Navigating Motherhood with Sight Loss - Voice of the Customer Report 2025

Mothers with sight loss face misconceptions from health and social care professionals and members of the public

• These misconceptions can stem from a lack of understanding and awareness about the capabilities and needs of mothers with sight loss.
• Health and social care professionals may underestimate the ability of mothers with sight loss to care for their children, leading to unnecessary interventions or inadequate support. Similarly, members of the public may hold biased views, doubting the competence of mothers with sight loss and questioning their parenting skills.
• These misconceptions can create additional challenges for mothers with sight loss, affecting their confidence and access to appropriate resources.
• It is crucial to address these misconceptions through education and awareness, highlighting the strengths and resilience of mothers with sight loss and promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Key barriers include the quality of maternity care and inaccessibility of important information from healthcare providers and schools

• Maternity care services are not adequately equipped to address the specific needs of mothers with sight loss which can result in a lack of confidence and increased anxiety during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Additionally, crucial information from healthcare providers and schools is not provided in accessible formats, such as braille, large print, or audio. This inaccessibility hinders mothers with sight loss from fully understanding and engaging with important health and educational information, impacting their ability to make informed decisions and advocate for their children's needs.
• Addressing these barriers is essential to ensure that mothers with sight loss receive the support and resources they need in their parenting journey.

Despite these challenges, women with sight loss demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability, finding accessible solutions and support networks to navigate motherhood

• Mothers with sight loss have found innovative and accessible solutions to navigate the complexities of motherhood. By using technology, such as screen readers and AI-powered apps, they can manage daily tasks and stay informed. Additionally, mothers with sight loss often adapt their environments to be more tactile-friendly and organised.
• Support networks play a crucial role in their journey, providing emotional validation, practical advice, and a sense of community. Through peer support groups and online communities, mothers with sight loss can share experiences and learn from one another.