Adaptations for Independent Infant Care by Mothers Who Are Disabled

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present information that will increase functional independence in the everyday tasks of infant care for mothers with a disability. It focuses on one mother and her special problems in caring for her first child. Physical and psychosocial adaptations are addressed encompassing the major functions of the mother with a disability in an effort to establish the individual's unique ability to function successfully as a parent. Physical adaptations to make child caring accessible in both the home environment and away from home are explored. This covers activities requiring reaching, lifting, carrying as well as changing and feeding. Psychosocial adaptations influencing the person with a disability as parent focus on attitudes, recongition of strengths and limitations, and the feeling of belongingness in society. It is hoped that this paper will provide greater insight about independent infant care by mothers who are disabled and also stimulate new ideas for occupational therapists.