 | Disabled Parents Network (DPN) is a national organisation of and for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, and their families, friends and supporters. |  Contact Us 0300 3300 639 |
| Disabled Parents Network (DPN) is a national organisation of and for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, and their families, friends and supporters. | Contact Us 0300 3300 639 |
While I was expecting my first child (who is now 16 months old) the whole of my pregnancy seemed to be taken up with trying single-handedly to secure accessible maternity care. Many letters were sent and meetings were attended but although a few minor adjustments were made I remained unconvinced that the facilities at my local maternity unit would be suitable for my needs. As a result I booked a home birth so I could be in an environment that allowed me freedom and movement but in the end I had to have a hospital delivery for obstetric reasons. I feel that having to fight for accessible maternity care and then not being successful in securing it robbed me of my pregnancy.
I had sought the assistance of the local Community Health Council (CHC) who appeared to do nothing. A few months after the birth of my daughter I started asking them again what they were going to do about putting pressure on the maternity unit. The result has been that earlier this year they nominated me to join the local Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC). MSLCs now operate in many areas of the UK and are made up of both professionals and lay members. They exist to maintain links with current and recent users of maternity services and to enable women from all parts of the community to become involved in the provision of maternity services. A good committee can be a powerful vehicle for change within maternity services.
I see myself as representing DPN on the committee and seek to voice concerns about access and other disability equality issues. I hope later this year to make a full presentation to the committee about DPN and to put together some points for the professionals to go away and consider. I feel that it will be vital to start a local branch of DPN to increase the visibility of parents (and potential parents!) with disabilities.
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last updated: 06 Jun 07
Registered Office: Disabled Parents Network, Suite 37-40 Cherry Orchard North, Swindon, SN2 8UH. Registered Charity No: 1087662