Finding community through a cerebral palsy diagnosis – KICBUMP with Kic community member Kim

Kim was 27 weeks pregnant with her first daughter when she noticed a tiny amount of bleeding. After almost a week in hospital, and a traumatic birth experience, Kim gave birth to Elsie. Elsie then spent 11 weeks in the NICU and in that time, Kim and her husband Greg learned that Elsie had suffered a brain injury through pregnancy or birth and she was given a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

In this episode, Kim shares her story with Steph: her mostly straightforward pregnancy with Elsie, Elsie’s traumatic birth, their NICU stay and how it felt to finally hold Elsie for the first time, learning of Elsie’s brain injury, finding support online from parents of children with disabilities, and the decision to have a second baby.

Thanks to Kic community member Kim for reaching out with her story. We hope her story helps other parents going through similar things feel less alone.

Kim recommended the book 'Special: Antidotes to the obsessions that come with a child's disability' by Melanie Dimmitt https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Special/Melanie-Dimmitt/9781925384680 

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