Fighting the myths of MS and motherhood

Many women with MS are diagnosed in their twenties and thirties, at a time they may be thinking about parenthood. An MS diagnosis can raise questions and concerns about starting a family, but there are also lots of myths out there about pregnancy, motherhood and MS so it can be difficult to make informed decisions.

The Polish MS Society has run a series of workshop on MS, motherhood and family-planning. The workshops aimed to tackle parenting and MS myths with real evidence and professional advice.

Participants heard from an expert panel of neurologists, gynaecologists and midwives. A great variety of topics were discussed; from MS treatments and relapse-management to healthy pregnancy and Baby blues. A brochure on MS and motherhood is being created as a follow up to the workshop discussions. Balancing MS and parenthood can be emotionally demanding. A psychologist was invited to give partners and relatives tips for supporting loved ones at this time.

The workshops offered participants a safe space to voice concerns and tell their story. Several mums with MS shared their personal experience of motherhood. Mums-to-be had the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive environment.

So far, there have been two workshops in the cities of Warsaw and Poznań. The success of these sessions has led to the demand for additional workshops across the country. The Polish MS Society hope to host further sessions in the near future.
These workshops were run in partnership with the MS-Fight for yourself Foundation and Merck Poland.

These workshops were run in partnership with the MS-Fight for yourself Foundation and Merck Poland.