Becoming a parent post-TBI

[ooerr]

Hi all.

Has anyone here become a parent after their brain injury? What challenges did you face and how did you cope with them? If anyone is willing to share any stories and advice that would be great.

[lcd8]

Hi there. My BI is a congenital one that occurred when I was a teenager. So yes, I became a parent after it. My first challenge was that I needed to give birth by C-Section. My medical condition is one where pressure/strain is dangerous for me. I can't say I really faced many other difficulties until I needed an emergency operation when my child was 3. Fortunately my mum and stepdad were very supportive and looked after her, taking her into the day nursery she already attended. As my children grew I had to try to explain mummy's condition to them and make sure they'd know what to do in an emergency. I also explained that I needed extra sleep, sometimes got 'twinges' and little things like that. They are 20 and 16 now though and completely understand.