United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

following on from that earlier question about parenting with a bpi, I've been approached by a parent who is currently in the process of suing for damages for his daughter, obpi. He has been told his child wll not need financial help with parenting....now I know none of us got any fininacial help but boy it would have been handy if we did....to help him prove his daughters case, could you guys tell me what adaptive devices (if any) you used to help you parent? Whether there was anything that would have helped more if you'd had it? I have my own experiences of course but I managed without much extra equipment, and managed is definitely the word, it wasn't easy at all. What financial needs might a new obpi mum have?

Good question Jenny.
I know I could not have done it as a single mom, that is for sure, another pair of hands is almost essential for bathing and putting the baby into these car seats we must use now (I cannot begin to put either of my grandsons into them). So I would say that financial help is needed for a mother's helper!

Nursing is difficult and I managed but it would have been easier with some sort of adaptive device to help.

Nancy

I agree with Nancy about todays car seats and carrying equipment I could never handle them.

I think there are needs - I managed but the price I paid for my independence is high so I would not suggest others do it.

Even every day needs as a parent - Laundry is such a big task in any family for the obpi parent the unaffected arm is really into over use by the time they become parents so I would suggest that the house be set with front load washers and dryer raised to waist level. All ovens be wall ovens -
I found food shopping very difficult with the children. I think they will need lighter carriages and equipment and also someone to help with the house work so that they have the energy to care for the babies... We all know how tired we get with babies but the BPI mother really gets tired she is really doing it one handed and could use lots of support or hired help to get through the years of physicial care of children...

OK I was just dreaming about what I could have used and did not know I would pay a price for not having...

My first two children are 14 months and 2 babies that close was really hard... but I never admitted it then...

Jenny I hope this helps
Kath

This dad should talk to his attorney about getting an economist or life care planner involved in the case. They figure all this stuff out and present a report to the court.

I was a single parent from the time my kids were 3 and 5. Befre that I had an abusive husband so I still did it all. I learned to lift low and shift to the good arm. I also learned to do things by brining the erb;s arm to mid chest and using the top of my forearm to lidt things or to use the wall as a brace. I wa lucky 'i never dropped one of the kids on their heafd. Tell the lawaer to have the judge tape his arm and go through a whole day ==then come back and say the person wuth OPBI needs no help!!! {at

Are you trying find out about devices or equipment for the daughter? I'm not aware of anything my parents ever had to get for me, just a brace for my wrist that I was requred to wear when I played Football. It was more for the sports organizations liability than for my protection...truth be known.
I hope you get some good info on this.
Good luck.