advice my First Child on the way

Hi SeanDH, Thank you for posting and congratulations on expecting your first child! We know this is a very exciting time, but we do understand your concerns. It’s important that you’re following-up with your doctor to determine what individual treatment plan is best for you and if you experience changes in seizure types, frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms. Parents who have just had a baby will have disturbed sleep (interrupted or not enough sleep), extra work and stress -- and for people with epilepsy these factors can increase the risk of seizures. Review our safety tips to consider & the importance of having a support system in place: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy/after-baby-born https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/special-populations/men-and-epilepsy A key part of managing epilepsy is knowing how it can affect a person's independence and day-to-day needs. Visit our independent living pages here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/independent-living  to learn more about resources that are available & when help is needed. Create a seizure response or action plan, which is a helpful tool for those close to you understand what do if you have a seizure:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms Track your seizures, record your medical history, set reminders, record side effects, moods, or other personal experiences, by using a diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryReviewour seizure alert device factsheet with your doctor, to see if a seizure alert device is an option for you:  https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdfAdditionally, you may contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.epilepsy.com/helpline Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates  to find support groups, events, and programs in your community.

About 40% of what we do every day is done out of habit. One of the most important things I had to l do was learn to cook without using a stove. After a seizure I'd be all confused and groggy, yet I would find myself cooking on the stove after a seizure. It was dangerous because I wouldn't always remember to turn the burner off, I'd forget I had started making food on the stove, etc. So, realizing habit was why I did what I did after a seizure,  I started had to learn new habits.I bought a small toaster oven that shut off automatically when the timer shut off. I started always  using the microwave for cooking vegetables. One cup of vegetables, a tablespoon of water, and put them in a bowl in the microwave for the recommended number of minutes. I also used a rice cooker and a slow cooker. Now I cook using one of my three electric pressure cookers. Another thing I did was start buying frozen vegetables rather than fresh. If you don't feel up to making the meal you'd planned to make, frozen vegetables won't spoil. Both of my kids are adults now.  I was able to care for them and do chores even when I couldn't think clearly because of habits developed.

thanks for sharing, i have the same concerns about becoming a mother.