Technology has made many things possible for the human race. From landing on the moon to never getting lost here on earth with a GPS device, technology has made the impossible seem possible. When it comes to pregnancy, technology has meant that we can learn a great deal about our child before she is even born. Sometimes, that means knowing whether or not your child has a special health need.
Knowing ahead of time that you will be raising a child with a special need can help you prepare better for your child’s arrival. It will give you time to come to terms with the diagnosis and time to get your family and friends ready as well. Prepare yourself and your loved ones by seeking support from other parents, either in face-to-face contact or online. Knowing what to expect will help ease your anxiety.
Prepare your other children as well. Most children won’t even notice the small differences¸ especially if they are young children. Older children will probably have questions, and those questions should be addressed before the baby arrives. Make sure to use language that your child will understand and that will be reassuring, not scary.
You may need to rearrange your schedule to make room for doctor’s appointments and surgeries. This could mean working with your employer to build a more flexible schedule, finding a new job, or it could even mean becoming a stay-at-home parent. No matter what you decide, you will need the time to plan for what your new life is going to be, including schedules and finances.
Home renovations may also be necessary in order to accommodate any special needs your child may have. They could be minor adjustments or major ones that you might want to consider getting out of the way before your child arrives. You might need to make the bathroom larger, have more space for medical equipment in the child’s room, or add a playroom with special therapy equipment for your child as she grows.
You will also want to gain a thorough understanding of your health insurance so that you are prepared for any medical bills. Talk to a social worker as well to find out if there are state programs available to help. Having the information ahead of time will mean less to think about once the baby is born.
Babies change everything and a baby with special needs can turn your world upside down. If you are lucky enough to have the time to plan ahead, take advantage of it. You will be so glad you did.