Parenting & Family

Disability and Pregnancy, Part 14 -Week 39½

2008-12-26T22:34:00Z

Tomorrow morning we head to the hospital to be induced! Wow, it’s really actually here. We’re going to have a baby! In fact, I’m not sure but I think I have been having some contractions today. It’s difficult for me to tell, with my disability level at T5/6, but it has felt like I had to go to the bathroom and will last for about 30-45 seconds then go away.

Check out more info at the Spinal Cord Inury Portal

The contractions, if that’s what they were, were about 10-12 minutes apart. I’m not sure if they were actual labor contractions though because they don’t seem to be happening now, at least not as strong and not regularly like they were earlier.

With paralysis it’s really difficult to tell if you are having actual contractions, but I have been taking my blood pressure regularly and so far it’s been just fine, no Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD), which is what my doctor worries about the most with the start of labor. So, this being the case, I think we will still plan to go in tomorrow morning, maybe I will have actually started labor and they won’t have to artificially induce me.

At my appointment last week my doctor decided to strip my membranes, in hopes of helping start labor. It was a simple procedure where the doctor just separated the amniotic sac from the cervix. But, man I was glad that I was paralyzed because I still felt an incredible amount of pressure. I bet for able-bodied (AB) women it could really hurt. Needless to say it didn’t necessarily trigger labor, but I think it did get things going and will help the labor start and progress faster.

Jeff and I decided to have breakfast in bed for our last day before becoming parents. While we were eating, I looked at him and said, “You realize that we won’t be able to do this again for a very, very long time.” We both laughed but seemed okay with that fact. We have been incredibly spoiled and played a ton throughout our lives. I really feel we are both very ready to become parents and simply love someone else completely unconditionally.

Sure, we know it won’t always be easy, yes there will be days when we question why we decided this route, but overall, I really have to say, I am sick of just being selfish and living for myself and Jeff. I am ready to have another being to love and focus on and share what lessons I have learned and help guide them to become a confident, caring and loving individual. It will be so amazing to watch as they develop into their own person, with their own thoughts and ideas and values. I really am so excited for this new adventure.

We spent the rest of the day trying to finish all the projects on the “to do before baby comes” list. I have to say, we did a really good job and were able to cross off most of the projects. My mom is coming in tomorrow and Jeff’s parents will come just after we return home from the hospital. It hasn’t been easy planning this delivery with the holidays and having family travel from far away. I think it is all going to work out and I know everyone is really excited. I’m just so thankful that most of the remodel/addition is finished--that was stressful and not fun.

I’m a not really nervous about the delivery, more excited than anything. I know I have a wonderful doctor and Jeff will be a terrific coach. I just hope that I don’t go into Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) and get all sweaty or get the shivers really bad, which can happen when I go into AD. It’s very uncomfortable and will make the whole experience unpleasant. Hopefully the epidural will take care of that potential.

I finally packed my bag and got everything organized for the hospital. It’s amazing how much stuff I am taking. The bag Jeff and I used to travel around the world for 9 months is stuffed for 2 days in the hospital, crazy! Well, at least I’ll have anything I might need. We’ve talked to our neighbors and they are all set to take care of the doggies while we are gone.

So it appears everything is all set and we are ready to head out and have a baby. Tonight I plan to take a nice bath and relax and then get to sleep early, as we have to call the hospital at 6 a.m. and head in by 7:30 a.m. Not being a morning person, that will be early for me. Oh well, I’ll be too excited to sleep anyway!

I’ll be sure to take an “on the way to the hospital” photo and post it with this column. And, I promise as soon as I can, once we are home and settled, I’ll write about the labor and delivery experience and send photos of our new addition and what it’s like to be a new mom!

Happy holidays to you all and thanks so much for all your support!

See Related Articles
Check out Muffy's previous pregnancy blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 13 - Week 38.

For more information on Muffy, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.

Disability and Pregnancy, Part 13 - Week 38

2008-12-19T15:58:00Z

Amazing what a few weeks can do. Jeff had his surgery and is doing much, much better. It was definitely the right call to get it done. He still has some numbness, but no more pain and in a week he will be able to lift 30lbs, so baby, hold off for one more week.

The house has really come together, it’s not what I would call finished, but is liveable and I don’t have people coming and going all day working on stuff. We got most of it all put together, nothing on the walls yet and small finish work left, but that can come over time. I have to say, we got really lucky, the weekend after we finished most of the work, got the outside painted just before winter hit.

Check out more info at the Spinal Cord Injury Portal

I have been enjoying being able to get into the house through the garage without using a ramp--it will be nice once the baby arrives and definitely make getting around much easier.

As far as the baby goes, all is really well. It amazes me at how lucky and easy this pregnancy has been. Here I am two weeks from my due date and still able to pretty much do everything I always do, just a little slower.

It’s funny to transfer into the car, I have to stop and rest midway through and when I lift my chair in, I take a break after I put my wheels in to build up the strength and stamina to lift the chair frame in over me. It will be strangely easy to transfer after the baby, I think I’ve gotten used to this extra 20+ lbs in my belly.

Some girlfriends here in Salt Lake City had a shower for me last week. It was fun to see everyone. We ended up having it here in the house, so it was a great deadline for the contractors and us to get it all put together. Since we don’t know if we are having a boy or a girl, I was a little nervous about the lack of baby clothes I had, but my friends all took care of that and we got lots of adorable gender neutral baby clothes. So I don’t have to worry for a few weeks, we should be set with sleepers and onsies.

We got the nursery mostly put together, the crib is up and the bedding on, my recliner is assembled and I washed most of the baby clothes and sheets. I think we are pretty much there. Jeff just has to still get the car seat installed into the car, but at least we finally got the car seat! I still don’t know how to wear the Baby Bjorn or the sling, but figure I can figure that out once I don’t have this buldging belly in my way.

I’ve been reading up on breastfeeding and we got a breastpump. I really do hope I will be able to breastfeed as I know how important it is for the baby’s health and also for the bonding between mom and baby. I have talked to a few other paraplegic friends of mine and each had a different experience.

One had an incredibly difficult time and ended up stopping after not much success, but others didn’t have much trouble and were quite successful. From what I have read and learned, it really is an individual thing, but the most important part is patience and realizing that it’s something both the baby and mom have to learn.

It’s funny, you would think breastfeeding would be something that was instinctual and natural, but from what I’ve discovered, it really is a learned process. Just wish me luck, because I would really like to be able to successfully breastfeed.

We finished our childbirth classes. I have to say, our last class was the most helpful as it dealt with once the baby is here and how to dress, swaddle, change diapers, etc… It was really helpful for both Jeff and me to practice, even if it was just on a toy baby, better than nothing. It was cute to watch Jeff and the other soon to be dad’s trying to change diapers and dress the babies. It made all of this really real. Both Jeff and I left class realizing that this baby was coming and soon and our lives were about to change, in more ways than we can imagine. I got kind of scared, but mostly really excited.

I’ve been working with Leibe, my black lab Canine Companion, and teaching him some commands to help me with the baby. He is pretty amazing, he can open the fridge and get the bottle and bring it to me. He can differentiate between the bottle and other things in the fridge or on the floor. I really think he will be a huge help once the baby comes, at least another set of hands, which will always be welcome.

Right now I’m working on teaching him to get the diaper, so he can help me when I am changing the baby. It would be great if I could teach him to change the diaper, then I’d really have a priceless Canine Companion!

It does amaze me how much they can learn and how they want to help. I’m quite excited to see how both of our dogs take to the new baby. I’ve been trying to expose them to the baby, showing them my belly and saying, “see the baby, gentle.” We’ll see what happens, but I know they will be great, they are both terrific dogs. My only concern is they are going to be so fascinated with the new baby they will always want to see and check it out.

The doctor finally gave us a little info on his plan for the birth. Once my cervix is “ripe”, he wants to induce me so as to limit the risk of me going into Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD). From what he told us, most SCI female cervixes don’t have the same structural integrity as an able bodied woman’s cervix.

What that means is that once my cervix starts to dilate, it could go very fast, unlike many first time pregnant able-bodied women. The dilating of the cervix and the whole labor process could very easily trigger AD, which could be life threatening for me and the baby. So, in hopes of staving off that risk, he wants to induce me and have more control over the whole process.

I will also need an epidural to reduce the risk of AD as well. But, what I have learned is that you just can’t induce any cervix, it has to be favorable or “ripe” in order to take the induction. My doctor checked my cervix this week and I wasn’t quite ready to be induced (my cervix was effacing but not dilating yet), so we’ll wait a week and check again.

What all this means is that next week we could get a date when I’ll go in and have this baby! I’ll be sure to post as soon as I have any more info! In the meantime, happy holidays to everyone and thanks for all your support. If any of you have thoughts, info, ideas to assist us through this new adventure, please do share.

See Related Articles
Check out Muffy's previous pregnancy blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 12 - Week 35.

Follow-up on Muffy's pregnancy in Disability and Pregnancy, Part 14 - Week 39 ½.

For more information on Muffy, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.

Disability and Pregnancy, Part 12 - Week 35

2008-12-02T17:31:00Z

No one is going to believe this, but I swear it’s true! Remember how I said in my last column that my husband herniated a disk and I really hoped he didn’t need surgery? Well, guess what? He needs surgery! Here I am, starting my 9th month of pregnancy, paralyzed, living in an almost finished remodeled house (more on that below) and my able-bodied (AB) husband needs back surgery.

Now there is nothing simple about back surgery of any kind. Everyone I have talked to has horror stories to share about people they know who had back surgery (I don’t understand why they can’t just keep those stories to themselves, they really aren’t helpful right now!). Nevertheless, it’s true, back surgery is serious stuff, as those of us who’ve been through it know.

Check out more info at the Spinal Cord Injury Portal

We saw the doctor last week and he showed us Jeff’s MRI. All I can say after seeing it is at least I know that Jeff isn’t faking the pain. His disk between L5 and S1 is completely ruptured and buldging into his spinal canal, putting immense pressure on his nerves running down to his legs. The doctor told us all things considered, he would recommend Jeff getting the discoctomy ASAP.

The recovery period from this type of surgery is no lifting for four weeks which means that Jeff might not be able to hold the baby when it’s first born. Not to mention all the work he was supposed to do to finish the remodel (more below) and set up the nursery, etc. Now I am the mobile and functional one in our relationship. At almost nine months pregnant, that’s really scary!

Can you believe this? Here I am, paralyzed, expecting my first child in five weeks and my normally strong and healthy, AB husband needs back surgery (sorry, jut a little self pity). I couldn’t believe it when the doctor told us. I was so overwhelmed all I could do was laugh. I think if I had cried, I might not have ever stopped.

I once read a quote from Mother Theresa that reads something like: “I know God won’t ever give me more than I can handle. Sometimes I just wish he didn’t trust me so much!” Man, I can seriously relate to that quote right now!

I feel like I did when I was first injured, 19 years ago. I have no idea how I am going to get through this. But, what I can tell you is that because of having survived my disability and many other challenges, I have the faith and strength to know that even though I have no idea how I will survive, I do know I will survive this latest challenge. That knowledge is reassuring and empowering.

Thankfully, I do have a wonderful group of friends and family and I know they will help out as much as possible. I just have to get better at asking for help--a huge challenge for me. Nevertheless, I do know that we can’t do this alone, especially under the current circumstances. Don’t you sometimes wonder when the learning of lessons and overcoming challenges will stop?

I really feel for this baby though. Because we have so much other stuff going on, we haven’t spent the time enjoying and preparing for this baby as I had wanted. As I mentioned before, we are still finishing our addition/remodel. While it’s “almost” finished according to our contractors, I’m still not living in my new bedroom and most of my belongings are packed away in bags, I can’t find anything and still have no kitchen.

If I can spare anyone else the frustration and challenge, please, if you get pregnant, don’t try to redo your whole house before the baby comes, it will be fine the way it is. I really don’t think it’s worth the stress and having a deadline like a new baby is not what you want.

While our contractors knew about the baby, and knew I was due on Christmas, I’m convinced they really don’t care if it gets done. They promised us that it would be finished at the latest by the end of September and that it would cost no more than their “high” budget. Sound familiar? Isn’t that what all contractors tell you so you will do the project? Oh well, the baby won’t care if its nursery is finished or not, but I do hope to at least have a functioning kitchen and a bedroom, the rest is just icing!

I can’t believe with all of the chaos going on in my life how easy my pregnancy really is going. At each doctor’s visit, I keep expecting him to discover a complication or something that isn’t right, but every time he keeps telling me how great it’s all going. The baby is right on for development. It’s head-down and in the position for a normal delivery.

I get lots of great kicks and belly moves regularly. It’s all going so well, it actually scares me. It’s just too easy and good! Of course, getting around and transferring with 20+ pounds in my belly is more difficult, but overall, I have had a pretty easy pregnancy. I have to admit I am eternally grateful that it is going so well and easy. Perhaps it’s just a sign that this baby is going to be an angel, sleep through the night, never cry and just be perfect. Ok, well, I can at least hope!

Read More
Check out Muffy's previous pregnancy blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 11 - Week 33.

See Muffy's follow-up blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 13 - Week 38.

For more information on Muffy, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.

Single Mother with a Disability Gets Back on Track by Volunteering

2008-11-20T18:37:00Z

Moving to a new community as a single disabled parent was not easy for Latisha G. (not her real name). She had just relocated after a protracted and difficult divorce. She had managed to secure emergency subsidized housing and was receiving SSI.

“I was doing everything wrong,” she says. “I didn’t have a bank account, I didn’t have a plan and I didn’t really have any hope.”

“I just, kind of existed for a while, kind of a long while,” she says. “I just got up, watched TV and went back to bed.” This cycle continued, re-enforcing the hopelessness of her situation. Latisha would get a spurt of energy, look for a job for a week or so, and then fall back into the lethargy of hopelessness. Eventually, a friend she had made at the housing department pushed her to look for work. Actually, “she told me to get moving and stop feeling sorry for myself, but she used different language.”

Latisha didn’t have any work experience, and she was afraid no one would hire her because of her disability. She decided to look for volunteer opportunities to build up her resume. Fortunately, the first volunteer opportunity she found was looking for people to train to become volunteer income tax preparers at her local church.

Latisha went to the orientation, and over the next few weeks, consumed every piece of asset building information she could get her hands on—she was hooked!

Within two months, Latisha was helping to prepare other people’s taxes and had a plan for herself. “Basically, I had to earn some income, somehow,” she says. “It all seems to hinge on earning some income.” Latisha started by helping out other single moms with their kids.

“It took a few months for people to trust me; my disability makes me come off a bit quirky,” she says. Eventually, Latisha had several regular clients, and a small but stable additional income. “Once I knew the money would be fairly constant, I signed up with an educational IDA program I learned about through the VITA training.”

The other moms were surprised when Latisha started asking them to sign a receipt for the money they paid her. “They didn’t really get it. They were like, ‘you don’t have to tell anyone about that money,’ but I had learned better.” Latisha’s IDA program provided a 2:1 match, and she wanted the receipts to prove income eligibility for the program.

Latisha started contributing to her IDA account last May; the amount she contributes often results in no change to her SSI income. “I was really excited to start the program -- it’s like free money to go to school.” By next June, Latisha is hoping to start taking community college classes paid for by her IDA.

In January, Latisha starts a new part-time job with a local non-profit to assist with some of the administrative responsibilities with the local VITA program. She is hopeful the part-time position will continue past the end of the tax season and may ultimately turn into a full-time position working in the asset building community.

In addition, this year, Latisha will be able to claim the Earned Income Tax credit. “I’m going to file my taxes on January 1st!” she says. Latisha is expecting a refund of more than $2,000. She already has plans for the money. “1/3 goes into my IDA, 1/3 goes into a savings account for my daughter, and 1/3 goes for fun.”

The most important thing Latisha has learned from this process?

“Hope, there is always hope, and help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t be afraid to hope.”

First published by, and used with permission of, Equity, Access to Assets, World Institute of Disability (WID). For more information about these programs and resources, visit World Institude of Disability.

To read the original article, see EQUITY Profile of the Month, December 2007.

Read More
For more information on building your assets or establishing a checking or savings account, see Asset Building 101: Develop a Banking Relationship.

Discover how one man establishes a bank account after his new disability, in Man Begins Building Assets to Help Pay His Medical Bills.

Disability and Pregnancy, Part 11 - Week 33

2008-11-17T16:37:00Z

Ok, so things are definitely getting more difficult as this pregnancy progresses. I’ve gained just over 20 pounds, my Dr. is happy with the amount of weight I’ve gained, he says it will be easier to lose after the baby comes if I don’t gain too much. I’m happy I’ve only gained that much because let me tell you transfers and everything are getting much more difficult, even just getting dressed is a huge chore, I have to take a break in the middle and catch my breath.

Check out more info at the Spinal Cord Injury Portal

Normally I’m pretty fit and active, but as this baby grows, let me tell you even just trying to get into my car is a workout. This week I went to speak to a class and had to push up a big ramp into the school and had to stop halfway up to rest, its crazy! At least I have an excuse, but man I have certainly learned the importance of keeping fit and staying in shape in a chair, otherwise life gets really challenging.

The baby should be just over 4 pounds now. It still amazes me that there is a living being in my belly. I still laugh when it gets active and starts moving all around. We saw the Dr. last week and he is really happy with how everything is progressing. The baby was head down, which the Dr. said is great, not that it won’t move again, but it’s good to know that the baby can get in the head down position. The Dr. said that will really increase our chances of having a vaginal delivery, which would be terrific. I do know that anything can happen and I am working on trying to accept that I might need a C-section, but it would be wonderful to have a traditional vaginal delivery.

As I mentioned, everything is definitely getting more difficult, I have found myself on the ground from failed transfers more times than I can count. It’s so frustrating because rarely do I ever miss a transfer and fall, but with this additional 20 pounds in my belly, transfers are much more difficult and to make it even more challenging, I don’t have any brakes on my wheelchair. I’m changing that for sure, and getting wheel locks put on both wheels, in hopes that it will make the transfers easier and safer.

My husband herniated a disk a few weeks ago which has been really fun. It’s sad when I, a T 5/6 paraplegic who is 8 months pregnant, am the mobile and functional one in our house. Jeff’s back is pretty bad and really hurting him, he can’t even bend over to tie his shoes. I commended him on his timing. I think it’s the worst time that this could happen, but isn’t that Murphy’s Law, if it can it will happen at the least opportune time.

Oh well, we laugh and try to make the best of a not so great situation. I just hope his back heals fast and he doesn’t need surgery, that would be the icing on the cake. I might as well be a single new mom, because if he needs surgery, he really wouldn’t be able to do much for awhile.

People think I’m kidding but I have told him that if he becomes disabled, I’m outta here! One chair is enough in any relationship, at least for me. Now you can think I’m really insensitive, but just think about the logistics of simply getting into a car with 2 wheelchairs and a baby, it would take us half an hour just to load up. Now I’m all for challenges, but that is just too much work for me! Hopefully his back will heal and he will do his therapy, cause I really love him and don’t want to have end our marriage because he becomes a gimp, too! (ok, so I probably wouldn’t leave him but man, I really don’t need to add that challenge to my life right now!)

We started our childbirth classes this week. We are taking a 4-week course that meets weekly for 2 hours. I have a friend who is due 2 days before I am and she has already taken all the childbirth classes. She said they are great, but also unnerving, because you learn so much and finally realize all you didn’t know. I her words, “Ignorance was bliss! Now I know how much I don’t know!”

Our first class was interesting. I wouldn’t say I learned anything new, but meeting other couples who are going through what we are at the same time was fun and supportive. We did have some excitement during our class, one of the women fainted when the instructor was talking about the placenta and showing some pictures. I guess she has a very weak stomach and just couldn’t handle it all. It was kind of scary, but the instructor, who is a nurse, was great and got her to the floor, got her some juice and a fan, which really seemed to help. I just have to thank God that I don’t have a weak stomach like that, I can’t imagine adding fainting to my list of challenges.

Our tasks these next few weeks are to get the nursery put together and to buy a car seat/stroller. I can’t believe we still haven’t done that. If I were to go into labor tomorrow we couldn’t bring the baby home until we have a car seat. It’s just that there are so many choices and styles, we don’t know which one would be the best for us. I don’t think there is an easy style of car seat for someone in a chair. They are all so heavy. I still have no idea how I am going to carry the baby around in the car seat, I can barely lift the car seat with just 8lbs in it. I guess you just end up figuring things out and improvising, kind of like living with a disability, you just do it!

Read More
Check out Muffy's previous pregnancy blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 10 - Week 30.

Follow up on Muffy's pregnancy in, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 12 - Week 35.

For more information on Muffy, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.

The “Other Child” with Special Needs: Understanding Siblings of Disabled Children

2008-10-31T22:08:00Z

The complex bond shared by siblings has been described as the most influential of all relationships. Enduring ties that join brothers and sisters outlive marriages, survive well past the years of their parents, and extend long before the birth of their own children.

When one child in a family has a disability, sibling relationships can become even more dynamic. In the past, even family-centered approaches to understanding the impact of disability have concentrated primarily on parents. The voices of siblings have been left unheard. These children have equally special needs, and more information is needed on their unique perspectives.

Disability by Association
Researchers have recently corrected the false belief that the impact of disability on a family is universally damaging. While chronic illness does introduce greater levels of stress for all members of the family, the result is not necessarily negative. Children with disabled siblings are offered unique opportunities to develop positive attributes, including loyalty, insight, and altruism. They embrace a greater tolerance for others and become more attuned to society’s treatment of differences.

Unfortunately, children with disabled siblings are often not mere observers of discrimination. In the form of rejection and intolerance from peers, they are also the victims of social stigmas. Peter Burke, author of Disability and Impairment: Working with Children and Families, has termed this experience “disability by association.” This knowledge heightens the need for parents and professionals to view disability as a source of adversity met by the entire family.

Reducing Guilt through Validation and Acceptance
Many parents of mixed-ability children agonize over the seemingly impossible task of dedicating equal time to all family members. Several recent studies should bring some relief. Even young children realize that fair treatment is more important than equal treatment. When parents join the child with a disability for a hospitalization or drastic differences in household chores are assigned, a child’s understanding of differential needs can be exceeded.

To reduce rivalry and feelings of isolation, parents should be active listeners and validate the feelings of all family members. Parents can prevent the internalization of resentment through communicating that siblings do not have to feel guilty. The consequences of long-standing guilt can have detrimental psychological effects, leading to shame and a feeling of worthlessness.

The Upside of Sibling Rivalry
Parents working tirelessly to avoid sibling rivalry may be denying their children a valuable opportunity to develop crucial social skills. Learning how to express wants and needs, testing limits, and feeling empowered to assert oneself are skills gained through the role modeling of some of our earliest teachers—our siblings. The essential factor that seems to determine whether rivalry is damaging or empowering is the level of warmth shared.

Brothers and sisters with the nurturance of occasional rivalry matched with affection, acceptance, and support are at a great advantage in the development of several important life skills. A strong bond with siblings forms a secure bridge to the outside social world.

While it is important to recognize the dangers of paying too little attention or overburdening siblings of disabled children, it is also essential to understand the research that provides hope to these children and their families.

The experience of having a sibling can offer positive opportunities for development that are nearly impossible to recreate. Embrace the challenge of disability as a family, and support your children in their growth!

Book Review: Not Stupid. Autism Leads to School for Special Needs

2008-10-28T15:50:00Z

Anna Kennedy has written an autobiography that doesn’t hide the pain of being the mother of two autistic children, but the bulk of the book is about triumph. In 1999, she and her husband opened a special-needs school in order to ensure that the needs of her children would be met.

The author felt overwhelmed when her first son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism. That was before she discovered that her second son had autism and would need a lifetime of care.

Although Kennedy resides in Great Britain, American readers will relate to her struggle to raise and educate her children. The book covers her courtship with husband Sean, through the birth of their sons and the boys’ teenage years.

Parents of autistic children will relate to the multiple doctor visits for testing and evaluation, the tantrums, the lack of physical affection. Kennedy tells her story in a down-to-earth style that makes her seem like an old and cherished friend. She doesn’t hide her frustration and sorrow.

“He was obsessed with shapes and patterns and worst of all, he’d scream if I touched him,” she writes of her first son, Patrick. “His refusal to show his love was heartbreaking.”

When her second son, Angelo, was diagnosed with autism, she says, “I was devastated and cried for weeks.” Her honesty makes her more relatable to readers.

By the time the boys were eight and five, they had been turned away from 26 schools for children with special needs. All of them had waiting lists. So she decided to start her own.

“It all started from sheer desperation,” she writes. “There were times when I rang my mum and just cried and cried over the phone.”

Although Kennedy discusses the process of getting the school up and running, this isn’t a how-to manual on starting your own educational institution. The emphasis is on her children, their development and how she and her husband were able to cope with problems they encountered.

Sometimes, it was exhausting just to physically care for Angelo, who sleeps about three or four hours a night and routinely wets the bed, even when he’s awake.

“Do I ever think, ‘Why me?’” she writes. “Only for a second. The thing I crave most is a little peace and quiet – and some sleep!”

But the book also exposes a rich array of friendships that Kennedy gained through her networking with parents and educators. A favorite teacher is highlighted for his work, and the growth of the school is outlined in terms of new needs and changing staff. The author doesn’t avoid discussing growing pains with the school, or her own sadness over a miscarried baby in 2004.

In all, “Not Stupid” is a frank, hopeful account that is recommended reading for adults and teens.

Not Stupid. Anna Kennedy, John Blake Publishing Ltd., 2008, 299p. ISBN 978-1-84454-507-0.

Disability and Pregnancy, Part 10 - Week 30

2008-10-17T17:12:00Z

I think I can see my belly grow each day; it’s crazy! Since getting bigger, I have noticed certain things are getting more difficult: transfers, my daily activities. I need to take more breaks and rest more often.

Breathing is definitely more challenging as the baby grows and pushes up on my lungs and diaphragm. I haven’t been able to work out as much lately; my endurance just isn’t what it was. I still have two months left—getting around could be quite interesting by the end of this pregnancy.

Check out more info at the Spinal Cord Injury Portal

I must admit I am very thankful that I wasn’t too big during the hot summer months. I already have hot flashes, thanks I think to the increased blood volume. But to be 25-35 pounds heavier, with a huge belly in the 100+ degree summer heat, that just might kill me.

I had a friend who delivered a healthy baby boy in August; during the last month in the very hot weather, she was absolutely miserable. I figure my hot flashes and increased blood volume will help keep me warm these last couple of months; generally speaking, I am always cold during the winter because of my poor circulation and all.

I don’t think I’ve mentioned that my husband and I decided to do a huge remodel/addition before the baby comes. We started in June and it was supposed to be finished by the end of September. Of course, as any of you who have done remodels know, they never go according to schedule.

Ours is no different; we are at least a month and a half behind, and that is if it all goes according to schedule from here out, fat chance!!! My biggest worry is that I’ll deliver this baby and be living in a half-finished house. Here I am ready to nest and put together the nursery, and most of my house is in complete disarray. It’s really quite frustrating; I don’t know what we were thinking. But it has also been a great learning experience.

If we decide to have another baby after this one, I surely won’t attempt a remodel while I’m pregnant. It will definitely be nice once it’s finished, but the stress and challenges of a remodel while I am going through this hormonal roller coaster have been crazy. I’m sure my husband agrees, as I have definitely not been easy to get along with at times. Is everyone this crazy?

I read that many pregnant couples attempt remodels before the baby comes. What in the world were we all thinking? I guess we just want to make the house the best it can be before the baby. I certainly agree that remodels after the baby comes wouldn’t be recommended either. Oh well, we’re in the final stretch now; let’s just hope this baby doesn’t come too early. We need all the time to get the house back together.

We signed up for our childbirth classes and start in a couple of weeks. We are taking a series that meets once a week for a month. I’m really excited, as this just makes it all even more real. My husband seems to be excited as well, but it’s so hard to tell with men. I haven’t been able to get him to read much on the pregnancy and baby’s development, but I did something ingenious! I checked out a book on CD: The Expectant Father, from the library and believe it or not, he really is listening to it. He listens to it as he drives to and from work and I think he’s really enjoying it. He says that the book has good information and some funny stories, too. I’m glad he’s at least getting some information before this baby comes.

The latest issues and questions we have been talking about have to do with our birth plan: who we want in the labor and delivery room, who we want around during the delivery, who will visit when and for how long. This last topic has been a real issue with my husband and me.

I told him that we can call our parents when I go into labor and they can head out, but that I really, really don’t want a bunch of people hanging around our house before I go into labor. I know I won’t feel good; I’ll be uncomfortable and won’t want a bunch of company in my house.

After much arguing and trying to explain, he has finally agreed. I did have to compromise some, since his family lives in California and we are in Utah. I agreed that if they need to make travel arrangements, being that our due date is Christmas, I would be willing to have them schedule to come out on December 28 and stay for five days. If I haven’t gone into labor by then, I will soon. I’ve already told the doctor that we are having this baby this year—we need the tax deduction!!!

In trying to figure out the holidays and the delivery, I asked my doctor at our last visit if he thinks he will induce me early since I am high risk with my Autonomic Dysreflexia (not to mention we will most likely have a large baby, as neither my husband nor I are small people). He really didn’t want to commit to anything just yet. He is treating me and my pregnancy just as he would any other pregnancy. It’s nice that he really isn’t too worried and will treat me like any of his patients. Of course, as we get closer there will probably be more issues and concerns, but as of now, I’m just like any other pregnant woman. It’s nice to finally be somewhat normal!

The latest thing I’ve been working on has been lifting and carrying the car seat. I don’t know how any of you other mothers in chairs did it; it’s not easy. I loaded up the car seat (with about 8 pounds of flour and sugar), and it’s all I can do to lift it safely to my lap and back to the floor. I tried putting it into the car on the base. That was certainly a sight—not something I want to do with an actual baby in there.

My latest thinking is that I am going to leave the car seat in the car and just transfer the baby into and out of it. I’ll use a sling or snuggly or something that is attached to me to carry the baby around, because it’s just too crazy to try to safely lift and move that car seat around.

Please share any other ideas or thoughts; I’m open to any suggestions, because right now, I have to admit, I’m a little worried about this part of the program. Thankfully I’m most likely not going to want to go out too much by myself in the dead of winter when the baby is still really little. I guess I’ll just end up figuring what works for me; all of us with disabilities know that’s usually how it ends up.

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Check out Muffy's previous pregnancy blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 9 - Week 28.

Read Muffy's follow-up pregnancy blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 11 - Week 33.

For more information on Muffy, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.

Help Your Child Avoid Obesity

2008-10-16T19:16:00Z

Combating childhood obesity is an increasingly significant concern. Because excessive portions, unhealthy food choices and a lack of exercise are all too common in our society, this is often an uphill battle.

Parental involvement is key to preventing childhood obesity, but if you're a person living with a disability the standard advice on how to get involved in your child's health and fitness routine may not really be applicable to you. That said, there are still plenty of ways for you to make sure that childhood obesity isn't a problem for your child.

Steps for Combating Childhood Obesity
Find activities you can do together. There is a range of adaptive exercises that can be fun for the two of you. These include swimming, bicycling (a hand bike or recumbent might be more appropriate for your needs) or even the adaptive version of a sport that interests the both of you - you might not be able to attend classes or practices together, but they might well be scheduled conveniently. For that matter, check out your local community recreation center. There may be a physical activity well suited to your needs scheduled at the same time as one that interests your child.

Non-sport hobbies. Finding the right physical activity to help your child combat obesity might not require you to be able to participate in that activity the same way. If your child is interested in dance, perhaps you can find an opportunity where you can be involved in the music, costuming or other aspect of the activity, allowing you to participate together without having to have identical interests or abilities. Also recognize that exercise for your child doesn't have to involve sports - being involved in theater or community service are two non-sports hobbies that can be very physically active.

Be actively involved in your child's food choices. Since nutrition is important for you too, this can be something you learn about together. Additionally, this is also an opportunity to teach your child basic cooking or meal planning skills. Taking turns making lunches for each other to bring to work or school can be a fun and educational activity and one that your child will enjoy because it will provide them with a sense of authority and self-sufficiency.

Prepare meals together. To make the food preparation process more fun, consider pursuing bento boxes - that is, Japanese lunch boxes where the contents are generally arranged in a funny or artful way. There are dozens of blogs on the Internet about bento box preparation where people take photos of their daily creations providing instructions, recipes and calorie counts. This can be a fun way to get a child who is more interested in the Internet than healthy eating to get on board with a nutrition-focused agenda.

Control snacktime. If your child likes to snack, trying to prohibit snacking will probably backfire. For one thing, you can't be everywhere at once. For another, we all know the lure of the forbidden. Eating more frequently in smaller portion sizes may be a solution and better for boosting your child's metabolism. Providing healthy snacks and making sure your child can recognize them is also critical.

Keep a few sweets. That said, don't eliminate sweets entirely. A small amount of unhealthy foods as a reward or dessert isn't a problem - it's when these replace healthy eating that there is a concern. Other food scheduling issues that can help you and your child combat obesity include being sure to eat a breakfast that includes protein and not eating too late in the evening.

Examine eating habits. When working to combat childhood obesity with your child, also examine your eating habits. If you eat when bored or depressed you may be passing these same behaviors onto your child when they observe you in these behaviors. Endeavor to find out why your child chooses to snack and why they choose the foods they do.

Determine food allergies. If you notice your child is prominently drawn to certain foods or has negative health reactions after consuming certain foods, consider bringing it up with your doctor. There are a number of food intolerances and auto-immune disorders that block nutrient absorption in a way that can cause cravings of certain foods and weight gain as the body tries to get the nutrition it needs. Additionally, hormonal disorders can also be a factor in some cases.

Living with a disability may require you to be more creative when it comes to keep your child active and nutritionally aware, but it's that creativity that will make your methods of combating childhood obesity potentially more effective, simply because they're unexpected.

See Racheline Maltese's Disaboom member profile
See Racheline Maltese's Associated Content profile

How to Prepare Your Kid with a Disability for Camp

2008-10-14T15:27:00Z

When learning they will be attending a camp, some children will be ecstatic, while others may be much less enthusiastic. In either situation, it is a good idea to emotionally and physically prepare your child for camp. Kids with disabilities, as well as parents preparing them, may sometimes face even greater challenges in this area than others.

Dealing With Emotions
Some children may not be very excited to attend camp. They may be concerned about being away from the parents or friends for a long period of time. They may also be concerned about spending so much time with strangers.

To ease a child's concerns and fears, discuss the positives of the camp, such as any fun activities your child might enjoy doing. If it is a camp for kids with disabilities or special needs similar to those of your child, let your child know he or she will get to meet children with similar needs as their own.

Another thing to remember is that kids can be cruel to each other. There may be some teasing involved. With disabilities involved, it may compound that issue. Do some research and be sure your child is prepared to possibly deal with this. Even children who are overly excited will still need to be prepared for attending a camp. It is a big adjustment to be away from family and home life. Focus on the positive aspects of the camp to emotionally prepare your child for this rewarding experience.

What To Tell the Camp
The camp will need to know a variety of things about your child. As the parent, it is your job to be sure you inform the camp of any special needs or accommodations your child might have.

One of the most important necessities a child attending camp will need to have is an emergency contact list. For kids with disabilities, this list may be even more important. Ideally, an emergency contact list should include how to the mother and father of the child, backup emergency contacts in case the parents are not available, as well as phone numbers for doctors, caregivers, and any other pertinent contacts. Kids with disabilities may have extra contacts on this list, such as caregivers and specialists.

The camp should be alerted of all allergies, medical conditions, disabilities, special needs accommodations, or other pertinent information pertaining to the child's safety and well-being.

Transportation Arrangements
Some camps provide transportation. However, not all of them do. Even if the camp you have chosen provides transportation, it may not always be accommodating for kids with disabilities. Check with the camp your child is attending to see if they provide transportation and if so, what the mode of transportation will be. Ask questions about the accommodations and do not be afraid to be specific.

If the camp does not provide the type of transportation your child will need, look into alternative modes of transportation. If you cannot bring the child to the camp yourself, see if a family member, friend, or relative is willing and has the appropriate accommodations to do so. Be sure that whichever mode of transportation is selected is available for the return trip as well.

Resource:
KidsHealth.org

See Momie Tullottes' Disaboom member profile
See Momie Tullottes' Associated Content profile

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For more information on sending your child to camp, see Reasons to Send Your Child with a Disability to Camp.

Reasons to Send Your Child with a Disability to Camp

2008-10-14T15:14:00Z

Sending a child to a camp can yield a variety of benefits. Kids with disabilities can benefit just the same as those without. In fact, according to KidsHealth.org, the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all camps to be reasonably accommodating to kids with disabilities.

Benefits of Camp
Getting out of the house - Some kids with disabilities do not have as active a social life as others. For these children, a camp can help fill that void. Also among the benefits of a child with disabilities attending a camp are study skills, fitting in or feeling a sense of belonging, gaining independence, learning domestic skills, and providing a break to parents and caregivers.

Socializing with others - A camp is a great way for kids to interact with others. Oftentimes, a camp will allow a child exposure to various age groups and other socioeconomic backgrounds, which is great for preparing children for getting out into the adult world once they hit that stage. A child with special needs may need accommodations that go beyond the scope of a traditional school setting, which can sometimes separate them from their peers. Attending camp can help provide them with a setting that may be more social than the one they are in.

Self-confidence - When a child has a disability, sometimes it can be difficult for them to feel like they fit in. Sending a child with a disability to a camp geared to their specific condition may help the child see that there are other children like them. This can bring a boost in self-confidence. Being among others with similar disabilities or special needs can help a child feel like he or she really does belong somewhere. Having a disability can sometimes feel isolating when no one around seems to be experiencing the same thing.

Lasting memories - Even though a child will return to a situation that may not include others with similar disabilities and special needs, the time the child has spent with those in similar situations will likely remain a part of them. An experience such as this can bring a renewed sense of self-confidence, which may help the child fit in during other situations that are less accommodating than the disability camp.

New skills - Many camps offer learning experiences from the core school subjects, in addition to the fun. Some of these experiences can lead to improved study skills. Also taught at many camps are domestic skills, which are good for all children to learn. They are especially important for children with disabilities to learn, as some of these children may feel they are limited in performing domestic chores, such as house cleaning and preparing meals.

Gained independence - Performing those domestic skills, as well as other tasks and activities at the camp can help a child learn to be more independent. Independence is an important skill for kids with disabilities, as those with special needs can sometimes feel as though they have to depend on others to get things done, which is not always true.

Break for parents - Another benefit to sending kids with disabilities to a camp comes for the parents and caregivers of those children. We all need a break every now and then. Parents who have kids with disabilities may have unique challenges that are even more stressful than the job of another parent. It is important that these parents get breaks so they can be refreshed to face their everyday challenges.

Source:
KidsHealth.org

See Momie Tullottes' Disaboom member profile
See Momie Tullottes' Associated Content profile

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For more information about sending your child to camp, see How to Prepare Your Kid with a Disability for Camp.

The Morgan Project Offers Support to Parents of Kids with Special Needs

2008-10-14T06:05:00Z

The Morgan Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit developed by the parents of a young boy with special needs. After months of struggling to find answers and cope with the news of their child's devastating prognosis, they finally found the support they needed. The couple decided to pass this gift of empowerment to other parents by offering other families support and access to resources that would make their lives easier and much more enjoyable.

Their Mission
The Morgan Project has a very unique mission. Their mission is to help parents and caregivers of children with disabilities take control. The project meets this mission by offering assistance, small monetary grants and emotional support.

Sponsors
A lot of companies have stepped up to help support the Morgan Project. Some of the corporate sponsors who have offered financial support to the mission of this worthwhile nonprofit include: Lexus/Melbourne, Captain Music, Inc., Rider & Games, Moo's Soft Serve and the Northrop Group. The money obtained from these corporate sponsors goes directly to funding the projects and services offered by the Morgan Project.

Services Offered
As mentioned above, one of the goals of the Morgan Project is to provide support to families who have children with special needs. The project offers an equipment program, which takes donated items, like accessibility tools and medical supplies, and offers them free-of-charge to families that need them.

Small grants are also offered by the Morgan Project. These grants are based on financial and functional needs. For the latest rules and requirements for qualifying for these grants, visit the Morgan Project's Website or contact them directly. In 2008, these guidelines were revised, making guidelines published before 2008 out-of-date.

Finally, the Morgan Project offers parents access to resources. These resources include public and private assistance programs, medical equipment exchanges and family support groups. The list of available resources is updated periodically, so you will need to check back frequently to see what new resources have been added.

How to Get Involved
There are several ways that you can get involved with the Morgan Project. You can donate money to the organization. One hundred percent of the money donated to the Morgan Project is used to fund its projects and provide families with special needs kids the material and emotional support that they need. In lieu of money, you can also donate new and used accessibility tools, as well as medical supplies.

Families need bedside commodes, walkers, wheelchairs, bed pads, Braille readers, phone amplifiers and other adaptive items. Learning toys and electronics are also useful items that you can donate.

See Eisla Sebastian's Disaboom member profile
See Eisla Sebastian's Associated Content profile

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities Connects Families with Resources

2008-10-10T17:01:00Z

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities has a broad range of goals when it comes to connecting the nation with information on and for children with disabilities and their families.

The Mission
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities can help you get information on educational strategies and early intervention for children (defined as birth to age 22) with disabilities and help you make the most informed decisions possible about your child's education.

Types of Services
Additionally, the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities can help you connect with specific service organizations targeted at children with disabilities and their families around the nation. Their site has an incredible search capacity and lets you look for the services you need by location and interest.

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities also provides "State Resource Sheets" for each state, which are invaluable for browsing if you're just learning to navigate disabilities services and don't yet know what's available for you and your family.

Regular news updates on disability issues, as well as research related to kids with disabilities, are posted to the site, and you can even sign up to have newsletters containing this type of information sent to you.

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities is also great if you don't feel entirely comfortable using the Internet, have limited access or are confused about any of the materials it provides. The center can also be reached at (800) 695-0285, which can handle calls in both English and Spanish.

Special Projects
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities is a government project funded by the Department of Education. It also has partnerships with the Technical Assistance and Dissemination network, which includes 40 similar projects that focus on disability and special education issues. Resources from this network are also available through the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities Web site.

On the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities Website, you can find information on special education, early intervention, research materials on the efficacy of various educational approaches, information on developing Individual Educational Programs (IEPs), detailed information on the law as it covers education issues for children with disabilities and materials geared toward the transition to adult life.

What? A Zigawhat!
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities Website also has a special area just for kids called Zigawhat that allows children with disabilities to learn more about the health concerns they are living with. It also gives them an opportunity to connect with and socialize with other kids online, as well as providing a forum for them to talk about their own experiences living with a disability. Zigawhat also has puzzles and games, as well as tips for kids about both school and about living with disabilities.

See Racheline Maltese's Disaboom member profile
See Racheline Maltese's Associated Content profile

College Campuses Boast Top Notch Tourist Attractions

2008-10-09T02:00:00Z

As kids head back to school, it’s time for adults to check out some of the top campus tourist attractions. From first-rate art museums to a re-created ghost town, college campuses offer a bevy of accessible tourist attractions. Here’s a roundup of some of my favorites.

Art and Archaeology
First stop—the University of Missouri in Columbia (MU to the locals), where visitors can explore two excellent museums.

Located in historic Pickard Hall, the MU Museum of Art and Archeology features over 14,000 artifacts, including a collection of Greek and Roman casts, several galleries of ancient Mediterranean and West Asian works, and the Samuel H. Kress Collection of 14 Old Master paintings. Accessible parking is available on the east side of Pickard Hall and the accessible entrance is located in the rear.

Next door in Swallow Hall you'll find the equally impressive Museum of Anthropology, which features a permanent exhibition on Native American cultures, plus rotating exhibits focusing on cultures around the world. The museum features a ramped front entrance with barrier-free access throughout the galleries. Best of all, there’s no admission charge to either museum.

Texas Ghost Town
Not all college museums are located in the middle of the campus. For example the Spindletop, Gladys City Boomtown Museum is located at the remote intersection of University Drive and U.S. Highway 69 on Lamar University campus in Beaumont, Texas.

This re-created oil rush ghost town focuses on the history of the Texas oil boom and features 15 buildings typical of those found in the original Gladys City. Including are a saloon, a post office, a dry goods store, a barber shop, and of course a livery stable. The museum is staffed by knowledgeable docents and each building features artifacts from the boom days. For example, the barber shop, (which also served as the dentist’s office) includes an old barber chair and an assortment of antique dental tools, while the dry goods store features goods typically offered for sale at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Access is excellent throughout the complex with ramped or level access to the buildings, a level boardwalk around the town, and an accessible restroom near the post office. Admission is a very reasonable $3; although the attraction received minor damage in the recent hurricanes, most of the damage has been repaired and the museum is once again open for business.

Seeing Stars
Many colleges also feature excellent star gazing opportunities. For example, the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory located on the campus of Brevard Community College in Cocoa, Florida features some great weekly star shows. There is level access to the planetarium, with lift access up to the second floor seating section. Shows are presented on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday and admission is a very reasonable $7.

Additionally, there’s no admission charge to the rooftop observatory, which can be accessed by an elevator. Be forewarned though, the observatory is only open on Friday and Saturday nights, so plan ahead!

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at http://www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

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Want more information about planning a trip with your college-bound student? See:

Disability and Pregnancy, Part 9 - Week 28

2008-10-08T21:04:00Z

Have you ever thought about your favorite sound? For me it has always been the wind in the trees. I just love the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind. I think it’s because it reminds me of backpacking when I was a kid. Whenever I would hear that sound, I would think, “It’s the river,” meaning we were close to our destination and the end of the hike.

Since becoming pregnant though, I have found a new favorite sound. While I still love the sound of the wind in the trees, my new favorite sound is that of my baby’s heartbeat. I long to hear it at each doctor visit and could easily sit there just listening to it for hours. I have been tempted to purchase a home fetal Doppler stethoscope so I can listen to it daily, but with all the upcoming baby expenses, I am really trying not to waste money on unnecessary items. I just have to say, though, that when I hear that heartbeat something deep inside of me comes alive, and it’s just so exhilarating!

I have officially entered my third trimester and am certainly getting rounder. So far I’ve put on more than 18 pounds, but my doctor seems satisfied with my weight gain. It’s been quite amazing that as the baby grows, so do the movements of my belly. The little one seems to be doing flips and rolls all day long.

While I don’t feel most of the movements from inside because of my injury level, I can feel them when I put my hands on my belly. Heck, I can even watch them: my belly jumps and moves all over the place when the baby kicks. It’s so funny; I just sit there and laugh, watching my baby make my belly dance. I have to say, it’s one of my favorite things to do lately. It has been a great way to bond with the baby, who seems to be most active when I lie down and rest. I’ll laugh and talk to the baby when it starts its jumping routine.

My mom and some friends threw me a baby shower a couple of weeks ago. It was such a wonderful party and so great to see many friends and celebrate this new adventure with them. I felt so incredibly loved and special. It made this baby experience very real to me, seeing and touching all the adorable outfits and gifts. I can’t wait to dress the baby in them all.

One friend made us a hand-knit sweater and another friend made a quilt for the baby—both are so very special. I am truly spoiled, but so, so thankful for all the love and wonderful gifts. At the shower, one of the activities was everyone decorated a different onesie for the baby. Afterwards, as I went through all the wonderful and creative designs, I got so emotional. It will be wonderful and so special to dress our baby in these hand decorated outfits made just for him or her.

On that topic, many of my friends at the shower were upset with me for not finding out the gender. They complained that finding gender-neutral outfits and gift ideas was challenging. I have to admit that finding out the gender would make the planning much easier, but I also feel very strongly that finding out is kind of like knowing what’s in your Christmas presents before you open them. It takes the fun out of the surprise for me.

I don’t blame or disrespect anyone who finds out the gender of their baby before the birth; but for us, we’ve decided that we want the excitement and joy of the “big surprise.” Heck, I’ve had enough bad surprises; I figure I’m due for a good one. Either way, boy or girl, it will be a wonderful surprise. I’ve really had a lot of fun guessing and going back and forth between what I think this little one will be. My husband and most of my family think it’s a boy; my nurse and I think it’s a girl. One thing I do know: one of us will be right!

I lied in my last column; I said I was finishing my last work trip before the baby comes. Well, I was asked to speak at another event next week, and since I won’t be working for several months it was hard to pass up the potential income.

I fly to New Mexico next week and will be there for a few days to speak. My husband isn’t too happy, thinking of me flying and renting a car by myself. But I’m confident that all will go well; hopefully the airlines won’t give me any trouble. According to what I’ve read, most airlines don’t want you traveling after 36 weeks, for fear that you might go into labor on the flight. My trip falls way before that deadline, so it shouldn’t be a problem. You really never know, of course; I’ll let you know how it all goes!

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Check out Muffy's previous pregnancy blog: Disability and Pregnancy, Part 8 — Week 24.

See her follow-up blog, Disability and Pregnancy, Part 10 - Week 30.

For more information on Muffy, visit Muffy's Disaboom member profile.