- Since there is no cure for cerebral palsy, it is important that preventative measures are taken. Start while your baby is still in the womb by eating healthfully. Premature birth and birth weight below approximately 3 and 1/3 pounds may increases a baby's chance of developing cerebral palsy. Once your baby is born have her checked periodically for kernicterus (jaundice) as excess bilirubin in the blood caused by jaundice can lead to cerebral palsy, hearing loss, vision problems and possibly mental retardation. Ask your doctor about treatment such as phototherapy or a blood transfusion should you find out your child has a buildup of bilirubin in her blood. To prevent head trauma, keep your baby in a car seat when traveling and have your child wear a helmet when on a bike.
- Start treatment of your child's cerebral palsy as soon as you can if your child has celebral palsy. Early treatment can help your child lead as normal a life as possible. Be aware of the treatment options available and discuss them with your child's doctor. Physical, occupational and speech therapy can help, and surgery can be performed to eradicate physical abnormalities. Also available for the treatment of cerebral palsy are orthotics, braces, wheelchairs, walkers, voice synthesizers and medication. For more help and information, see the Resources section of this article and contact organizations that specialize in helping children with cerebral palsy.
- Guide the child with cerebral palsy to sources of information that will show him that there are other children who have the same limitations as he does. Suggest that he check out a website called "Kids' Quest," which may help answer any questions he has on the subject and give him hope in becoming an overachiever after reading about athletes who were able to achieve their goals, in spite of cerebral palsy.
