Labor and Delivery and Disabilities

C-sections are becoming more common in all births, not just those to mothers with mobility impairments. Many doctors may think a woman with a mobility impairment will need a C-section. This is not always true so discuss your options in detail with your doctor before delivery.

Signs of contractions may be different for women with mobility impairments, especially those who do not have sensation. You will need to be familiar with these signs to know when labor is beginning.

Let your doctor and the hospital staff know if you would like to breastfeed before delivery. Some women with mobility impairments may need special assistance and support to breastfeed. Still others need to watch for symptoms related to a relapse of their disability (such as MS and rheumatoid arthritis) and women with SCI should watch for symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia when breastfeeding. Also discuss your medications again with your doctor to be sure they are safe to take while breastfeeding.

All new mothers need support when going home with a new baby. Women with mobility impairments may need extra time to heal and gain back strength and should have a strong support team in place the first few months after having a baby.

This is also known as “baby blues” and is common in women who have recently had a baby. If you have been treated for depression in the past, you are more likely to have postpartum depression so you and your friends and family should know the signs and symptoms. Click the link for more information.