I went into autopilot and didn’t really process it. I had days that were difficult, when my emotions got the better of me. But Dylan was the happiest, chattiest baby I could have wished for.
Our Teacher of the Deaf told me about the National Deaf Children’s Society, and I looked on their website, which was loaded with information. I scrolled on my phone during night feeds, reading people’s stories and seeing what they had been through. It helped me realise that everything was going to be OK.
Our Teacher of the Deaf gave me some sign language booklets. I learned a few signs, but Dylan wasn’t interested. On the charity’s Facebook page, it was a relief to find other parents with similar experiences. It made me realise that there’s no right or wrong. Everyone has their own story. So, we felt happy to take Dylan’s lead.
Years passed, and at age 7, genetic testing showed Dylan’s deafness was due to the Connexin-26 gene. Doctors told us if we had more children, there was a high chance they’d be deaf.
When I became pregnant with Millie I was in denial. But then at 2 days old, Millie had an in-depth hearing test – and we found out she was profoundly deaf too. It hit me much harder this time. Having to go through all those emotions again brought back everything I felt with Dylan. I went into overdrive, worrying about everything.
I spent more time on the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Facebook and Instagram, reading stories from other families. All the emotions I was going through were validated by other mums going through similar things. On their website, I read blog posts from other families with 2 deaf children and was inspired by the great bond it created.
I was adamant that this time I wanted to learn some more BSL signs and the charity’s resources were what made this possible. Their YouTube signing library, and regular social media posts were what inspired me. Millie’s really taken to it. She signed ‘I love you’ before she was a year old: it was so emotional.
Dylan is now 8 and Millie is 2. They are so supportive of each other. Each morning Millie gets Dylan’s ‘ears’ (his implant receivers) and takes them to him, and then he gets hers – it’s so sweet.
Thanks to generous people like you, this fantastic charity has been there for them both and supported them in unique ways. I know the National Deaf Children’s Society will continue to help in the future, because they are here for all deaf children, however they communicate and whatever support they need.
I wouldn’t change Dylan or Millie for the world. Their deafness brings a bond they’ll have forever.
Chloe, Dylan and Millie’s mum