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The TakeAway: Nicole talks about parenting after a stroke

July 23, 2025

Twenty-two weeks into my first pregnancy, I woke up with a splitting headache. My headache was getting worse, and I was vomiting. At that point I knew that I needed help. 

I tried calling my husband Dave first, but he was in class teaching and unable to answer. Next, I called my dad. I didn't realise I was slurring my words, while I was on the phone to him, I passed out. 

I had suffered a stroke due to AVM or arteriovenous malformation. I was rushed to hospital, where Ned was delivered by an emergency caesarean before I went in for my own emergency surgery. 

Dave, Gus, Nicole and Matilda


"This TakeAway is dedicated to our beloved angel Ned who is always in our hearts."  

Hi Nicole, you had a stroke in 2020. You have had two children since then. Can you share some of the things you’ve learned about parenting after a stroke? (0.30 secs) 

Nicole says, “When Gus was born, my physio came out about 3 weeks later, as my mobility was one of my biggest issues. Nappy changing was hard for me, particularly night changes. We worked out a way for me to do those things and found a way to move Gus around the house safely. We couldn’t find a way to breastfeed Gus that I felt comfortable with, so I expressed and fed him by bottle.” 

Resources:

Nic, what other hacks did you and your physio come up with? (4.10 mins) 

Nic says, “I was really lucky, I have had the same physio, Amy, though out my stroke journey, so we know each other well. We workshopped what I wanted to do, and needed to do, and we came up with solutions together. 

I have recently changed my OT for someone who has children, which has also been really helpful. We’ve recently been looking at how I can play outside more safely with Gus, now he’s two, he climbs out the dog door and is off up to the back of our property, and I can’t get to him.  

The portable nappy change table I bought from K-Mart, is really easy for me to wipe clean. The travel pram, which was a suggestion that I got in mother’s group, I chose a SKIP³ Travel Stroller and I love it.” 

Resources:

Can you tell us a bit about the emotional side of having children after your stroke? (5.35) 

Nic says, “Dave and I didn’t think we would be able to have children after my stroke. Now we have two happy and healthy children, we can’t believe how lucky we are – sometimes we have to pinch ourselves. 

One thing we talk about often is what you can achieve with time and determination.” 

Resources: 

 

Nic, we’re going a bit off topic, but there was something that you wanted to say. (7.58 mins)

“At the start, all I wanted was information and to hear other people’s stories. I understand everyone's experiences are different, but I found it really hard to find information for a 30-year-old woman.

The important message to know is that if someone is in the early stages, in the trenches, it may all be overwhelming, but it does get better. And many of your goals are absolutely achievable with time and a lot of effort.

I had to accept where I was after my stroke, but I believed that my future would be different.”

Resources:

Nic, it was Matilda’s first birthday recently. Can you tell us a little bit about that? (10.37 mins) 

Nic says, “It was a beautiful day for our family. What I realised on that day was pretty monumental. I realised that I am no longer a stroke mum, I am just a mum – and I loved that.” 

StrokeLine (1800 787 653) health professionals provide information and advice on stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Final question, what is your favourite song? (12.17 mins)

New Radicals - You Get What You Give because it sends such a good message.

Follow Nicole's journey on Instagram.


Other TakeAways in the series: