[blparent] Diapering and caring for a baby

[Karla Hudson]

Hi Michael babcock,  

I think the most important thing in parenting is that you keep your
confidents.  As with most situations the sighted will think they can do it
quicker and better.  Do not let others take over when it seems like you do
not have control of diapering or caring for your baby.  The best practice
will be the bonding you have with your own child.  Remember most babies cry
when diapered no matter what you do to sooth them.  New babies do not like
being cold or undressed.  A wiggly baby can seem almost impossible to take
on especially in the middle of the night when your super tired.  It is
important to know that sighted and blind parents alike often feel
overwhelmed.  

This said, caring for your own child is the most rewarding experience you
will ever have if you let yourself grow and learn about your baby.  I can
say all of this as I have two children and both my husband and I are blind.
We have truly cared for our children all on our own.  We have no relatives
helping us.  As we like to say at our house, "we do it all bye, bye
ourselves."  We learned the "bye, bye our self" phrase from our four
year-old.  My husband had never changed a diaper in his life and neither had
I although I had baby sat for preschool aged children.  We learned
everything by just experiencing our baby.  Of course, read lots of books but
nothing will prepare you for being responsible for another human being.
What a joyous experience!

Good luck!  

Karla