Parenting With Epilepsy
Women that are pregnant or considering starting a family may have concerns about their parenting ability if they suffer from epilepsy. Since epilepsy is a neurological condition that may cause falls and loss of consciousness, it is important for epileptic parents to take extra precautions and make lifestyle adjustments for the safety of the child. However, with proper medication epileptic parents are capable of caring for their children in the same manner as other parents.
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Breast Feeding
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Pregnant women that are on medication for epileptic seizures often worry about the effect the drugs will have if they breastfeed. Breastfeeding is usually a safe option for epileptic moms, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Only small amounts of seizure medications are found in breast milk and do not affect the infant. However, drugs such as phenobarbital may make a baby sleepy or irritable. It is best to discuss feeding options with your physician to determine what is the best option for your situation.
Safety
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Even simple tasks such as holding or carrying an infant can be risky for parents that experience frequent seizures that cause them to fall or lose consciousness. Parents that experience uncontrolled movements should use extra caution when carrying a baby so they do not drop the child if a seizure occurs. The baby should be placed in a crib or playpen as much as possible if the parent is home alone and experiences seizures that are not fully controlled by medication. A parent with uncontrolled seizures should not bathe a baby alone, recommends Epilepsy.com. Epileptic parents should always heed the warning signs of an impending seizure such as jerking or muscle twitches.
Seizure Control
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Get educated about your seizure disorder. Learn to monitor the patterns of your seizures and keep track of how often they occur, how long they last and how long it takes you to recover. Knowing the pattern of the seizures can help you make lifestyle adjustments to keep yourself and your child safe. The Epilepsy Foundation recommends using a wrist bungee cord attaching your toddler to you so that the child does not wander off in the event that you have a seizure. It is important to take medication as prescribed, since missed doses can increase the likelihood of seizures. As your child gets older, explain your seizure condition as simply as possible. It is important for your child to know that you are healthy and the epilepsy can be controlled with medication.
Support System
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Parents with seizure disorders can benefit from a good support system comprised of family and friends. Dealing with a newborn can be overwhelming for any mother. Hormonal changes and interrupted sleep can increase the risk of seizures according to the Epilepsy Foundation. It can be helpful to let friends or relatives help out, or even come and stay for a few weeks. Insufficient sleep can increase the risk of seizures, so it is important to get adequate rest. The Epilepsy Foundation also recommends having seizure drills so that family members are aware and educated on first aid and calling for assistance if the epileptic parent has a seizure. With proper medication and safety measures, epileptic parents can lead normal lives and raise healthy children.
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