Motherhood is often described as joyful, exhausting, and transformative. But for mothers living with a disability, the experience can come with additional challenges—alongside resilience, creativity, and an unshakeable sense of love. This Mother’s Day, The Mini Edition highlights the voices of women whose parenting journeys are rarely given the space they deserve.
We hear from five women whose stories span a range of circumstances. Some became mothers after years of living with disability. Others were diagnosed during pregnancy or in the early years of raising their children. From spinal injuries and chronic illnesses to confronting misconceptions and managing the day-to-day, their experiences reflect a rich, multifaceted picture of motherhood.
Amelia became disabled at 19 and had her first child over a decade later. Grace faced the uncertainty of whether her body could cope with parenthood before welcoming her daughter last year. Lauren, Meg and Foye all became disabled after giving birth, finding ways to adjust to their new realities while caring for their children.
Their stories go beyond the typical narratives. They share what works, what doesn’t, and what they wish more people understood. From must-have kit to everyday parenting hacks, accessible family days out to honest reflections on guilt, fatigue and pride, these women open the door to a motherhood that is often overlooked, yet deeply relatable.
This feature is about connection, honesty, and showing that every version of motherhood is valid.
Best Piece of Advice for Disabled Mothers or Mums-To-Be
Amelia: SAY YES TO HELP! When someone offers it, take it. Raising children is hardcore for anyone, let alone when you have used all your spoons by lunchtime and still have half a day left. It’s important you still have moments to do things for yourself that make you feel good. Your children need you as happy and healthy as possible. If that means leaning on your support system, do it. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you are worrying about being a good mum, it’s a sign you are one!
Grace: Being disabled doesn’t stop you from being an amazing parent, no matter what society says. Love is determined by your heart; not how capable your body is. If you’re ever struggling, don’t be hard on yourself – there are millions of non-disabled parents who struggle too. It’s normal!
Meg: Don’t put pressure on yourself to be anyone other than you. Whether that’s comparing yourself to other parents, or comparing yourself to the parent you were before you became disabled. Just because you can’t do as much, doesn’t mean you are less—you are still giving your 100%, no matter what that looks like.
Foye: Every age your child hits will bring new challenges. I try and tell myself that no matter the circumstance, there is always an answer, I just have to find it. I really recommend using disabled mum groups, blogs & even TikTok. These have all been a lifeline for me.
What I Couldn’t Parent Without
Amelia: Rucksacks! When my boys were young, they carried their toys in their own backpacks so my hands were free. I also keep a bag packed with books, colouring materials and toys in the boot of the car so I always have distraction tools to hand.
Lauren: Renting a mobility scooter is a godsend for days out. We’ve used them at Legoland, Chessington and Center Parcs. It means I can keep up and enjoy the day without it wiping me out afterwards.
Foye: A sling or baby carrier was essential when I was using a wheelchair full-time. Having him attached to me meant I could move safely and confidently.
Meg: Mobility aids—whatever they may be. I love my Emerald Sky and leopard print crutches. I also make a little game of it for my kids so they see them as a fun, normal part of our lives.
Adjusting to Parenthood with a Disability
Amelia: The early years of my first son were harder than I thought. I underestimated how long it would be before he could walk, and carrying him everywhere took a real physical toll. But once he was walking—and especially once he started school—life became easier. He’s now chatty, funny and very independent. Connecting with other disabled mums has really helped me.
Foye: Parenting toddlers is not for the faint-hearted! I had parented before becoming disabled, and each stage comes with new challenges, disability or not. Sometimes the judgement from others can be hard. I have days where I feel like people think my children are missing out because of my disability.
Lauren: When you become disabled suddenly, there’s no time to prepare—you just do it. My walking stick is now part of me. It’s been harder not being able to carry my boys when they cry or fall asleep, but we adapt.
Grace: I’ve surprised myself with what I can do. On good days I can use the pram as a walking frame. I always feared I couldn’t give my daughter a full life—but I am. Lack of sleep worsens my symptoms, but my partner does night feeds to help. Chronic illness isn’t predictable, but we find our way.
The Mum-Hacks That Make All the Difference
Amelia: Get a big laundry bag you can drag instead of carry. It sounds so small, but it’s changed how I manage day-to-day chores.
Meg: Craft days! Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram are full of low-energy, low-mess ideas that keep little ones entertained when I can’t get out.
Grace: Prep milk and food in advance and have a mini fridge in the baby’s room. It saves navigating stairs when you’re flaring.
Foye: Baby wearing. Having both arms free—one for a crutch, one for tasks—made life doable when my youngest was little.
Accessible Days Out We Love
Amelia: Sandsend in Whitby is perfect. It has beachside parking, a café and loos close by—so I get to enjoy the beach without it being a mission.
Lauren: Disneyland surprised me. With mobility scooter hire and queue passes, it was more accessible than I ever expected—and the staff were amazing.
Meg: ROARR! in Norwich is brilliant. Wheelchair-friendly rides, accessible paths, a quiet room, and you can even rent scooters. We always have the best time.
Foye: Our local play café (Nikki’s Little Play Café) is a gem. Fully accessible and enclosed—no stress about little ones running off.
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