More than one million Americans currently suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
If you’re a parent with RA (or are about to become one) you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to cope with the challenges that come with parenting and managing your condition.
Keep these tips in mind to help you stay positive and maintain your health.
1. Ask For (and Accept) Help
All parents can benefit from knowing when to ask for and accept help. But, this is especially important for parents who suffer from chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis.
It’s tempting to think you can do everything by yourself, but the reality is that you can’t always (and you definitely don’t have to).
If you’re expecting a child, try setting up a schedule so that family and friends can bring you meals for the first few weeks after your baby is born. You may also want to schedule regular visits from friends and family to come help out and give you time to rest.
Whether you’re expecting a child or already have kids at home, it’s also important to know when to realize that you need help.
If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed or notice that your RA is flaring up (researchers have identified a causal relationship between stress and RA symptoms), talk to your partner or a friend and let them know how they can help.
2. Join a Support Group
Dealing with a chronic illness is especially difficult when you feel like no one else understands what you’re going through. It’s easy to feel isolated. To help combat these feelings, look for support groups that you can join.
There are lots of groups out there that are made up of people struggling chronic conditions. You may even be able to find a group specifically meant for new parents with illnesses similar to yours.
Thanks to the internet, it’s easy to connect with people online who share your struggles. However, you should also try to find people you can meet with in-person. Real life connection is important for new parents.
If there aren’t any in-person groups in your area, consider starting one. Use online message boards to connect with people near you, then suggest you all meet and get to know one another in real life.
3. Invest in Some Helpful Gear
There are lots of tools out there that can help you manage arthritis pain while caring for your baby.
Finger splints and natural pain relief creams can help you handle flare-ups. Co-sleepers (bassinets that attach to your bed) are also a great investment so that you don’t have to get out of bed to care for your baby during the night.
Many parents with rheumatoid arthritis also recommend buying clothes with zippers instead of snaps or buttons, as it can put a lot of strain on your hands to deal with these tiny fasteners. These kinds of clothes are especially helpful when your baby gets older and starts to wiggle around more when you try to dress them.
4. Educate Your Family
If your diagnosis is new, take some time to educate your family about your condition. The more people know, the better they’ll be able to help you.
It’s also important to talk to your kids (in an age-appropriate way) about what you’re experiencing. Children are typically a lot more observant than adults give them credit for, and they’ll most likely notice something is up whether you want them to or not.
If you’re not sure how to address the issue with your children, you may want to seek out online resources from an organization like The Arthritis Foundation. There are even classes you can take that will teach the whole family about pain and pain management.
5. Practice Self-Care
Finally, make sure you’re practicing self-care regularly.
Remember that it’s not selfish to prioritize your health and happiness. You can’t serve your family if your own cup is not full.
Take a hot bath, go to a yoga class, or meet a friend for a kid-less coffee date. Do what you need to do to stay on top of your game, for yourself and your family.
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