New - I'm new I'd like to share a little about myself and I have a ques...
 |
|
|
UPDATED: Fri, 11/13/2009 - 7:09pm
Advertisement
Place Your Advertisement Here
All ad revenues support the mission
of the Epilepsy Therapy Project
Place Your Advertisement Here
All ad revenues support the mission
of the Epilepsy Therapy Project
davnic13
Being a father with epilepsy
- Login or register to post comments
- Share on Twitter
- Share on Facebook
- View/Print content
Hi, I became a father 2 weeks ago and love my wife and new daughter very much. My wife has been so supportive of me and my epilepsy throughout our time together, and with the birth of our new baby has another thing to worry about. Over these past 2 weeks i feel she is putting too much stress on herself by worrying about the baby and my epilepsy. That is why i have offered to help her wherever and whenever i can with the baby, she however wont let me. She is scared that if i have a seizure whilst looking after the baby by myself that something serious could happen, also she wont let me wake up during the night to help because she is worried that if i dont get enough sleep i will have a seizure. The only help that i am able to give is by doing house work such as, cooking and cleaning and changing nappies when she is awake. I fully understand her concern, but i think if she puts too much pressure on herself she will suffer post-natal depression.
Are there any other dads out there that have been in a similar situation, or mothers out there that have been in her situation? If so a bit of advise of how you got through it would be a great help,
Thanks, Dave
By davnic13 at Fri, 11/13/2009 - 7:02pm | 30 views | 4 comments
Topic: Parent Group
Related Content
View all Forums
Kesai-... |
Hismom |
 listen... |
twaiku |
 breathe |
 sheilat |
 ayouch |
ayouch |
lorist... |
lorist... |
sparkbird |
lorist... |
krisni... |
speedy... |
 wyboemail |
4Jordie |
4Jordie |
4Jordie |
KLP |
 epi_help |
penson... |
Kutter... |
Kutter... |
TheHam |
natter... |
Recent Comments on this Discussion
Hi Dave!
Congratulations on becoming a Dad! I too am a father and have an adorable 3 year old daughter. Actually I can't blame your wife for being concerned. One night I was home alone asleep with my daughter (wife was working very late) and my daughter got sick. When I woke up to clean up the mess apparently I had a seizure (my daughter kept saying "daddy fall down"). I'm one of those with epilepsy who is especially vulnerable when I first wake up and I suspect the smell probably triggered the seizure. Anyway my dosage was changed but I recognize that seizures are always a risk for me when I wake up. There are lots of ways to help your wife. Mine is especially appreciative when I make my daughers breakfast, clean the dishes, the house, etc...Congratulations again!
Hi Dave,
I'm 20+ years ahead of you on the perenting front, I have a 24 year old and 22 year old twins. All three were little babies when I had a brain haemmorhage and developed epilepsy. My wife was worried that I might not cope but I proved her wrong. For months I would get up in the night with her, then after a while she could see I was able to cope and she left it to me to look after them during the night. It is all about showing her you can cope. Good luck and enjoying being a father.
I have a 3 year old son, that is my biggest fear is having a seizure while he is in my care. I honestly don't blame your wife though, with a newborn things are critical. If she insists on caring for the baby and is afraid, let face it, she has a point. I don't like it anymore that you do, it kind of makes you feel like less of a man when you can't care for your child. But while the baby is in the newborn stages, help her in other ways such as putting out the things she needs for a diaper change, drawing the bath water for the baby so she won't have to. getting her everything that she needs out to do whatever it is she is preparing to do with the baby will help tremendously. I've been through the same thing myself, but if you just be there and show that your trying and give the support, I everything will work itself out.
Hi. I have been through a similar situation with my wife and now 12-year-old daughter. What you need to do is to relax. The more anxiety and stress that you put on yourself to be a great father will increase the likelihood of seizures. As you know, having seizures do not help anyone. So think of prevention of seizures as your major task, not prevention of your wife's post-natal depression. Within that boundary you will be doing numerous things to contribute to the growth of your daughter.
Eventually you will have to explain to your daughter what epilepsy is and why you get seizures, but that is beyond the bounds of this message. Concentrate on working with your wife to relieve her stress and relax in order to relieve your stress. Parenting is a 24-hour, 365-day a week job. Believe me, you will have plenty of chances to contribute!
Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions.