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To rewind a little, I fall into the category of having a disability because cancer took away the majority of function in my right arm and shoulder. I always had ongoing shoulder pain but the reason I discovered the cancer was because of a snowboarding accident; I fell on it and felt a searing hot pain across my right side. Pure agony! I saw a physio and when the pain didn’t improve I took myself off for a MRI and there it was. I had radiation for 12 weeks followed by Limb Salvage Surgery. It was a long road to recovery that completely sapped my energy. It took a good three years post-treatment to feel good again and by that time I was 31 years old and ready to be a mum. My baby boy, River, arrived 10 days overdue (and after three gruelling days of inductions), via c-section and weighing 4.5 kgs. I was able to hold him as well as cup and cradle his little face. It was bliss.
Georgia, from The Memo’s Customer Support Team, has very little function in her right arm due to a cancer diagnosis seven years ago. Here, she shares her experience and the products that helped in the physically demanding early parenting days.
In 2020 I gave myself the green light to experience pregnancy. I was celebrating five years free of Bone Cancer and I felt that my body was a healthy, thriving and safe home for a baby to grow.
"I was celebrating five years free of Bone Cancer and I felt that my body was a healthy, thriving and safe home for a baby to grow"
I approached pregnancy with healthy levels of excitement spiked with apprehension. Those ‘normal’ anxious thoughts and doubts crept up on me; Will I be a good mum? What happens if my maternal instincts don’t kick in? But piled on top of these were many practical questions too; Will I be able to hold my baby? Will I be able to hold my baby and breastfeed? And so on.
While I adapted and learnt to do things in new ways, my limited function meant that my approach and preparation to motherhood was slightly different to your average parent-to-be. I did my research and problem-solved on the fly. Working in the Customer Experience team, I regularly have calls with parents experiencing neck or back issues, as well as many women recovering from c-sections and struggling to lift. So, I’m often brainstorming solutions and able to draw inspiration from my own experience. Below you will find the products that helped me enormously as well as a new invention that I wish I had at my fingertips back then.
"While I adapted and learnt to do things in new ways, my limited function meant that my approach and preparation to motherhood was slightly different to your average parent-to-be"
1. Babyzen YOYO Stroller
A lightweight pram that I could pack/unpack easily and with one hand was absolutely essential for my day-to-day parenting.
2. Baby Bjorn Carrier
This allowed me to safely hold my baby and give my left arm a break from the load. As River became heavier this became even more important. He constantly wants to be picked up and carried. Even up until a few months ago I was putting him in one.
3. Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow
I liked a firm, supportive feeding pillow. River was heavy so I needed that lift and relief on the arm. Especially in those early days when you feel as though you’re feeding for hours on end.
4. Bunnie Caddie
A bag or caddie with a big shoulder strap to carry all of those miscellaneous things you need during a feed and change was great. I needed to spread the weight across my body and not on my shoulder.
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5. Baby bjorn Bouncer Bliss
This was essential in my newborn kit. Having him safe and strapped in meant I was handsfree to make a smoothie or drink a coffee.
6. Warrior Plunge Contour Nursing Bra - Black
A fuss-free breastfeeding bra made life easier. I used a soft bra that was super-stretchy but in hindsight a bra with a magnetic clip like this one would have been a game-changer. It doesn’t hurt that it looks chic too.
7. BINK Mama Bottle
A bottle with a straw was really handy because the action of lifting up is outside my range of motion. Plus, breastfeeding leaves you as thirsty as a lizard in the Sahara desert.
8. Love to Dream - Stage 1 Swaddle
River adored these zip up swaddle bags that kept him snug with his arms up. So much quicker and easier than traditional swaddling for me.
9. Youha Embody Wearable Breast Pump
An item that I wish I had is a handsfree wireless pump. This is something I recommend for all mums regardless of their abilities because I spent a lot of time attached to a cord at the powerpoint - I’ll never get those hours back. I also love the brand ethos and innovation of this one.
