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Parenting masterclasses for people with spinal injuries
Are you or your partner spinal cord injured and contemplating parenthood, but daunted or confused by the lack of practical information and advice? The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) has recently launched a FREE one day Master Class through the SIA Academy which is designed to provide information and insight to anyone who is considering becoming a parent following a spinal cord injury. This Master Class, Parenting, is delivered by spinal cord injured trainers who have all become parents after their injury, and is held at one of the regional Spinal Cord Injury Centres (SCICs).
This one day course covers fertility issues and pre-pregnancy planning - looking at the options available to assist conception, considering what needs to be reviewed prior to pregnancy (eg. medication), and where to go to get support and further information. It then explores how pregnancy might impact on personal care issues, discusses what needs to be planned before the delivery and the choices available for childbirth. The options of fostering or adoption are also explored.
It then looks at how to coping with a new baby, aids and equipment that might be of help and how to get support through individuals and organisations. Information on possible funding and benefits, your rights and legislation will also be discussed.
Details of training dates and online booking can be found on SIA's website.
Although the Master Class is aimed at spinal cord injured people, partners, relatives and PAs are also welcome to attend, as are any health professionals working in the spinal cord injury field. If you need more information or have any queries please contact Karen Mikalsen, SIA Academy Co-ordinator, on 0845 678 6633 (k.mikalsen@spinal.co.uk).