You, The Parents

It is important not to neglect your own needs in your effort to give your child with a bleeding disorder the best care you can. It may take some effort not to shut out other people, especially when you are focused on your child at a critical time. It is true that most people may not understand the stress of having a child with medical problems. However, most people are willing to learn. Many people want to offer support but are not sure how to do it. Talk to them. Building relationships means sharing rough times as well as good times. Good communication and the sharing of feelings is what community is all about.

All parents need to set aside some time away from children, even if just for a brief walk. If you are a single parent of a child with a bleeding disorder, try to set aside time each week to spend socially with other adults.

Now and then, parents of children with bleeding disorders have problems with sex. Anger or disappointment over having a child with a bleeding disorder may affect a parent’s sexual desire. For a parent, fear of conceiving a child with a bleeding disorder may interfere with sex. Other things that can cause tension during sex are general stress and feeling bad about oneself. Worrying about sex can cause a lack of desire or problems getting an erection.

Talking about your sexual worries may help reduce them. Try to share with your partner your feelings about sex and why you might be uneasy about it. It is important for parents to discuss and try to reach agreement about birth control and family planning. If you can't talk about these things with your partner and are having sexual problems, talk to your doctor or counselor.