This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
As a first-time mother with epilepsy, managing your condition while caring for your baby can be a daunting task. However, with the right knowledge and precautions, you can ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
According to the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC), mothers with epilepsy often worry about their child's safety, the unpredictability of seizures, feelings of inadequacy, and the burden of responsibility on their children.
One of the key concerns for mothers with epilepsy is the risk of seizures while caring for their baby. To mitigate this risk, it's essential to identify and avoid triggers that can cause seizures. While triggers vary from person to person, being aware of them can make a significant difference in managing the condition.
When it comes to caring for your baby, there are several precautions you can take to ensure their safety. For instance, when bathing your baby, consider 'top and tailing' them instead of bathing them in a tub. This involves washing your baby's face and bottom with water from a shallow bowl. If your baby can move around, make sure the bowl of water is out of their reach when they're not bathing.
Additionally, changing your baby on the floor instead of a changing table or bed can be safer. Keeping nappies and changing materials on each floor of the house can also prevent accidents. When feeding your baby, sit on the floor with your back well-supported to prevent them from falling onto a hard surface in case you have a seizure.
Finally, consider labeling food and milk containers with the date and time you prepared them to ensure you remember when you last fed your baby.
- The writer is the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) National Secretary (Kenya), and an Epilepsy Awareness ambassador
