[blparent] Home schooling as a blind parent

Sat Feb 6 05:53:21 UTC 2010

As for the blind thing, I would suggest you take all things in stride.  As I have found, most things can be solved with commone sense.  Research different home schooling materials, utilize all resources available to you, and do not forget that, legally, public schools must offer courses to homeschool students.  So if there is a topic you are not comfortable with, or as your children move into advance subjects they can always go to a public school to receive this training.  The public schools also should allow homeschoolers to participate in extra-curricular activities.  I would check into your states laws.

As I was homeschooled for a bit as a kid, I can tell you it is vital to allow your children to participate in different social activities such as sports, youthgroup, clubs, etc.  Just like public school, you also must set a schedule.  No sleeping in or slacking off.  Just because you are at home does not mean the kids can skip a day.  *smile*  However, incorporate chores and play into the curriculum.  They won't be just sitting around, but school will become interactive.

My mom purchased real school desk, and we had a small library.  If you would like more info my mother would love to help I am sure.  She has homeschooled her own children as well as neighbor kids, and she has been a teacher for 15 years.

Good luck with everything.  My husband and I, who are both blind as well, are looking to adopt too.

Bridgit

> From: blparent-request at nfbnet.org
> Subject: blparent Digest, Vol 69, Issue 6
> To: blparent at nfbnet.org
> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:00:01 -0600
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> Today's Topics:
> 
> 1. advice on bloody noses (Bridgit Pollpeter)
> 2. Off topic electric cars (Karla Hudson)
> 3. Re: advice on bloody noses (Jo Elizabeth Pinto)
> 4. Homeschooling as a Blind parent (Miranda Borka)
> 5. Re: he's coming home! (Veronica Smith)
> 6. Re: advice on bloody noses (Veronica Smith)
> 7. Re: frustrated (Deborah Kent Stein)
> 8. Re: falling asleep? (Deborah Kent Stein)
> 9. Re: falling asleep? (Grace Pires)
> 10. Re: falling asleep? (Jo Elizabeth Pinto)
> 11. Re: falling asleep? (Tammy, Paul and Colyn)
> 12. Re: Off topic electric cars (Deborah Kent Stein)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:52:35 -0600
> From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
> To: <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [blparent] advice on bloody noses
> Message-ID: <SNT136-w59DAAB56D2DDC247464A43C4550 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> 
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> 
> Okay, here is the situation. Very little I have found difficult to do as a blind person, but my little girl, who is 4-1/2, gets bloody noses often. She does not always tell me right away. As a totally blind person, does anyone have advice on some alternative techniques, if there are any, to discover and deal with this problem? I found her last time in bed crying over her nose, but we had a talk and she now understand that there is nothing wrong with this, but she needs to tell me right away.
> 
> 
> 
> For the record, there is nothing wrong, the bloody nose is mostly due to this dry, winter weather.
> 
> 
> 
> Bridgit
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 14:47:06 -0500
> From: "Karla Hudson" <HudsonKC at msu.edu>
> To: <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [blparent] Off topic electric cars
> Message-ID: <67B4D3F27E584F8E8E46DC7392622CE8 at KarlaPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Sorry group I am going to get off topic here. I live in Michigan and before
> you know it their going to be rolling these electric cars off the assembly
> line and into a neighborhood near all of us. Can anyone tell what is being
> done to make these things audible? Who or what group is working on this
> problem. I am sure I am not telling any of you any thing new but this is
> not only dangerous for blind people it is also a problem for small children,
> bikers and runners as well as other groups. What can be done? I walk so
> much I would hate to have that freedom taken from me. 
> 
> Any info you have will be helpful. 
> 
> Karla 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:20:37 -0700
> From: "Jo Elizabeth Pinto" <jopinto at pcdesk.net>
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] advice on bloody noses
> Message-ID: <998B675A7BE54C91BD26A51FACC357B6 at D6D5W7C1>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
> 
> Hi. I get bloody noses often myself because of the dry weather in the 
> winter. Running a humidifier in the house constantly helps me tremendously. 
> The other thing is, when you get bloodstains on fabric or upholstered 
> furniture, wet down the stain with cold water and rub powdered meat 
> tenderizer into it, then leave it to set for a little while and scrub it 
> off. Meat tenderizer is made to break down blood in meat, but it does 
> wonders for blood on clothing and bedding as well. Hope this helps.
> 
> Jo Elizabeth
> 
> Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify 
> the hunters.--African Proverb
> 
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:52 PM
> To: <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [blparent] advice on bloody noses
> 
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> >
> >
> > Okay, here is the situation. Very little I have found difficult to do as 
> > a blind person, but my little girl, who is 4-1/2, gets bloody noses often. 
> > She does not always tell me right away. As a totally blind person, does 
> > anyone have advice on some alternative techniques, if there are any, to 
> > discover and deal with this problem? I found her last time in bed crying 
> > over her nose, but we had a talk and she now understand that there is 
> > nothing wrong with this, but she needs to tell me right away.
> >
> >
> >
> > For the record, there is nothing wrong, the bloody nose is mostly due to 
> > this dry, winter weather.
> >
> >
> >
> > Bridgit
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
> > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> > blparent:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/jopinto%40pcdesk.net
> > 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:08:27 -0500
> From: Miranda Borka <knownoflove at aol.com>
> To: Blind Parents <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [blparent] Homeschooling as a Blind parent
> Message-ID: <bc9.65fad2b9.389c9eac at aim.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> 
> Hi,
> My husband and I are totally blind, and are wondering if any of you home school your children? If so, could you provide any resources and advice on how to best go about this as someone who is blind?
> We don't yet have children, but are looking into adopting from our state's fostercare system. We want to be as prepared as possible, so we're not playing the last-minute scramble game.
> Thanks in advance, and have a great day!
> 
> In Christ, Miranda
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 15:21:54 -0700
> From: "Veronica Smith" <madison_tewe at spinn.net>
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] he's coming home!
> Message-ID: <000c01caa5e8$75015de0$5f0419a0$@net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> I used to put Gab in what I call Sweet peas. I think the real name for them
> are layettes. Anyway they look like a nightgown with elastic at the bottom.
> v
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Jessica Lucken
> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 7:07 AM
> To: 'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [blparent] he's coming home!
> 
> Leslie, congrats on Michael coming home so soon! I think most of the people
> on this list gave the advice I would give, but the one thing I'll add is,
> don't feel like you have to put him in fancy several piece outfits at this
> stage. Once piece pagamas with feet so you don't have to worry about socks
> are just fine, that's what Owen wears at this point. Good luck, and you'll
> do great with the diapering too, just watach out for pee, it happens to all
> of us! :)
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Leslie Hamric
> Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 2:43 PM
> To: 'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'
> Subject: [blparent] he's coming home!
> 
> Hi all. Thanks to all who responded about my sleep issue question. I'm
> feeling more confident at the moment so that's good. So Michael's coming
> home this evening after Andy gets off work! I can't believe it! In a way,
> I'm relieved because I won't have the nurses watching over me like hawks. I
> did, however, get my favorite nurse at the hospital today and she stood back
> and let me do my thing which was also good. I did another diaper change
> independently and also put him in one of his new outfits independently.
> We'll have to get some premie outfits for him because the ones I have are
> still too big on him. I'm also feeling every other kind of feeling in the
> book from excitement to nervousness to simply anticipation of the future.
> I'm actually in shock that he's coming home but am also looking forward to
> it as well. His room looks really nice too. Well, guess I'll go enjoy my
> last few hours of being by myself around here. Again, I appreciate all the
> support and look forward to sharing more mommy/Michael adventures on the
> list.
> 
> Leslie
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> 
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> nn.net
> 
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> 12:35:00
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 15:24:26 -0700
> From: "Veronica Smith" <madison_tewe at spinn.net>
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] advice on bloody noses
> Message-ID: <000d01caa5e8$cfca5560$6f5f0020$@net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Mine still doesn't tell me. But the way my Dr. told me to stop them quickly
> is either have your child drink ice water or suck on an ice cube. V
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Bridgit Pollpeter
> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:53 PM
> To: blparent at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [blparent] advice on bloody noses
> 
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> 
> Okay, here is the situation. Very little I have found difficult to do as a
> blind person, but my little girl, who is 4-1/2, gets bloody noses often.
> She does not always tell me right away. As a totally blind person, does
> anyone have advice on some alternative techniques, if there are any, to
> discover and deal with this problem? I found her last time in bed crying
> over her nose, but we had a talk and she now understand that there is
> nothing wrong with this, but she needs to tell me right away.
> 
> 
> 
> For the record, there is nothing wrong, the bloody nose is mostly due to
> this dry, winter weather.
> 
> 
> 
> Bridgit
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/
> _______________________________________________
> blparent mailing list
> blparent at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blparent:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/madison_tewe%40spi
> nn.net
> 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2666 - Release Date: 02/03/10
> 12:35:00
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:06:08 -0600
> From: "Deborah Kent Stein" <dkent5817 at worldnet.att.net>
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] frustrated
> Message-ID: <024401caa5ee$a35274d0$640aa8c0 at Debbie>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
> 
> 
> 
> Hi, V.,
> 
> Bookshare has a Support at bookshare.org link that I have bound usually brings 
> a quick reqponse. I hope you can get this straightened out, it's a great 
> service!
> 
> Debbie
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Veronica Smith" <madison_tewe at spinn.net>
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 2:23 PM
> Subject: [blparent] frustrated
> 
> 
> > For some time I have tried to become a member of Bookshare. I got the
> > disability requirements and I get newsletters from them regularly, but I
> > cannot order a book or even find the info to tell them that their website
> > keeps rejecting me. It continuously tells me that my password is invalid
> > and then I request another and type it in and again, password invalid. 
> > Any
> > suggestions or does someone have a phone number in which to call them.
> > Thanks, Frustrated in NM. V
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> > blparent:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dkent5817%40worldnet.att.net 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 8
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 20:05:54 -0600
> From: "Deborah Kent Stein" <dkent5817 at worldnet.att.net>
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> Message-ID: <033e01caa607$c0260720$640aa8c0 at Debbie>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
> 
> 
> 
> Dear Leslie,
> 
> In the Summer 2009 issue of Future Reflections we ran an article by the 
> mother of a totally blind child with what sounds like a similar sleep 
> problem. A sleep clinic recommended light box therapy which has apparently 
> helped a lot. You sit in front of the light box for about half an hour at 
> the same time each morning and somehow it helps the body regulate its sleep 
> cycles.
> 
> Debbie
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Leslie Hamric" <lhamric930 at comcast.net>
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:54 AM
> Subject: [blparent] falling asleep?
> 
> 
> > Hi All. I was wondering if you could give me any ideas, as I'm running 
> > into
> > a problem that could be potentially serious. Its happened a few times 
> > where
> > I've fallen asleep with my baby in my arms. The first time it happened, 
> > one
> > of the nurses saw it and she informed me that I could potentially 
> > suffocate
> > my baby by doing this. The problem is that I don't always know I'm getting
> > sleepy unless someone tells me I am or until I start nodding off. I had a
> > sleep study done in 2004 and the specialist said I have a non 24 hour 
> > sleep
> > cycle and the only way to remedy that is to get a full 8 hours of sleep at
> > the same time every night. Well, we both know that's virtually impossible
> > now that I'm a new mom. Have you ever had this problem and if so, what
> > kinds of things did you do to stay awake while holding your baby? One 
> > thing
> > I've tried was having the radio on and that doesn't seem to help. Andy's
> > really worried about me too. He doesn't want me to fall asleep and
> > accidentally smother the baby. I don't want that either. I'm just at a
> > loss of how to solve this issue. I've heard other blind people having the
> > same problem since they don't get the light stimulation.
> >
> > Leslie
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> > blparent:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dkent5817%40worldnet.att.net 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 9
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 22:01:20 -0500
> From: "Grace Pires" <silvara at cox.net>
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> Message-ID: <006001caa60f$7e2d78f0$7a886ad0$@net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Exactly, mine traveled all over my apartment. 
> I also loved the bouncer because when he was awake I could keep him near me
> while I did chores. He didn't care for the swing much. 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Jo Elizabeth Pinto
> Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 10:25 PM
> To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> 
> The other thing about a bassinet is that it is often on wheels, so it can be
> 
> easily moved from room to room. The one I had could also be taken off the 
> wheeled frame and used as a sort of sleeping basket. I found it very 
> versatile.
> 
> Jo Elizabeth
> 
> Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify 
> the hunters.--African Proverb
> 
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Grace Pires" <silvara at cox.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:08 PM
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> 
> > I have to say, I absolutely loved my bissonette because my son could sleep
> > right next to me. I didn't have to get out of bed to check on him. I
> > actually was glad my cousin didn't listen to me and gave it to me as baby
> > shower gift.
> > I had a pack and play but the bissonette was a better fit for my room
> > because it was smaller and the same height as my bed.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> > Behalf Of Leslie Hamric
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:45 PM
> > To: 'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'
> > Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >
> > I have a pack n play so that might work too as a cosleeper.
> > Leslie
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> > Behalf Of Jessica Lucken
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 11:33 AM
> > To: 'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'
> > Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >
> > I agree with Tammy, I actually slep with Owen last night, because he is
> > going through a growth spurt and was at the breast all day yesterday and 
> > I
> > needed sleep. I have a co-sleeper which I really like too as it is at the
> > level of the bed mattress so I can roll him in/out and change him and
> > everything without getting out of my bed. They are kind of pricy, but I
> > know they have cheaper ones on Craig's list, I just got mine before I
> > thought to check there. They go up t olike 20 lbs so you can also use 
> > them
> > as a portable crib too, though, they aren't as versatile as a pack and 
> > play,
> > but they are skinnier so ift into more places. I think mine is the
> > co-sleeper mini.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> > Behalf Of Tammy, Paul and Colyn
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 9:10 AM
> > To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
> > Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > I don't agree with that either. I think that what works for one parent
> > won't always work for another parant, and if you are careful and patient
> > you'll find what works for you.
> >
> > Tammy
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "DIANNA ALLEY" <dianna24 at earthlink.net>
> > To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 1:30 AM
> > Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >
> >
> >> Well I don't know that the nurse is saying that. a lot of doctors say
> >> that you should not sleep with your child on you now. I don't agree.
> >> They also say you should keep your child on her or his back to sleep. If
> >> I did that I would have been up all the time and never slept. I just
> >> watch her really well.
> >> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >> From: "Tammy, Paul and Colyn" <tcl189 at rogers.com>
> >> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:00 PM
> >> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>
> >>
> >>> Hi,
> >>>
> >>> Totally agree with you here. This issue may be a long-standing issue 
> >>> but
> >
> >>> being a new parent will make it worse, not better, and the insensativity
> >>> of some professionals due to their general lack of information or due to
> >>> their own inadequacies is very very annoying to say the least. It 
> >>> sounds
> >
> >>> to me like the nurse you're dealing with is trying to find reasons why
> >>> you can't take care of your child and this is not what she should be
> >>> doing. She should be trying to help you, or if she can't help you she
> >>> should find somebody who can. Remember that you're not supposed to know
> >>> all the answers right now, you're supposed to be the one asking 
> >>> questions
> >
> >>> and she's the one who should have all the answers. If she doesn't, then
> >>> she's at fault, not you.
> >>>
> >>> hth
> >>>
> >>> Tammy
> >>> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >>> From: "Dena Wainwright" <dena at envogueaccess.com>
> >>> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 6:17 PM
> >>> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>I get that. My only point is that if you are worried about falling
> >>>>asleep, there are precautions you can take to make the
> >>>>environment/situation safer so that when it happens, it isn't as
> >>>>dangerous for your baby. It makes me mad when nurses and other
> >>>>"professionals" try to terrify us into thinking we can't take care of 
> >>>>our
> >
> >>>>children. We have enough doubts about that as it is - both because of 
> >>>>our
> >
> >>>>blindness and our lack of experience as new parents. I'm not saying the
> >>>>nurse's concern isn't valid, but she could have offered solutions,
> >>>>instead of just saying that it should never happen. I mean, get real.
> >>>>Anyone who has a newborn knows that you are like the walking dead. I
> >>>>think we'd wonder about someone who didn't fall asleep at the drop of a
> >>>>hat :). I know the issue is a long term one in this case, but I'm sure
> >>>>it's compounded by new motherhood and the body trying to make 
> >>>>breastmilk.
> >
> >>>>I was hoping to put some of her fears at ease by giving her some things
> >>>>she could try for when it does happen.
> >>>>
> >>>> Dena
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >>>> From: "sharon howerton" <shrnhow at att.net>
> >>>> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >>>> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 3:51 PM
> >>>> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>> Dena, I think your points are well taken and great; however, it sounds
> >>>>> to me, and I don't know this for sure, like Leslie has had a problem
> >>>>> with this sort of thing long before she had Michael. I don't know if
> >>>>> it's a blind thing, but it's happened to me, kids or no, and I know
> >>>>> it's definitely happened with my significant other who was sighted
> >>>>> until about 14 years ago. He can knock off at the drop of a hat and
> >>>>> attributes it to getting up early (4 AM routinely) and having worked
> >>>>> early mornings for many years requiring that he get up at 2:30 AM, but
> >>>>> he hasn't done that in many years. I have been better with this in
> >>>>> recent years but will admit that I have had this sort of problem even
> >>>>> at work; it was just something I could not control and needless to 
> >>>>> say,
> >
> >>>>> it was embarrassing.
> >>>>> Sharon
> >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >>>>> From: "Dena Wainwright" <dena at envogueaccess.com>
> >>>>> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >>>>> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:42 PM
> >>>>> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> OK...First, falling asleep while holding your baby isn't necessarily 
> >>>>>> a
> >
> >>>>>> bad thing if you prepare for that possibility. Yes, you absolutely
> >>>>>> must be more careful initially, both because he is extra tiny, and
> >>>>>> because he lacks head control. Yes, you could smother him - if you
> >>>>>> fell asleep with blankets over you both, tons of fluffy pillows all
> >>>>>> around you, with his face smushed into your body or clothing so he
> >>>>>> couldn't breathe, etc., but falling asleep with your baby in your 
> >>>>>> arms
> >
> >>>>>> does not automatically equate to a suffocation hazard.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> For the first several months of Elise's life, the only way she would
> >>>>>> sleep is literally on my body. Maybe there are those who would
> >>>>>> disagree with this strategy, but if you've never had a child who
> >>>>>> absolutely would not sleep without physical contact (I mean for more
> >>>>>> than 10 minutes at a time...ever) then I'm not really interested in
> >>>>>> hearing how horrible you think it is. I thought (before I had this
> >>>>>> kind of baby) that cosleeping was stupid. I couldn't understand why
> >>>>>> anyone in their right mind would want to do it, especially when their
> >>>>>> child had a perfectly good crib or bassinette... Then I found myself
> >>>>>> in the situation where I probably wouldn't have gotten more than 2
> >>>>>> hours of sleep a day if I wasn't holding my baby, and suddenly it
> >>>>>> didn't seem so dumb.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Here are a couple of things you can do.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> If you do want to sleep with him:
> >>>>>> First, you can lay in the middle of your bed (with every blanket but
> >>>>>> the fitted sheet taken off of it). You can place a very firm pillow
> >>>>>> under your head (no other pillows of any kind should be on the bed).
> >>>>>> You can wear warm (but non-bulky) clothing to keep yourself from
> >>>>>> getting cold. If you really want to, you can put a bed rail on the
> >>>>>> bed, but I found that given that I was a good couple of feet from the
> >>>>>> edges, I didn't really need to. However, if you don't have the luxury
> >>>>>> of your own bed (we have a guest room, which made shift-taking easier
> >>>>>> in the beginning), you might want a rail on your side. Then you can
> >>>>>> place your baby on your stomach. He will be laying tummy to tummy 
> >>>>>> with
> >
> >>>>>> you, with his head between your breasts. This is very soothing for 
> >>>>>> mom
> >
> >>>>>> and baby, and can increase milk production if done skin to skin. You
> >>>>>> won't need to put a lot of clothing on him if you're doing this, as
> >>>>>> your combined body heat will keep him very warm, and it is actually
> >>>>>> better to keep babies on the cooler side as opposed to the warmer
> >>>>>> side.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Another thing you can do is wear him in a pouch on your front. This
> >>>>>> would allow you to sit up with him, but still be able to hold him
> >>>>>> securely. I will preface the pouch suggestion by saying that you
> >>>>>> should *never* *never* put a newborn baby with no head control into a
> >>>>>> sling of any kind in the cradle position. The cradle position is 
> >>>>>> where
> >
> >>>>>> he is laying on his back across the front of your body (like he would
> >>>>>> be if you had one of your arms behind his head, and one under his bum
> >>>>>> and knees. This is an extremely dangerous position for such a young
> >>>>>> baby, because their chin can be pushed forward into their chest -
> >>>>>> cutting off their air supply. Because they are not able to move their
> >>>>>> head to accommodate this decreased air supply, they can literally
> >>>>>> suffocate to death in your arms. If you think I'm being
> >>>>>> overly-dramatic, my friend saw a 2 week old baby die in front of her
> >>>>>> because of this exact thing. If you want to use a pouch, the safest
> >>>>>> way to wear your baby is to put him in so that his body is parallel 
> >>>>>> to
> >
> >>>>>> yours. His stomach will be against your chest, his head will be under
> >>>>>> your chin, and his legs will be folded froggy-style (with his heels
> >>>>>> resting against his bum and his knees bowed outward). Even very tiny
> >>>>>> babies have the ability to minimally shift their head from side to
> >>>>>> side, even if they can't lift it up on their own. This position makes
> >>>>>> it less likely that his chin will be pushed down into his chest, and
> >>>>>> it will also make it easier for you to hear him breathing, because 
> >>>>>> his
> >
> >>>>>> face will be about 8 inches away from your own. Again, he won't need
> >>>>>> more than a onesie if he's in a pouch, as they are very warm. I got
> >>>>>> mine from
> >>>>>> www.kangarookorner.com
> >>>>>> Their staff is very helpful at describing their products, and
> >>>>>> assisting you with placing your order. They actually apologized to me
> >>>>>> that their site wasn't easier for me to use.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Hope some of this helps.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Dena
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >>>>>> From: "Leslie Hamric" <lhamric930 at comcast.net>
> >>>>>> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:54 AM
> >>>>>> Subject: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Hi All. I was wondering if you could give me any ideas, as I'm
> >>>>>>> running into
> >>>>>>> a problem that could be potentially serious. Its happened a few
> >>>>>>> times where
> >>>>>>> I've fallen asleep with my baby in my arms. The first time it
> >>>>>>> happened, one
> >>>>>>> of the nurses saw it and she informed me that I could potentially
> >>>>>>> suffocate
> >>>>>>> my baby by doing this. The problem is that I don't always know I'm
> >>>>>>> getting
> >>>>>>> sleepy unless someone tells me I am or until I start nodding off. I
> >>>>>>> had a
> >>>>>>> sleep study done in 2004 and the specialist said I have a non 24 
> >>>>>>> hour
> >
> >>>>>>> sleep
> >>>>>>> cycle and the only way to remedy that is to get a full 8 hours of
> >>>>>>> sleep at
> >>>>>>> the same time every night. Well, we both know that's virtually
> >>>>>>> impossible
> >>>>>>> now that I'm a new mom. Have you ever had this problem and if so,
> >>>>>>> what
> >>>>>>> kinds of things did you do to stay awake while holding your baby?
> >>>>>>> One thing
> >>>>>>> I've tried was having the radio on and that doesn't seem to help.
> >>>>>>> Andy's
> >>>>>>> really worried about me too. He doesn't want me to fall asleep and
> >>>>>>> accidentally smother the baby. I don't want that either. I'm just
> >>>>>>> at a
> >>>>>>> loss of how to solve this issue. I've heard other blind people
> >>>>>>> having the
> >>>>>>> same problem since they don't get the light stimulation.
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Leslie
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>>>> blparent mailing list
> >>>>>>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> >>>>>>> for
> >
> >>>>>>> blparent:
> >>>>>>>
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dena%40envogueacce
> > ss.com
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>>> blparent mailing list
> >>>>>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>>>>> blparent:
> >>>>>>
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/shrnhow%40att.net
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> blparent mailing list
> >>>>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>>>> blparent:
> >>>>>
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dena%40envogueacce
> > ss.com
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> blparent mailing list
> >>>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>>> blparent:
> >>>>
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/tcl189%40rogers.co
> > m
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> blparent mailing list
> >>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>> blparent:
> >>>
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dianna24%40earthli
> > nk.net
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> blparent mailing list
> >> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> blparent:
> >>
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/tcl189%40rogers.co
> > m
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > blparent:
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/pete1744%40umn.edu
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > blparent:
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/lhamric930%40comca
> > st.net
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > blparent:
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/silvara%40cox.net
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> > blparent:
> >
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/jopinto%40pcdesk.n
> et
> > 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> blparent mailing list
> blparent at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blparent:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/silvara%40cox.net
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 10
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 20:18:22 -0700
> From: "Jo Elizabeth Pinto" <jopinto at pcdesk.net>
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> Message-ID: <D4F5B59BC6F2463CAEFE0ECE0AF528EE at D6D5W7C1>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=response
> 
> I bought one of those light boxes for about $120 on EBay, and while I 
> haven't been as faithful with it as I could be, it does seem to help 
> regulate my sleep and my moods, especially in the wintertime.
> 
> Jo Elizabeth
> 
> Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify 
> the hunters.--African Proverb
> 
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Deborah Kent Stein" <dkent5817 at worldnet.att.net>
> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 7:05 PM
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> 
> >
> >
> > Dear Leslie,
> >
> > In the Summer 2009 issue of Future Reflections we ran an article by the 
> > mother of a totally blind child with what sounds like a similar sleep 
> > problem. A sleep clinic recommended light box therapy which has 
> > apparently helped a lot. You sit in front of the light box for about half 
> > an hour at the same time each morning and somehow it helps the body 
> > regulate its sleep cycles.
> >
> > Debbie
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Leslie Hamric" <lhamric930 at comcast.net>
> > To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> > Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:54 AM
> > Subject: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >
> >
> >> Hi All. I was wondering if you could give me any ideas, as I'm running 
> >> into
> >> a problem that could be potentially serious. Its happened a few times 
> >> where
> >> I've fallen asleep with my baby in my arms. The first time it happened, 
> >> one
> >> of the nurses saw it and she informed me that I could potentially 
> >> suffocate
> >> my baby by doing this. The problem is that I don't always know I'm 
> >> getting
> >> sleepy unless someone tells me I am or until I start nodding off. I had 
> >> a
> >> sleep study done in 2004 and the specialist said I have a non 24 hour 
> >> sleep
> >> cycle and the only way to remedy that is to get a full 8 hours of sleep 
> >> at
> >> the same time every night. Well, we both know that's virtually 
> >> impossible
> >> now that I'm a new mom. Have you ever had this problem and if so, what
> >> kinds of things did you do to stay awake while holding your baby? One 
> >> thing
> >> I've tried was having the radio on and that doesn't seem to help. Andy's
> >> really worried about me too. He doesn't want me to fall asleep and
> >> accidentally smother the baby. I don't want that either. I'm just at a
> >> loss of how to solve this issue. I've heard other blind people having 
> >> the
> >> same problem since they don't get the light stimulation.
> >>
> >> Leslie
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> blparent mailing list
> >> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> >> blparent:
> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dkent5817%40worldnet.att.net
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> > blparent:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/jopinto%40pcdesk.net
> > 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 11
> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:31:24 -0500
> From: "Tammy, Paul and Colyn" <tcl189 at rogers.com>
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> Message-ID: <F7D28D10D28A4B74A4375FC66B8B3D73 at tammyPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I always put my son to sleep on his back, but as soon as he was able to roll 
> over on his tummy he did, and I would find him in the morning sleeping with 
> his head in the corner, knees up underneath him with his butt up in the air. 
> I couldn't understand how that could be comfortable, but apparently it was 
> for him, and we never had any problems.
> 
> Tammy
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Melissa Ann Riccobono" <melissa at riccobono.us>
> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:12 PM
> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> 
> 
> > That is absolutely crazy! I've always heard that as soon as a baby is
> > strong enough to roll him or herself over onto his or her tummy in the 
> > crib,
> > then he or she is strong enough either to roll back over onto the back, or
> > to turn the head to help with breathing. I am glad you didn't lose sleep,
> > literally, by checking her.
> > Melissa
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> > Behalf Of Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC Inc)
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 10:40 AM
> > To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
> > Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >
> > I had a nurse tell me "Get up at night and check your baby and if she's
> > not on her back, roll her back onto her back". When I asked how and when
> > I was supposed to sleep, she said "I don't know".
> > I think the nurses and doctors too though more so the nurses deal with
> > the lowest common demonator in terms of patent intelligence, so they
> > have to doll out their guidance accordingly.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> > On Behalf Of DIANNA ALLEY
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 1:31 AM
> > To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
> > Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >
> > Well I don't know that the nurse is saying that. a lot of doctors say
> > that
> > you should not sleep with your child on you now. I don't agree. They
> > also
> > say you should keep your child on her or his back to sleep. If I did
> > that I
> > would have been up all the time and never slept. I just watch her
> > really
> > well.
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Tammy, Paul and Colyn" <tcl189 at rogers.com>
> > To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> > Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:00 PM
> > Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >
> >
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> Totally agree with you here. This issue may be a long-standing issue
> > but
> >> being a new parent will make it worse, not better, and the
> > insensativity
> >> of some professionals due to their general lack of information or due
> > to
> >> their own inadequacies is very very annoying to say the least. It
> > sounds
> >> to me like the nurse you're dealing with is trying to find reasons why
> > you
> >> can't take care of your child and this is not what she should be
> > doing.
> >> She should be trying to help you, or if she can't help you she should
> > find
> >> somebody who can. Remember that you're not supposed to know all the
> >> answers right now, you're supposed to be the one asking questions and
> >> she's the one who should have all the answers. If she doesn't, then
> > she's
> >> at fault, not you.
> >>
> >> hth
> >>
> >> Tammy
> >> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >> From: "Dena Wainwright" <dena at envogueaccess.com>
> >> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 6:17 PM
> >> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>
> >>
> >>>I get that. My only point is that if you are worried about falling
> > asleep,
> >>>there are precautions you can take to make the environment/situation
> > safer
> >>>so that when it happens, it isn't as dangerous for your baby. It makes
> > me
> >>>mad when nurses and other "professionals" try to terrify us into
> > thinking
> >>>we can't take care of our children. We have enough doubts about that
> > as it
> >>>is - both because of our blindness and our lack of experience as new
> >>>parents. I'm not saying the nurse's concern isn't valid, but she could
> >
> >>>have offered solutions, instead of just saying that it should never
> >>>happen. I mean, get real. Anyone who has a newborn knows that you are
> > like
> >>>the walking dead. I think we'd wonder about someone who didn't fall
> > asleep
> >>>at the drop of a hat :). I know the issue is a long term one in this
> > case,
> >>>but I'm sure it's compounded by new motherhood and the body trying to
> > make
> >>>breastmilk. I was hoping to put some of her fears at ease by giving
> > her
> >>>some things she could try for when it does happen.
> >>>
> >>> Dena
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >>> From: "sharon howerton" <shrnhow at att.net>
> >>> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 3:51 PM
> >>> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>> Dena, I think your points are well taken and great; however, it
> > sounds
> >>>> to me, and I don't know this for sure, like Leslie has had a problem
> >
> >>>> with this sort of thing long before she had Michael. I don't know if
> >
> >>>> it's a blind thing, but it's happened to me, kids or no, and I know
> > it's
> >>>> definitely happened with my significant other who was sighted until
> >>>> about 14 years ago. He can knock off at the drop of a hat and
> > attributes
> >>>> it to getting up early (4 AM routinely) and having worked early
> > mornings
> >>>> for many years requiring that he get up at 2:30 AM, but he hasn't
> > done
> >>>> that in many years. I have been better with this in recent years but
> >
> >>>> will admit that I have had this sort of problem even at work; it was
> >
> >>>> just something I could not control and needless to say, it was
> >>>> embarrassing.
> >>>> Sharon
> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >>>> From: "Dena Wainwright" <dena at envogueaccess.com>
> >>>> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >>>> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:42 PM
> >>>> Subject: Re: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>> OK...First, falling asleep while holding your baby isn't
> > necessarily a
> >>>>> bad thing if you prepare for that possibility. Yes, you absolutely
> > must
> >>>>> be more careful initially, both because he is extra tiny, and
> > because
> >>>>> he lacks head control. Yes, you could smother him - if you fell
> > asleep
> >>>>> with blankets over you both, tons of fluffy pillows all around you,
> >
> >>>>> with his face smushed into your body or clothing so he couldn't
> >>>>> breathe, etc., but falling asleep with your baby in your arms does
> > not
> >>>>> automatically equate to a suffocation hazard.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> For the first several months of Elise's life, the only way she
> > would
> >>>>> sleep is literally on my body. Maybe there are those who would
> > disagree
> >>>>> with this strategy, but if you've never had a child who absolutely
> >>>>> would not sleep without physical contact (I mean for more than 10
> >>>>> minutes at a time...ever) then I'm not really interested in hearing
> > how
> >>>>> horrible you think it is. I thought (before I had this kind of
> > baby)
> >>>>> that cosleeping was stupid. I couldn't understand why anyone in
> > their
> >>>>> right mind would want to do it, especially when their child had a
> >>>>> perfectly good crib or bassinette... Then I found myself in the
> >>>>> situation where I probably wouldn't have gotten more than 2 hours
> > of
> >>>>> sleep a day if I wasn't holding my baby, and suddenly it didn't
> > seem so
> >>>>> dumb.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Here are a couple of things you can do.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> If you do want to sleep with him:
> >>>>> First, you can lay in the middle of your bed (with every blanket
> > but
> >>>>> the fitted sheet taken off of it). You can place a very firm pillow
> >
> >>>>> under your head (no other pillows of any kind should be on the
> > bed).
> >>>>> You can wear warm (but non-bulky) clothing to keep yourself from
> >>>>> getting cold. If you really want to, you can put a bed rail on the
> > bed,
> >>>>> but I found that given that I was a good couple of feet from the
> > edges,
> >>>>> I didn't really need to. However, if you don't have the luxury of
> > your
> >>>>> own bed (we have a guest room, which made shift-taking easier in
> > the
> >>>>> beginning), you might want a rail on your side. Then you can place
> > your
> >>>>> baby on your stomach. He will be laying tummy to tummy with you,
> > with
> >>>>> his head between your breasts. This is very soothing for mom and
> > baby,
> >>>>> and can increase milk production if done skin to skin. You won't
> > need
> >>>>> to put a lot of clothing on him if you're doing this, as your
> > combined
> >>>>> body heat will keep him very warm, and it is actually better to
> > keep
> >>>>> babies on the cooler side as opposed to the warmer side.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Another thing you can do is wear him in a pouch on your front. This
> >
> >>>>> would allow you to sit up with him, but still be able to hold him
> >>>>> securely. I will preface the pouch suggestion by saying that you
> > should
> >>>>> *never* *never* put a newborn baby with no head control into a
> > sling of
> >>>>> any kind in the cradle position. The cradle position is where he is
> >
> >>>>> laying on his back across the front of your body (like he would be
> > if
> >>>>> you had one of your arms behind his head, and one under his bum and
> >
> >>>>> knees. This is an extremely dangerous position for such a young
> > baby,
> >>>>> because their chin can be pushed forward into their chest - cutting
> > off
> >>>>> their air supply. Because they are not able to move their head to
> >>>>> accommodate this decreased air supply, they can literally suffocate
> > to
> >>>>> death in your arms. If you think I'm being overly-dramatic, my
> > friend
> >>>>> saw a 2 week old baby die in front of her because of this exact
> > thing.
> >>>>> If you want to use a pouch, the safest way to wear your baby is to
> > put
> >>>>> him in so that his body is parallel to yours. His stomach will be
> >>>>> against your chest, his head will be under your chin, and his legs
> > will
> >>>>> be folded froggy-style (with his heels resting against his bum and
> > his
> >>>>> knees bowed outward). Even very tiny babies have the ability to
> >>>>> minimally shift their head from side to side, even if they can't
> > lift
> >>>>> it up on their own. This position makes it less likely that his
> > chin
> >>>>> will be pushed down into his chest, and it will also make it easier
> > for
> >>>>> you to hear him breathing, because his face will be about 8 inches
> > away
> >>>>> from your own. Again, he won't need more than a onesie if he's in a
> >
> >>>>> pouch, as they are very warm. I got mine from
> >>>>> www.kangarookorner.com
> >>>>> Their staff is very helpful at describing their products, and
> > assisting
> >>>>> you with placing your order. They actually apologized to me that
> > their
> >>>>> site wasn't easier for me to use.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Hope some of this helps.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Dena
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >>>>> From: "Leslie Hamric" <lhamric930 at comcast.net>
> >>>>> To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> >>>>> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:54 AM
> >>>>> Subject: [blparent] falling asleep?
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> Hi All. I was wondering if you could give me any ideas, as I'm
> >>>>>> running into
> >>>>>> a problem that could be potentially serious. Its happened a few
> > times
> >>>>>> where
> >>>>>> I've fallen asleep with my baby in my arms. The first time it
> >>>>>> happened, one
> >>>>>> of the nurses saw it and she informed me that I could potentially
> >>>>>> suffocate
> >>>>>> my baby by doing this. The problem is that I don't always know I'm
> >
> >>>>>> getting
> >>>>>> sleepy unless someone tells me I am or until I start nodding off.
> > I
> >>>>>> had a
> >>>>>> sleep study done in 2004 and the specialist said I have a non 24
> > hour
> >>>>>> sleep
> >>>>>> cycle and the only way to remedy that is to get a full 8 hours of
> >>>>>> sleep at
> >>>>>> the same time every night. Well, we both know that's virtually
> >>>>>> impossible
> >>>>>> now that I'm a new mom. Have you ever had this problem and if so,
> >
> >>>>>> what
> >>>>>> kinds of things did you do to stay awake while holding your baby?
> > One
> >>>>>> thing
> >>>>>> I've tried was having the radio on and that doesn't seem to help.
> >>>>>> Andy's
> >>>>>> really worried about me too. He doesn't want me to fall asleep and
> >>>>>> accidentally smother the baby. I don't want that either. I'm
> > just at
> >>>>>> a
> >>>>>> loss of how to solve this issue. I've heard other blind people
> > having
> >>>>>> the
> >>>>>> same problem since they don't get the light stimulation.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Leslie
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>>> blparent mailing list
> >>>>>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> > for
> >>>>>> blparent:
> >>>>>>
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dena%40envogue
> > access.com
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> blparent mailing list
> >>>>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> > for
> >>>>> blparent:
> >>>>>
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/shrnhow%40att.
> > net
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> blparent mailing list
> >>>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> > for
> >>>> blparent:
> >>>>
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dena%40envogue
> > access.com
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> blparent mailing list
> >>> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >
> >>> blparent:
> >>>
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/tcl189%40roger
> > s.com
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> blparent mailing list
> >> blparent at nfbnet.org
> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> blparent:
> >>
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dianna24%40ear
> > thlink.net
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > blparent:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/rebecca.pickre
> > ll%40tasc.com
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > blparent:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/melissa%40riccobon
> > o.us
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2664 - Release Date: 02/03/10
> > 03:09:00
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> > blparent:
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> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 12
> Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:28:31 -0600
> From: "Deborah Kent Stein" <dkent5817 at worldnet.att.net>
> To: "NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [blparent] Off topic electric cars
> Message-ID: <009301caa680$42737cd0$640aa8c0 at Debbie>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
> 
> 
> 
> Dear Carla,
> As parents we all walk our kids to one place or another - to school, to the
> store, to a friend's house, to the park. Concern about silently operating
> vehicles can have a tremendous impact on our freedom to travel with our
> kids. So, from that perspective, this isn't an off-topic post at all.
> 
> Through the NFB I have been very much involved in efforts to find solutions
> to the quiet car problem. Right now there are House and Senate bills making
> their way through Congress which call for a two-year study to come up with a
> mandated solution; the manufacturers then have two years to implement the
> solution that has been found. We are hoping to establish some kind of
> minimum sound standard that will not only apply to hybrid and electric
> vehicles but to all vehicles, as many standard combustion cars have gotten
> extremely quiet too. If you would like to find out more you can join the
> quiet cars listserv or visit quietcars.nfb.org.
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Karla Hudson" <HudsonKC at msu.edu>
> To: <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 1:47 PM
> Subject: [blparent] Off topic electric cars
> 
> 
> > Sorry group I am going to get off topic here. I live in Michigan and
> > before
> > you know it their going to be rolling these electric cars off the assembly
> > line and into a neighborhood near all of us. Can anyone tell what is
> > being
> > done to make these things audible? Who or what group is working on this
> > problem. I am sure I am not telling any of you any thing new but this is
> > not only dangerous for blind people it is also a problem for small
> > children,
> > bikers and runners as well as other groups. What can be done? I walk so
> > much I would hate to have that freedom taken from me.
> >
> > Any info you have will be helpful.
> >
> > Karla
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > blparent mailing list
> > blparent at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > blparent:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blparent_nfbnet.org/dkent5817%40worldnet.att.net
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> _______________________________________________
> blparent mailing list
> blparent at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blparent_nfbnet.org
> 
> 
> End of blparent Digest, Vol 69, Issue 6
> ***************************************

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