I was diagnosed with RP in my early 20s, and am 30 now. My son was born the day after my 29th birthday.

I knew going in that pregnancy was likely going to have a massive impact on my vision due to the increased pressure of...well, everything, and i was right. By my estimation i got 2 years of damage in those 10 months. We decided going in that he would be our only biological child, and will adopt the rest. I also elected to have a c section and not try at all for a vaginal birth due to the pressure and strain that comes with pushing. Ive been in touch with the provincial Childrens Aid and theyve assured me that people with physical disabilities can adopt, you mainly need to prove you are a competent parent (and probably wont get a child with severe needs, which is sort of a silver lining in an im-going-to-hell-for-this way). Obviously theres additional factors included in the adoption process, but that was my main worry regarding that. I also fear that he will inherit the gene, but unless i want to pay $$$ out of pocket my geneticist wont screen him until hes 18 and its not something that they check with 23&Me (ive looked into it)

I also have accepted that i will eventually lose all my sight, but with science evolving so fast i fully believe that i will be able to teach him how to drive in 15 years. So i might miss "seeing" him and the other kids grow for a couple years, but it wont be permanent (a "blindness cure" is a hot button topic, i know, but its my choice and im not debating it.)

There are various groups online for blind parenting, im in one on facebook (currently taking a break from it though, even that group isnt safe from the sanctimommies)

If you have questions or want to talk, now or in the future, about RP or kids, im a message away.

Also, sorry, forgot to mention. My husband is fully sighted

ALSO ALSO kids are smart. My one year old already knows that if hes to my side i cant see him, but if hes on daddys side daddy can. He doesnt get why yet, its just a silly mommy quirk.

Hi, I’m a blind parent. Both my partner and I are completely blind. Its tough at times but definitely doable, I would say some of the challenges for me are realizing that I will never see my son, judgment from pediatricians who haven’t dealt with, blindness and sighted parents being really judgmental and of course all the usual struggles of parenting. Oh, and if you decide to have children make sure you live in a place that has good public transportation, because transportation can be another big problem.

My kids were 5 and 11 when my vision loss began. For them, it’s adjusting to what I can’t do any more. My oldest son is an astronomy nut, as am I. It’s something we can’t really do together any longer. He hides his disappointment well, but it hurts. My youngest wants me to things that are more difficult or even impossible given my level of remaining sight, and he is more likely to complain about it.

However, my children are huge advocates for me as well, and it’s taught them to be more accepting of others who are disabled. So for all of the negatives, there are positives as well. Kids are adaptable and resilient. Of course, Im glad that my days of buttoning little snaps onesies, changing diapers, and keeping track of small toys and items are over for at least the foreseeable future.

I have RP, night blindness, use a cane and have two kids. I had them after I found out that I was losing my sight. I now home school. I used my losing sight as a motivator. I went back to school and got a second degree. Life, for me, is not defined by my vision. Life is full of ups and down for everyone, it's just more obvious what our struggles are. If you want kids, don't let fear stop you. Live the life you want.

So if I may comment as a sighted person, my father has RP. Diagnosed at 21, blind fully at 49. And he's been nothing but a stellar father. Now, my mother has been a champion managing 3 kids and all our activities growing up. She was and is a superwoman. I'm not saying it'd be easy, but with a good partner you can definitely have happy children. Good luck with your decision!

Not me but my wife. The insane social expectations. She felt the need to be a perfect mother because any mistakes would be chalked off to her being blind and not to being a human.

In reality there's not much difference between being a blind or sighted parent. I would advise speaking with other parents and find what things they found challenging and speak to your partner and talk about what each of you expect from becoming parents and what you're going to do when things get tough.