https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:04:11 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dealing-with-a-sick-parent-while-also-pregnant#post-2524465 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 08:22:56 +0000 Paddington10 2524465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all for the suggestions and support. One of the issues is that my mom is super private so very few people know she's even sick, which is kind of hard!! She only feels "comfortable" talking to her kids about her problems. I am going to try to find her a good therapist. I think that would help a LOT!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dealing-with-a-sick-parent-while-also-pregnant#post-2524197 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 19:56:13 +0000 catlady 2524197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry for your mom and that you are dealing with this. You are great for talking to her every day! I wasn't pregnant when my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, but I was in the middle of grad school and also planning a wedding. It was the most stressful time of my life, no doubt. I had all sorts of health issues, anxiety, insomnia, you name it. It's not selfish if you need a day off. You are pregnant and you need to take care of yourself, too. </p> <p>One thing my parents liked when my mom was sick was a website (I think it was called caring bridge, it may not be around now, but there are probably similar ones) and my dad could write updates about my mom and people could post notes to her. She enjoyed reading those. Maybe there is a way to get some of your mom's friends and other family members to pitch in a little and email or call or visit her to give you a break. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dealing-with-a-sick-parent-while-also-pregnant#post-2524110 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:44:08 +0000 autumnleaves 2524110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Paddington10: you are awesome for talking and listening to your mom every day. Is there any one else she can talk to (a therapist, friends) or other activities she can do to help take her mind off everything she is going through? Do you think your parents will continue to be able to watch your LO as much as they do?<br /> My parents are both in bad shape and have been through my pregnancy. I can't rely on them and though they like to see LO1 for brief visits - they are not up for longer visits. I vent to DH and I don't talk or visit with my parents as much as you. My sister became resentful because I wasn't doing more when my mom was constantly in the hospital and needing to go to the doctor all the time. It's hard balancing work, family, personal health, etc. I visited my parents as much as I could while trying to balance everything else. Turning my phone on silent from 9pm to 5:30am helped me along with DH being there and staying busy with work, LO1, other things.<br /> I am sorry you are going through so much now. Hugs </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dealing-with-a-sick-parent-while-also-pregnant#post-2524104 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:27:47 +0000 Finfan 2524104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can you try doing some check-ins via text? That way you can keep it short. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dealing-with-a-sick-parent-while-also-pregnant#post-2524098 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:24:53 +0000 MrsSRS 2524098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, this is a silly idea, but what if you routinely did a small, relaxing thing after each phone call? Like 10 minutes reading an escapist book on your phone or a small piece of chocolate or something? It might take a tiny bit of the edge off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dealing-with-a-sick-parent-while-also-pregnant#post-2524084 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:08:35 +0000 Raindrop 2524084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>*big hugs*</p> <p>That must be tough! Sorry you are going through this. Sorry your mom is sick.</p> <p>When I was 7 months pregnant with a toddler, my FIL had a stroke and almost drowned (he was in a hot tub relaxing after a swim at a local fitness club), luckily someone found him very quickly.</p> <p>MIL was a wreak. My other BIL both not married or with kids didn't seem to want to be there for her. I sent DH. We live about an 8 hour drive but only a 1 hour plane trip. I sent him for a week. But then after that his dad had a lot of check ups and also while I was about to give birth, his dad had a major surgery that week too (luckily we were able to convince one of the BILs to be there with their mom).</p> <p>It was quite stressful because we thought he might pass away. Luckily everything is fine now. He is a lot weaker than he use to be but he's still with us.</p> <p>It was definitely tough, but we managed through it. Maybe being so far away ... the stress doesn't boil over to us? We try to talk to MIL often but I don't talk to her nearly as much as you do with your mom. :(</p> <p>I would definitely talk to your DH as much as you can... vent to him! Ask him to help you keep you mind off of it. Anything. Binge watch a TV show. Ha.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dealing-with-a-sick-parent-while-also-pregnant#post-2524080 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:07:00 +0000 regberadaisy 2524080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well....my MIL was diagnosed with cancer when I was pregnant with my second. That same week I was laid off from my job. Talk about a sucker punch, huh?<br /> To say that was a stressful time is an understatement. Since I was unemployed and DD1 was still in daycare, I visited the hospital as much as I could. I offered to go to any appointments that I could. It's stressful, yes. But cancer is scary and can change on you in a second. Family is important and enjoy subsequent pregnancies isn't a luxury you have anyway with a toddler underfoot. ;)</p> <p>I'm sorry your mom is sick and I hope things improve. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dealing-with-a-sick-parent-while-also-pregnant#post-2524071 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 17:52:16 +0000 Paddington10 2524071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My mom, who lives a few towns over from us, is coping with a bunch of health problems right now. It is incredibly stressful on my dad and very scary for everyone. She isn't in grave danger but has had to undergo several surgeries and is in fragile health at the moment. I talk to her every day. She tries not to complain too much but honestly each day I hear about how scared/how much pain/etc she's in. I want to help but it's also hugely draining, and meanwhile I don't feel well myself and selfishly, I would like to focus on being happy about being pregnant, which I feel like I can't do while constantly worried about her and my dad. </p> <p>Wondering if any of you ladies have been in a similar situation and how you coped. My parents also watch my son 2x/weekly (when they can) so I see them a lot too. I would feel badly not checking in as much (which is what my husband has suggested) but the truth is, each phone call leaves me upset/concerned/stressed out/helpless.</p> <p>Advice? Thank you... </p>