First-time mum defies doctor who said she wasn’t ‘mother material’ after suffering stroke at 19
A FIRST-TIME mum who had a stroke at 19 has defied doctors who told her she wouldn't be "mother material".
Emma Gaffy, 35, from Melbourne, Australia, had to learn how to walk and talk again after suffering a devastating stroke.
The new mum also struggled with long-term effects of her stroke, including debilitating fatigue.
As a result, doctors who treated her in the immediate aftermath told her that she wasn't "mother material".
However, Emma has now proved them all wrong and welcomed a beautiful baby girl with her partner Gareth earlier this year.
In an interview , Emma says becoming a mum to nine-week-old Meadow is a "dream".
Discussing how her experience of the stroke will impact her parenting, she added: "All of the emotions, struggles and strength I needed in my recovery, I’ll eventually rely on while parenting.
"Especially when Meadow becomes a stubborn and strong-minded teenager – similar to her own mummy!"
However, the impact of the stroke still has an effect on Emma's day-to-day life.
She added: " Post-stroke fatigue is an issue so [Gareth] is doing the night feeds, while I get my rest."
Unsurprisingly, the coronavirus crisis has also had an impact on the couple as they adapt to life with a baby.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a life-threatening brain attack, which occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off – without blood, the cells in your brain can be killed or suffer damage.
It can have different effects depending on where in the brain this damage occurs.
It can change how you think and feel, and cause speech problems or a weakness on one side.
For some, the effects of a stroke can be relatively minor and will fade quickly, but others can be left with problems that leave them dependent on other people.
Around one in eight people who suffer a stroke die within 30 days, so it is vital to get medical assistance as soon as possible – the sooner somebody is treated, the more likely they are to survive.
Emma added: "In COVID-19 times, emotions are heightened and sometimes not for the best.
"Social distancing and self-isolation has affected us and fellow new mothers in so many ways.
"There are no mothers’ groups, no visits from midwives and no family drop-ins. That means little or no support for some people."
The Australian mum is celebrating her first Mother's Day tomorrow and plans on spending the special day with Gareth and Meadow.
As someone who never thought she would be a mum, Emma added: "It’s surreal to me that I am mother to this gorgeous being, so I guess I’m still thanking her for choosing me to be her mummy."
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