or left. Wipe from the front to the back...make sure you got all the waste or your babe will have a sore bottom. The powder or cream and with the diaper in your hand holding it in the top back bank in the middle...proceed up the back of the baby's bottom..move and roll your hand out slightly and slowly so the diaper does not shift. . Pull the front flap up.... Use the side of your hand to gently rest in the middle on the baby's tummy as you manipulate your fingers to release the sticky tab to secure it. Repeat for the other side. You have diapered.
When removing do exactly the same thing. I would suggest practising on a stuffed animal with with a silimar size as a baby's bottom.

My hand it tired...
Next I will share my experiences with bathing your baby...if you have any other specific qestions go ahead and ask..I had zero resources available to me when my accident happened and when I was having my children, so I understand how you are feeling

Hope this was helpful information..
Congrats to you!

Mardelle

hi has the article been published yet or can i still contribute as to how i look after my children using only one hand?

Hi Desert Rose...

I think all info from one handed parents are welcome. Just keep writing and sharing. It's wonderful to hear such lovely and supportive sharing. I'm a mom who raised 3 kids 18 years ago...There was very little in terms of resources...
Having this information is a valuable resource...for everyone.

Go For It!

With Love & Light
Mardelle

well looking after my two sons (2 yrs and 10mths) independently is a really great achievement for me.

I shocked those who questioned my ability to look after the two boys.

Changing nappies....
huggiez gold is the best brand because of the velcro fastener. It doesnt stick to fingers like pampers and other brands....

I simply lay a changing mat on the floor (when baby starts rolling, he/she can fall off from any where so floor is best). I place the clean nappy down (opened) and place babys bottom directly on top of that clean nappy. I then hold up his right leg, clasping it in between my right foot toes and do the same to his left leg with my left foot. So his legs are in the air. I open the old nappy and pull it open towards me and lay it down. I wipe babies bottom and place soiled wipes in the soiled nappy. Oh, i also place a wipe folded up on babies private so he doesnt wee on me! Then when down i fold up the soiled nappy, closing the sides first and pull it out. There is the new nappy underneath, just ready to cover baby and tie.

For a wet nappy that doesnt need wiping, i just do the same thing and simply pull the old nappy out and the new one is right underneath.
Sounds complicated in the way i explained but trust me its so easy.... I can add send some pictures if its hard to grasp...

I feed then sitting on the sofa with them laying slanted on the arm rest for support. Or just prop them on a pillow and hold the bottle.

there is a hands free bottle available but i didnt use it.

to dress them, i use my mouth to help put their clothes on.

I also used to just put my arm under their head and pick up close to my body when born.

I had a bath with a built in bath seat, so bathing was easy...

Now i just shower the baby with me and the elder one gets a hand shower bath

Other than that, there is nothing i can think off right now that i do differently to an able bodied mum