[blparent] introduction, expecting

Sat Aug 11 20:58:42 UTC 2012

I did the same thing!

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Jo Elizabeth Pinto
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2012 2:26 PM
To: Blind Parents Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blparent] introduction, expecting

What I did was to take almost every class offered by the hospital.  I took 
one on the basics of baby care, plus the birthing classes and one on 
breastfeeding.  I didn't get around to the infant CPR course.  But I wanted 
it on the records that I'd taken the offered classes.  Maybe I was a bit 
paranoid because I had family members making noises about taking my baby 
instead of letting me raise her, but I intended to make sure my rear end was

well covered.  I spoke directly to the head nurse on the labor and delivery 
floor and asked her if the hospital would have a problem sending a blind mom

home with her baby.  She checked policy just in case there were any 
surprises, then sent an e-mail out to all of the labor and delivery staff, 
saying I would be coming in around the first of March, and stating that I 
was to be treated just the same as any other mom.  Many blind parents have 
taken a less assertive approach and still gone home with their babies just 
fine.  There's a booklet on the NFB Web page called "Parenting Without 
Sight" that you can get for free.  You might take a few copies of the 
booklet to share with professionals at the hospital.  It's a great resource.

Also, I think it's important to have a confident attitude when you go in, 
but not a combative one.  If you are asked what kind of help you will get 
after the baby goes home, be prepared to answer with self-assurance.  Every 
new mom needs help, sighted or blind, and it helps to keep that in mind so 
you don't think the nurses or other professionals are singling you out when 
they ask questions about how you will handle your home life with the new 
baby.  You shouldn't be cross-examined, but don't be afraid to let the 
nurses teach you new skills or help you with duties such as swaddling or 
diaper changing, especially if you haven't had much experience with 
newborns.  I guess what I'm trying to say is, try to set up a cooperative 
relationship, rather than an adversarial one, with those who are there to 
support you.

Congratulations on the little one who will arrive before you know it!

Jo Elizabeth

I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's 
brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and 
died in cotton fields and sweatshops.--Stephen Jay Gould
-----Original Message----- 
From: Tatyana
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2012 9:22 AM
To: Blind Parents Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blparent] introduction, expecting

Jo Elizabeth, my baby due is in the end of November. What do you mean  by
they  may want to involve child protective services? What  clarifying
questions could I ask them  to be sure  I'll be treated same as sighted
moms?

I'm really not sure that I'll see nurses at a maternity tour in a hospital
that actually will be   around me  in labor.
Thank you.

Tatyana.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jo Elizabeth Pinto" <jopinto at msn.com>
To: "Blind Parents Mailing List" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2012 1:31 AM
Subject: Re: [blparent] introduction, expecting

> Hi, Tatyana.  When is your baby due?  Taking maternity classes at the 
> hospital where you plan to deliver is a good start.  Introduce yourselves 
> around to the nurses and staff so they can get to know you before you 
> arrive in labor.  For my own peace of mind, I asked if the hospital had 
> any policies that would make the staff look unfavorably at a blind mom or 
> want to involve Child Protective Services right away.  I felt the direct 
> approach was best, but a lot of people don't go that far.
>
> Jo Elizabeth
>
> I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's 
> brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived 
> and died in cotton fields and sweatshops.--Stephen Jay Gould
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Tatyana
> Sent: Friday, August 10, 2012 7:03 PM
> To: Blind Parents Mailing List
> Subject: [blparent] introduction, expecting
>
> Hello all,
> I would like to introduce myself,  I'm blind and I'm expecting my first
> child. My husband and I are going to take child birth classes and 
> maternity
> tour in a hospital. I would highly appreciate    sharing your  experiences
> in a hospital. I'd like to learn how I can be best prepared for my labor 
> and
> delivery process, what accommodations I need to ask for. This is just my
> first question and surely I have tons of them. And also,is there blind
> parents group near Washington DC? I live North- West of DC and would be
> happy to chat with newly  and expecting parents.
>
> Thank you very much, hope to hear from you and have a great day.
>
> Tatyana.
>
>
>
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