Yahoo News Mum says she's never been able to 'switch off' since what was found at 20 week baby scan
A mum has said nothing could have prepared her for the reality of parenthood after her son was born with a birth defect.
Amelia Christie’s son Oliver was born with congenital heart disease and, as a result, requires round-the-clock care. Until recently the three-year-old, who also has a form of cerebral palsy, had been on 24/7 oxygen. The mum-of-one, from Norris Green, said she is never able to "switch off" or take time out for herself as she is constantly worrying about his health condition and breathing.
The 33-year-old told the ECHO: “We found out about Oliver’s condition at my 20-week scan so we had time to try to prepare ourselves and get an idea of what to expect.
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“However, as any parent with children with this sort of condition knows, nothing can prepare you for the reality. With the condition, we are constantly clock-watching to make sure that he has his medication when needed and checking when his next feed is as he is peg-fed.
Oliver was born at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, where he went into NICU for three weeks. The toddler had his first open heart surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital at five weeks old. He continues to receive regular medicare care from the Prescot Road Trust.
Amelia, who also cares for her husband, Brian, as he has epilepsy, said: “He’s an amazing child who is full of personality and we wouldn’t change him for the world, but his condition means he needs 24-hour care which can take its toll on both my husband and me.”
The mum now works two days a week as a sales executive and Brian four days as an IT tech to ensure they can deliver the 24/7 care needed.
Carers from across Liverpool, including Amelia, are however being encouraged to take a well-earned break by a local charity dedicated to supporting them. MyTime, set up to provide respite breaks to unpaid carers, is calling on Merseyside people looking after loved ones to get in touch and find out more, as part of Carers Week.
The charity works with organisations across the area to offer carers the opportunity to recharge with a variety of leisure, cultural and educational activities.
According to Carers UK, there are now more than 10.6 million adults providing unpaid care, including those caring for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, mental health problems or addiction, cannot cope without their support.
Amelia said: “Having the opportunity to recharge thanks to MyTime, while Oliver receives specialised care, means we have a couple of days to reset and relax. Being able to just be ourselves and enjoy some time out is incredible and we’re very grateful to MyTime for making this happen.”
Among the latest organisations to sign up with MyTime is The Halyard Hotel at Ropewalks Liverpool. David Daly, general manager at The Halyard at Ropewalks Liverpool, said: “We’re committed to embedding ourselves in the local community and working alongside MyTime is an integral part of this.
“Carers like Amelia do an incredible job with very little time for themselves or a chance to relax, so we’re extremely proud to join forces with MyTime to help ensure that such selfless people get the time they deserve to recharge their batteries.
“Carers Week of course shines a spotlight on the important role carers play every single day, but our partnership with the charity will mean that they are appreciated and thought of all year round and that we can, hopefully, give them some much-needed respite.”
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