United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am expecting my baby in about two weeks. I would like to from women who have BPI that have been able to raise their babies with little help. How did you do it?

I remember a while back, I think it was JennyB that talked about using a bucket to wash the baby... here's one link to the Tummy Tub... http://www.childbirthedu.com/g105.htm (I'm sure you can find it in the U.S. though)

I just wanted to wish you a great "birth-day". I hope that all goes well and wonderful for you and baby. Enjoy those wonderful baby moments and baby smells. I am sure that you will figure it all out in time and with ease just naturally. You will be a great mom!

big hugs,
francine

I think that, just like babies learn their mother from the smell and sound of her, they also learn how their mother handles them differently. You will do fine, there will be moments when you dissolve into tears, like when you try to put that diaper on for the nth time, but it will all be ok. Hope all goes well with the birth!

Nancy

I am an adult with BPI in the right arm, I am left handed, 13 years ago we adopted my beautiful son, I was concerned as you are with holding and doing things with him as normal as possible. I learned to compensate for things such as bathing, changing diapers and feeding him. I think that once your little one gets here you will do what I did and know what you can do. I just made sure that I didn't hold Adam in my right arm, or that I was sitting down with him if I had to use my right arm. I know that things will go well for you.

Null:

I am a 31 ROBPI. I have 2 children. My kids are now 12 & 9. I was also worried about how in the world would I be able to do all the "normal" mommy things. I have to agree with Nancy. She said that once the bond is there, it is like the baby knows your limitations. My son (12) & his dad has been divorced for 11 1/2 years. His dad mentioned my arm to him a few years back & Nicholas was like, what in the world are you talking about. He really never even paid any attention to my arm. I of corse had to feed my babies with left arm. I would put there head on my bp arm & prop pillows under it to feed them. Everything will be just fine. I know everything will work itself out. Take care in the last few weeks of your pregnancy.

Deanna

Sorry for any misspelled words. It is hard typing one handed. The right one is in a huge pillow sling.

Dear Null

My children did not notice until I told them I had three children and held them to feed them at every feeding... they are 31, 35,36 years old... Like Deanna I used a pillow or my knee to prop my robpi arm on and feed with the left hand... I also did the same thing once my four grandchildren had to be bottle fed... you will do fine...

Lots of huggs,kisses and sweet talk are what babies need the most.

Kath

Just a note on what children notice...

My mother stands 6 feet tall, and my dad claimed to be 5'6" (ha!). I loved them both dearly and they were a parenting TEAM.

So, one summer at sleepaway camp...after the parents had left from visiting day...and we were all sitting around eating all the junk food the parents bring up, one of my camp friends says: " claudia, your mom is SO much taller than your dad." Well, I just couldn't believe this!! "They are the same size" I kept telling them!! All of the girls in the bunk are telling me my mom is taller and I am telling them they are wrong.

My mom still has the letter that I wrote home the next day. It started out: Dear Mom and Dad, Is mommmy taller than daddy? I was probably 10 years old!!

If we love them, that is all they see.

claudia

please check out the link
http://tbpiukgroup.homestead.com/index_1.html
check out their message board and post for Jenny, shes a great MOM!!!! and there are plenty others too!
blessed birthing!

I have bpi in both and raised 2 childrten.They are 29 and 27.As everyone has said you just do it.There is a bond with those babies.You will become very inventive.Try and keep babies at arm level.Like they said use pillows to prop up baby.When mine were still babies they wrapped there little arms around my neckso I didn't have to lift.My grandson did the same thing.None of them ever noticed they're was something different.Relax and get ready for the most wonderful experience you'll ever know.Take care of yourself.God bless Andrea