Meet the mums

Our diary writers and their top tips for you.

Rebecca gave birth to her first child, son Maximus in April 2012. Rebecca’s advice for mums-to-be, is to ask for advise specific to you and your situation.

“Get as much advice as you can before you become pregnant and in the early days, so that you feel prepared. Sometimes you need to be a bit forceful with medical professionals to get what you need. 
“Try to enjoy the experience of being pregnant as much as you can, because it goes really quickly."

Clair and husband Rich are parents to Queen’s Jubilee baby, Riley Elizabeth. Clair’s tip for new mums is something she wishes someone else had been honest enough to share with her. “The everlasting bond people talk about doesn’t usually occur straight away. I loved Riley so much and wanted to provide for her. But I remember feeling so bad for being relieved, when the midwife came and took Riley for a bit. I was exhausted. 

“The bond is built over the first few weeks. When she gave me her first proper cheesy grin - I knew I’d do anything for her. Just don’t feel bad if the feeling isn’t there straight away, it will come. Motherhood is a huge change, it takes time to get used to and time to get to know each other, with or without epilepsy”. 

Faye and her husband Ben are expecting their first child (a daughter) in February 2013. Faye has had night-time tonic-clonic seizures since she was 11. Typically in the very early morning. Faye’s tip is to seek help with planning a pregnancy sooner rather than later. “I had assumed a six month lead time in trying to get pregnant. [Six months between seeking advice and then actually start trying for a baby.] In the end it was closer to twelve months.”

Nicola lives in London with Gerald and their beautiful children Oliver and Eleanor. Nicola is one of our original diary writers from 2008. Nicola’s pregnancy tip is to look on the bright side and stay happy and positive. “I couldn’t drive after the birth of Oliver, because of my epilepsy. But that might have been a good thing. Walking everywhere definitely helped get rid of some of the baby fat. It’s also exercise that you can do with your baby. It is also gentle enough to your body, which is recovering from nine months of hard work”.

Jennifer and her husband have two sons. Jennifer is another of our original writers from 2008. Jennifer advises: “Don't let epilepsy rule your life. With sensible precautions there is no reason that you can't enjoy a full and satisfying role as a mummy. Just listen to the advice of those around you and definitely listen to your own instincts - they probably serve you best”.

Ingrid is the final of our three writers from 2008. She lives with her daughter and husband in the north-west. Her number one tip for mums: “Sleep when the baby sleeps – the housework can wait. This is especially important in those first few weeks when your baby thinks night time is wide awake time”.

Catherine and husband Darren have two children Matthew and Charlotte. Matthew was diagnosed with anti-convulsant syndrome, when he was only 16 months old. This has caused complex health and learning difficulties.

Matthew is treasured by Catherine, Darren and Charlotte. Her top tip is: “Do your research before you become pregnant. Looking back, we were quite naïve when planning our first child. If we’d known what was to come over the next few years, we probably would never have believed it. However, now we know so much more. I know whatever happens we will face it as a family. We will find a way of making it work”.