23 msfocusmagazine.org Life with MS Multiple sclerosis affects individuals in the prime years of their life, making childbirth and childcare a big concern among the community. MS symptoms, like fatigue, numbness, spasticity, and muscle weakness, canmakethethoughtofcaringforachildscary. However with some tips and modifications, it can be a safe and wonderful life experience. Newborn babies can be stressful and difficult to take care of even for the most healthy and mobile of parents. When you add in symptoms that are common with multiple sclerosis, the causes for stress can multiply exponentially. For example, 90 percent of individuals with MS experience fatigue, and people with MS are 2-3 times more likely to report sleep disturbances leading to sleep deprivation. Yet, newborn babies require feeding every 2-3 hours in the first months of life, contributing to poor sleep quality and fatigue in their parents. Lack of sleep also contributes to more fatigue and higher risk of mobility issues, which can lead to falls. Walking concerns and use of assistive devices – such as walkers and wheelchairs – are common in those with MS, and they make holding a baby much more difficult. Babies weigh 6-10 pounds on average at birth, making them a heavier weight than most individuals are used to carryingwhenwalking with a cane, crutches, or walker. This can create unsafe situations for both the parent and the baby if falls and tripping were already a concern. Using a wheelchair can also make parents feel like they are unable to hold their child to comfort them. All of these concerns can seem overwhelming, but there are practical solutions that can make life with a newborn much more manageable. Before the baby arrives: • Prepare freezer meals that can be popped into the oven and heated with little effort. Plan a day when family and friends can come over and help you prepare several meals at a time, or make it a part of your baby shower to have guests bring their favorite frozen meal recipe. This saves time and energy and ensures you are eating appropriately to keep yourself healthy and reduce fatigue. • Stock up on supplies around the home before the baby arrives. Paper products will reduce the need to stand and do dishes in the first few months. Make sure you have plenty of detergent and baby-safe cleaning products so you can reduce trips to the store at the last minute. Caring for a Newborn When You Have MS Preparation, Organization Can Make Matters Seem Less Daunting By Robyn Vallenilla, PT, DPT, MSCS