Careers
Perhaps you and your spouse both worked prior to the birth of your baby. Now, like every family when a baby is born, you must make some career decisions. The decisions are more complicated when the baby has special needs.
There are lots of things to juggle when you work and have a baby with special needs. Your baby may need additional physical care, such as specialized feeding techniques, breathing treatments, or medications. You may have physical therapy exercises or language activities to practice between therapy sessions. Then there are doctor appointments — all of this in addition to cooking, cleaning, and errands outside of work.
Money may be a consideration in your decision whether to continue working. Equipment and therapies may not be covered by insurance. You may be the spouse who carries the family insurance.
Child care for the child with special needs requires even more consideration than care for the “typically” developing siblings. Check to make sure your day care provider can offer adequate supervision and care for your child. Be sure that therapists can visit the day care center for your child's treatments. Traditional child care centers offer valuable contact with peers, but home-based care often meets the extraordinary needs of some children.
Is it possible to work with a baby who has special needs?
Many families are able to set up a plan that allows both parents to work. Some choose to continue their current career while others opt to work part-time. Some start a home-based business. Talk with your spouse about ways your work commitments may or may not fit the needs of your family.
Personal Career Goals
The arrival of a baby affords you an opportunity to reconsider your personal goals and your family's needs. How can you best meet the needs of your child and your family as well as your long-range career goals? Is this a good time to take a break or does it make more sense to set up a practical family plan and to keep on working? It is a decision that only you can make.
