Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Network [OIFN]
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Network [OIFN]
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Caring for Your Child With OI — Without Losing Yourself: A Guide to Self-Care and Confidence for Moms

Parenting is never simple, but parenting a child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) brings a unique and often heavy mix of responsibility, fear, advocacy, and love. Many moms describe the experience as beautiful and exhausting all at once. They juggle medical appointments, safe handling techniques, therapies, school advocacy, family expectations, and the emotional weight of wanting to give their child the safest, fullest life possible. But in all this giving, there’s one person who often gets forgotten:

You.

This blog is your reminder that your wellbeing matters — not just for you, but for your child, too. Why Self-Care for OI Moms Matters (It’s Not “Selfish”). For many mothers, self-care feels like a luxury or even a guilty pleasure. But when you’re caring for a child with OI, it’s actually a necessity.
 
Here’s why:
 
Your child senses your emotional state. A calm, grounded parent creates a calmer environment. Caregiving is physically and mentally demanding. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Confidence grows from stability. When you take time to recharge, you think more clearly and trust yourself more deeply. You deserve care, too. Your needs don’t disappear just because your child needs more from you.
 
Self-care isn’t indulgence.
Self-care is maintenance.
 
Meeting ID: 834 9417 6613
Passcode: 489604

Common Challenges OI Mums Face

Common Challenges OI Moms Face

Moms of children with OI often share similar struggles:
 
The fear of fractures
Handling your child, letting them explore the world, or trusting others with their care can cause constant anxiety.
 
Feeling judged or misunderstood
People may not understand OI, leading to hurtful assumptions or unwanted questions.
 
Physical exhaustion
Safe transfers, mobility support, and therapy routines can strain your body.
 
Mental burnout
It’s easy to forget who you are outside of caregiving.
 
Advocacy fatigue
You become the voice for your child everywhere — schools, hospitals, extended family, public spaces.
 
Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward healing from them

How To Overcome These Challenges

Practical Self-Care Strategies for OI Moms
  • Give yourself emotional permission to rest.
  • You’re not failing your child by taking a break. You’re helping them by protecting your energy. A 10-minute quiet moment in the morning, Listening to calming music and Mindfulness or deep breathing exercises.
Build your “confidence toolbox”
  • Confidence isn’t something you magically have — it’s something you build.
Include tools like:
  • Positive self-talk (“I am capable. I am learning. I am doing my best.”).
  • Knowledge about OI (knowledge reduces fear).
  • A list of people you can call when you feel overwhelmed.
  • Written reminders of times you handled tough situations successfully.
Connect with other OI parents
  • Nothing boosts confidence like knowing you’re not alone.
Ways to connect:
  • Online OI support groups.
  • Local disability-parent networks.
  • OI Foundation community events.
  • Facebook or WhatsApp groups for OI caregivers.
  • Shared experience creates strength.
Create a self-care routine that fits your real life
  • You don’t need a spa day. You need consistency.
  • A warm shower at the same time each night.
  • A favorite podcast while cooking or driving.
  • Journaling before bed.
  • A weekly hour just for your interests (reading, crafting, exercise, prayer—whatever fills you up).
Set boundaries without guilt
It’s okay to say:
  • “No, I can’t do that today.”
  • “I need help.”
  • “We need accommodations because my child’s safety is important.”
  • Boundaries protect your peace.

How To Strengthen Your Confidence as a Caregiver

Confidence grows when you recognize your strengths:
 
  • You already know your child better than anyone
  • You’ve learned their cues, their needs, their limits, and their incredible potential.
  • You make decisions with love and intention
  • Even when they’re hard decisions.
  • You know how to adapt
  • OI teaches flexibility, creativity, and patience — qualities of an exceptional caregiver.
  • You are not perfect — and that’s okay
  • Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about trust. Trust in your instinct, your experience, and your ability to adapt as you go.
 
A Final Reminder
 
You are not “just a mom.”
You are a medical advocate.
A strength-builder.
A comfort-giver.
A safe place.
A teacher.
A protector.
A source of love.
And yes — a human being with needs and dreams of your own.
 
Self-care doesn’t take away from the love you give your child with OI.
It fuels it.
And confidence comes from caring for both of you.
 
You’re doing an amazing job — even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.