Being a dad

    Fast facts

    1

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

    2

    Some epilepsy medicines may lower fertility

    3

    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

    4

    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

    5

    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

    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

    Man holding a baby

    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.

    Man sat writing in a notebook

    More info

    More info about sex, men and epilepsy on the Epilepsy Action website

    Sex, men and epilepsy

    My dad has epilepsy – Stories for parents to explain epilepsy to their children

    My dad has epilepsy

    Tips for looking after children on the Epilepsy Action website

    Looking after children

    Info about safety on The Epilepsy Space

    Safety
    Updated 12 May 2020
    Review 12 May 2023
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