Dementia and a newborn
Hi all,
I’m wondering if anyone here has experienced having a newborn while your own parent has dementia?
I just had my first child, almost a week ago, which is my mom’s first grandchild. Mom is 71 with LBD in amazing care community about 40 minutes away. I am was in a mode of visiting her 2-3x a week and taking her out at least once a week for a shopping trip. Around the end of the third trimester I had to quit because physically it was too demanding.
So fast forward, I am feeling incredibly grateful to have this amazing new experience, but still juggling constant calls and some guilt for not being more around for mom. She is excited about the baby, but also can’t connect why I can’t jump in the car and take her shopping. The breastfeeding every 2-3 schedule doesn’t allow me to do anything but that and maybe sleep if I get lucky and time it right.
I guess I’m just looking to hear if other people have had this experience. I know to try not to feel guilt and set boundaries, it’s just one of those times I feel lonely being the only one in my peer group that has a parent with dementia.
Thanks all!