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Holding the Baby

Series documenting the untold dramas of 21st-century Britain. Charlotte hopes for a baby, but she has epilepsy and pregnancy is fraught with difficulties.

Charlotte and husband Ian really want a baby, but she has epilepsy and pregnancy is likely to be fraught with difficulties. There is a balancing act between drugs that will keep Charlotte seizure-free but can pose risks to her unborn child. And if all goes well, then even after the birth, Charlotte has been advised that she will need to be careful: she's been told it's best she doesn't hold her baby when she's alone. For example, she should feed the baby on the floor and when she needs to go upstairs, carry her baby up and down in a secure car-seat. Even the pram she's going to use has a dead-man's brake, in case she has a seizure while out and about.

Charlotte has had epilepsy since she was eleven years old, and her seizures meant she had to leave University and has been unable to hold down a job. But Charlotte is determined to have a baby, and says: ' I won't let epilepsy take away my chance to be a mother.'

Producer in Bristol: Sara Conkey.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Wed 8 Aug 2018 23:30

Support Organisations

Epilepsy Action can provide information and advice on all aspects of epilepsy (including misdiagnosis) to support anyone affected by epilepsy.
Phone on 0808 800 5050

Epilepsy Society offers information and support to everyone affected by epilepsy, and delivers medical care and support.
Phone: 01494 601400 (Mon-Frid 9am-4pm, Wednesday-8pm)

Young Epilepsy is a national charity supporting children and young people aged 25 and under living in the UK with epilepsy.
Phone 01342 831342

Epilepsy Scotland provides a helpline and information service to anyone affected by epilepsy and their families.
Phone 0808 800 2200

Epilepsy Wales helps to improve the lives of people with epilepsy, their families and carers.
Phone: 0800 228 9016
epilepsy.wales

Genetic Disorders UK provides help and support to families affected by genetic disorders.
Phone: 0800 987 8987 (urgent enquiries - weekdays 9am-5pm)

Broadcasts

  • Mon 16 Jan 2017 11:00
  • Wed 8 Aug 2018 23:30

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