Tips for Parenting with Epilepsy: Keeping Your Child Safe

•Many people with epilepsy become parents, and some may experience concerns about caring for their children due to their epilepsy. •It is important to remember that becoming a parent can be daunting and challenging for anyone. •Keeping your child safe may require some additional precautions, which can be integrated into your overall epilepsy management strategy. •Make sure you get sufficient sleep and rest wherever possible. If possible, take a nap when your baby is asleep during the day. •If you have a partner, have open and honest conversations about your epilepsy, and how parenting responsibilities might be managed to reduce potential risks. •Also, be open to offers of additional help, including from family and friends. •If you are feeling especially run down, try to avoid being on your own with your baby. •If you are alone with your baby, consider keeping them in a secure playpen or childproof room, particularly if you feel that you may have a seizure. This may help ensure they are safe should you have a seizure or lose awareness. •Be close to the floor when feeding, dressing, changing or bathing your baby. This reduces the risk that your baby will fall from a significant height, should you lose awareness or become unconscious. Minimise carrying your baby and consider using a pram or stroller to move around your home. •Some people like to feed their baby when they are seated in a stroller or baby seat, while toddlers can be fed from toddler seats and feeding tables. A Medical ID bracelet may be worthwhile, for yourself and your child, which can help you get assistance should you have a seizure in public. •Some parents like to use a pram trap, which secures the pram to their wrist. Some prams or strollers also have automatic brakes that will activate in emergency circumstances. •When you child is old enough, it is important to tell them about your epilepsy, and give them opportunities to voice any questions or concerns they might have. •You may even want to train your older child to ring 000 or a family member if you have a seizure. Develop a simple plan and practice this with your child. https://epilepsyfoundation.org.au/managing-epilepsy/social-and-family-life/parenting/