272 chapter 12: Caring for your baby
If you use a wheelchair or a cart
It can be difficult to hold a baby in your arms or on your
lap if you use both your hands to push your wheelchair.
But if you can wear a sling around your neck, you can
hold the baby safely in it as you roll. Tie the sling to your
waist with a strap so that the sling does not bump the
baby around.
When the baby grows, you can use a harness that
supports the baby while she sits on your lap.
A baby cushion like this, that ties
around your waist, will help you to
hold your baby safely in your lap.
If you use sign language
If you are a mother who uses sign language to communicate, you can also
use a sling to hold your baby so your hands are free to sign.
If your have seizures (“fits,” epilepsy)
If you are someone who gets seizures or “fits,” you will know best how
often you get them and how severe they are. If you have a
seizure while you are holding a small baby and you drop
her, she could be badly hurt or even killed.
If possible, try to always have someone who does not
have seizures with you and the baby. If you live by yourself,
or are sometimes alone with the baby, make a safe space in
the room or house and keep the baby there all the time.
Do not walk around with the baby, and make sure there
are no sharp edges on things like chairs or tables. This way, if you have a seizure
while you and the baby are alone, the baby will be safe until the seizure is over. It
will also be safer to put the baby on the floor when you feed, bathe, or dress her.
When the baby is a little older and can crawl or walk, put a gate or barrier across
an open doorway or any steps, so that the baby is safe even if you have a seizure and
are recovering.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007