Sabryna Mongeon
Reclaiming my autonomy. Being the best mother I can be.
In 2017, after a car accident, my arms and legs were amputated at different lengths. After my 7-month stay at the Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal (IRGLM) I had regained a good part of my autonomy. But then, I also had to learn how to physically look after the baby I was expecting.
With the help of their specialized team, I was able to regain my dexterity and relearn everyday actions: getting dressed, cooking, cutting an apple, brushing my teeth, doing my makeup. In fact, the only gesture that is now impossible for me is combing my hair.
In addition, they showed great understanding of my condition. For example, my accident meant that I became tired much more quickly than before. Since I often needed to sleep between sessions, the experts supporting me understood the situation and suggested a care schedule that promoted progress and a return to normal life.
At the IRGLM, my rehabilitation was also shaped by the presence of people who became friends, with whom I spent time listening to music, chatting, and more. Their presence proved essential in my journey. Even better, it was there that I met my partner and the father of my first child, born in 2019.
I also used the services of the Clinique Parents Plus at Centre de réadaptation Lucie Bruneau (CRLB) to prepare for his arrival. After the amputation of four limbs, I needed to learn how to physically care for my unborn child.
“The pressure was on. […] But I knew I could do it.”
The pressure was on. A social worker had raised the possibility that I might have to entrust my baby to Youth Protection if I was not up to the task. But I knew I could do it. However, to become a fully functional mother, I had to rely on the experts at Clinique Parents Plus to teach me the very best strategies.
“Parents Plus taught me how tobecome a functional mother.”
Mastering essential daily activities
The work I did with my occupational therapist made a real difference in all my daily activities. For example, she showed me how to lift and transport my baby safely in my wheelchair. I also learned how to get my baby in and out of a crib.
“[It] made a real difference in all my daily activities.”
Since I was committed to reusable diapers—more difficult to put on and remove—she also showed me what to do, even for the later stages when a baby starts to move as soon as you lay them down. For this, Parents Plus gave me a stabilizing board to help me change my son’s diaper.
In addition, the Clinique provided invaluable assistance by adapting furniture and utilitarian objects to my specific condition. For instance, a crib was adjusted to my height, with easy sliding doors.
To make certain rooms in my house secure, protective barriers were installed to limit my baby’s movements. This was so important because I knew I might not be able to get to my baby fast enough in a dangerous situation.
A specialist who pulled out all the stops
To support me, my coach went above and beyond her original mandate and took a lot of extra initiative. To name just one, she came to the hospital to show the care staff that I could indeed get around with my child on me without any risk.
She often gave me advice over the phone, especially when my child was older. I was scared I wouldn’t be able to hold him back if he started running or suddenly headed in another direction while we were crossing the street.
Later, my occupational therapist showed me how to adapt my car for driving and how to instal my son in a seat specially designed to accommodate my physical challenges. As a result of all these interventions, I became a more self-sufficient mother.
Helping parents be their best
With its easy access, timely response and follow-up, the Clinique Parents Plus gave me exceptional support that will benefit my whole family for years to come. By lending financial support to the REA Foundation, you’re helping people benefit from its expertise so that they can become better parents. The advice and support it offers are simply invaluable.
Sabryna Mongeon, 26 years old and mother of six-year-old Loïc
