Having a baby after severe brain injury

[Braininjurysurvivor]

Hi everyone has anyone gone on to have children after their injury I’ve always wanted more children and since the accident I had I feel like I won’t be able to I just want other peoples views please

[Pairofboots]

I don't have experience in this area of life, but physically I can't see a problem with the initial part, get pregnant, the 18yrs following..........😉

I'd have a chat with your GP 🍀

[saville75]

Hey there Braininjurysurvivor, I had a severe TBI when I was 33. At that point I had a good career and knew eventually that I wanted children but had to urge. When I woke from my coma, having a baby was my number one priority and my husband agreed. Once I was back on my feet we tried naturally - no luck and then IVF. At that point I was seeing a neuro specialised psychologist with the NHS. She had to stop seeing me but the last thing she said was that when I'm going to have a baby then I can get back in touch with her. In 2016 I was pregnant with my boy Jack and I got back in touch with her. Once I'd had my little boy, the noise he made - as they all do! - bothered me as I have become sensitive to loud noise. At that point my husband would come into the room, tell me to go so I can recover from it and then come back. That worked, although I felt really guilty that I had to leave my lad for a while. This became less and less often. Jack is now five years old and I can't remember the last time I had to abandon ship! Good luck X

[Kind345 in reply to saville75]

I didn’t have children after my tbi but I had two prior. The youngest being a very active five year old at the time. Like you, the noise triggered me along with constant movements. I too felt guilty about not being constantly involved with both my children. I would go to activities with them but stay in the car until was able to get out and walk around. My Neuro psych explained to me that “you can’t pour from an empty jug” and I needed to do self care in order to get better so I can care for others. The support of my husband was particularly helpful during this era of our lives.

[headwayuk Partner Headway]

Hi, I just wanted to point you in the direction of the parenting information on our website: headway.org.uk/about-brain-...

On this page you can explore some of the links, and download our 'Parenting after brain injury' booklet in the related resources section.

Best wishes,

Andrew

[Prettythings1]

Hello

I had a severe brain haemorrhage at 21 that paralysed my left side of my body, it also left partially sighted and with epilepsy. I have a lot of mobility issues I never got the movement back in my arm that was affected from the stroke.

Like you I always wanted children I feel very lucky to have been able to have them.

When I was 32 I fell pregnant with my daughter who is now4

And at 34 I fell pregnant with my son who is now 2.

It is definitely the best thing I’ve ever done at times it is very hard and I get frustrated because I have to do everything with one hand and sometimes it can be quite challenging changing a very wriggly baby/ toddlers nappy with one hand whilst simultaneously dealing with a demanding 4 year old at the same time! (did have my two very close together) I must like a challenge haha!!

I did have a lot of negative comments with some members of my family who seemed to enjoy listing the things that they thought I wouldn’t able to do without offering anything constructive in return.

The same people were always very negative about everything I wanted to try and do and never offered support or help but always had an opinion.

Unfortunately these types of people exist you just have to ignore them!

If it’s something you really want to do I would definitely look into it maybe ask your doctor for advice! It is truly the best thing I’ve ever done

Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions xx

[Braininjurysurvivor in reply to Prettythings1]

You are absolutely amazing well done for what you are doing you should be really proud of yourself thank you for your message xx

[Prettythings1 in reply to Braininjurysurvivor]

Thank you that means so much! I was proud of myself today I had an appointment my eldest was in school, so after dropping her off I got the bus to town for an appointment and looked around the shops! Then got the bus back I’ve not tried the bus for a while!

Good luck I hope you get there with it xx

[Hidden]

Hello,

I know my daughter who is young and has no children wants to have children at some stage. She had a TBI and fractured skull and was told that if she ever had children she would not be able to do so naturally and would have to have a cascarian section. I think this is due to the “pushing” part. She has a metal plate inside her head. I appreciate it may be different for you depending on your injury.

[bonfire]

No I wouldn’t be able to cope. It is a very serious decision. It is for life.

[lcd8]

Hi there. I have a congenital BI so its slightly different. But I've had 2 children since I was diagnosed (at 14).