Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the many different journeys that lead to becoming a parent. For some, that journey includes navigating life with a vision impairment while raising a child.
For me, becoming a mum has been one of my proudest achievements — a journey filled with learning, adapting, and embracing every moment along the way.
Preparing for a New Life
Being a parent doesn’t come with a manual. Every milestone, every challenge, and every new experience is something you navigate as it happens.
When my husband and I found out we were expecting, we were overjoyed. We couldn’t wait to start planning for our little family. Like any parents-to-be, we began thinking about the practical things: choosing the right pram, working out the best way to warm bottles, and deciding which baby clothes would be easiest to manage.
Alongside these preparations, we also worked with healthcare professionals to help them understand vision impairment. We were lucky to have a fantastic midwife who supported us throughout the process. She helped arrange a visit to the delivery suite so we could familiarise ourselves with the rooms and meet some of the staff who would be involved in our care.
At the same time, I contacted Guide Dogs to begin pram training with my guide dog, as I knew I would be eager to get out and about once the little one finally arrived.
We are also incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive family network who are always ready to answer questions and offer help whenever we need it.
When our son arrived, we quickly fell into the rhythm that so many parents recognise. Making bottles, changing nappies, and having plenty of sleepless nights.
Out and About as a Family
Both my husband and I are vision impaired and have always relied on our guide dogs to travel independently. 
When we first started venturing out with our little one, we knew we would attract attention. It wasn’t exactly the “norm” to see two guide dogs and a pram getting off a bus! We’d often smile and brush of comments – because for us, it was just everyday life.
Since our dogs retired, we have both become full-time white cane users, which still turns a few heads.
We’ve continued to enjoy new adventures together as a family from a trip to the Isle of Man, to a magical holiday at Disneyland Paris, as well as days out at the zoo and visits to soft play centres.
Sometimes these trips bring extra challenges. We often use our phones to help orientate ourselves and plan where we’re going in more detail. Which helps us to continue our fun adventures together.
The Milestones That Matter
Over the last four years we have celebrated so many wonderful milestones.
From trying solid food for the first time, which often left him looking like the Incredible Hulk when green vegetables were involved to crawling, climbing, walking, running, and eventually saying his first words.
Now he’s a little chatterbox who never seems to stop talking!
Like any family, our journey has included plenty of laughter and a few tears. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every moment has been part of the adventure — even when he hides my makeup or my white cane during a game of hide and seek.
Overcoming the Worries
Before becoming a parent, I had many questions and worries. As a mum I didn’t want to miss out on anything.
How would I read to my child?
How would I find him in a busy soft play area?
How would I interact with other parents?
What does my child look like?
How would I help him draw, explore nature, and experience the world?
Over time, I found ways to adapt.
I discovered a library that provides both Braille and printed books, allowing me to read to him from when he was a baby,something I still love doing today.
I attended parent groups at our local family hub, where I met other parents and built connections through birthday parties and shared experiences.
At soft play centres, we have a simple system — he calls out so we know where he is, and when we call his name, he comes straight back.
Building a picture of what he looks like has sometimes been difficult. But I know him in other ways — through the smell of his hair, the touch of his skin, and the sound of his voice. And for me, that is more than enough.
I’m excited about the future and all the adventures and milestones still to come.
Being a mum truly is the best thing in the world.
Supporting Other Parents
My journey into motherhood has also shaped my work.
Today, in my role as a Community Engagement Coordinator in Halton with Vision Support, I have the opportunity to support others and create spaces where people can connect and share their experiences.
I run a range of social groups and activities for our service users, and this Mother’s Day I’m excited to launch something new.
New Parent Support Group
On Wednesday 25th March at 7pm, we’ll be starting a new online Parent Group for parents who have a vision impairment.
This group will provide a welcoming space where parents can: 
You can book onto the first online group here.
We hope the group will meet monthly online, with the possibility of future in-person meetups. All of Vision Supports groups are listed here where you can book through Eventbrite.
If you would like to find out more, please get in touch:
Call 0151 329 2811 or email me at datherton@visionsupport.org.uk
I’d love to hear from you.
