Being a dad

3 minute read

If you want to be a parent, your epilepsy should not stop you

Some epilepsy medicines may lower fertility

If you want to start a family it’s a really good idea to plan this in advance. It will give you time to make practical arrangements

Supporting your partner during birth and with a newborn baby may be stressful and you may not get much sleep. These can be seizure triggers

Being in good health is important for dads. Try and be in the best health possible by looking after yourself and managing your epilepsy

Practical parenting tips

If your partner’s giving birth in hospital make sure you take your medicine as you might be there for a while!
Think about a plan for the birth. Is there someone else who can support your partner during the birth if you feel unwell, need a break or have a seizure?
Plan for the support you might need. This will especially include ways to get some regular sleep
If you have uncontrolled seizures you will need to think especially carefully about safety and support (See more info below)
Feed and change your baby sitting on the floor
If possible, ask somebody else to carry the baby up and down stairs. If it’s not possible, carry them in a car seat – this will help to protect them if you fall during a seizure
If you have a poor memory, keep a note of when you have fed the baby
Make sure you have a dosette box for your epilepsy medicine. Your routines may be very disrupted for a long time, making it harder to remember your epilepsy medicine
If you live on more than one floor, keep things for nappy changing on each floor
Don’t use an iron when you are alone with a baby or young child
Ask someone to help with stocking up the freezer so you can continue to eat regularly

Stories by you

Derrick Kay shares his thoughts about fatherhood

Do you have an experience about becoming or being a dad that you’d like to share? Get in touch

Do something

Write down any thoughts or concerns you have about how your epilepsy might affect being a dad. You could discuss them with your epilepsy nurse or doctor at your next appointment.