Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood for physically disabled parents
1. Introduction
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This guide is available in print and other formats. See Publications.
Becoming a parent is one of the biggest life changes you are ever likely to experience. Expecting a baby can be extremely exciting. However, it is also common to have questions and concerns about the pregnancy and birth, and how you will cope as a new parent. All new parents need to make practical and emotional adjustments when their new baby arrives.
If you are physically disabled, you may have extra concerns, such as how your disability may affect your pregnancy and birth and vice versa. You may also have questions about the accessibility of antenatal and maternity services. Plus there may be practical challenges in caring for your baby.
DPPI has compiled this guide to help physically disabled parents and parents-to-be. It may also assist professionals working with them in understanding how to meet the needs of this group. Each disabled parent faces a unique set of circumstances and challenges. The information provided in this guide is by no means exhaustive. It is intended to provide ideas and guidance as a starting point for thinking about disability, pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
While some sections apply specifically to mothers-to-be, the guide is aimed at both disabled mothers and fathers, and their partners. For simplicity this guide refers to the parent as female and the baby as male.
The government provides all pregnant women and new parents with free health information (available in different formats). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Department of Health publishes The pregnancy book and Birth to five. In Scotland, NHS Health Scotland produces Ready steady baby! and Ready steady toddler! Details can be found in the Useful resources section at the end of this guide.
Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: a guide for physically disabled parents is produced by DPPI and part funded by the Department of Health to empower physically disabled parents.
At relevant points throughout the guide, we refer to other resources, such as publications and equipment, as well as organisations, which might be helpful. Please see the Useful resources section for details of publishers, product suppliers and other useful organisations. Please contact DPPI for further information.
Some useful websites are also referred to in the guide; please go to the Useful Resources Chapter for a list of direct links to specific web pages and other updates.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all the disabled parents, professionals and representatives from the following organisations for their helpful advice and comments:
Advice Service Capability Scotland, Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation, De Montfort University, Disability Action (Belfast), Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare (USA), Health and Social Services Department of the Welsh Assembly Government, Lewisham PCT (Health visitor team), NCT (National Childbirth Trust), and Parents for Inclusion.
We welcome comments, ideas and feedback on all DPPI publications.
Sharing your experiences
DPPI is always pleased to hear from disabled parents or the professionals who work with them. If you would like to comment on this guide, share your disabled parenting experiences, or pass on any other information to benefit other disabled parents, please contact the DPPI Information Service. Details are on page 2.