The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) shed light on challenges faced by mothers with sight loss during pregnancy and the early years of motherhood.
Recent research identified misconceptions from healthcare professionals as a significant barrier, often leading to unnecessary safeguarding plans and social worker involvement.
Another key finding was the lack of accessible health and pregnancy information, with 14% of survey respondents reporting this issue with information from their health visitor, 12% from hospitals and 10% from their GP surgery.
Laura Jones, NHS engagement manager at RNIB Scotland, said: ‘This report clearly demonstrates that mothers who are blind and partially sighted are being left behind, without essential support and information, at a time of need.’
RNIB Scotland has called for nursing and midwifery training to include the need for inclusive communications at the very beginning of the parent journey.
