​One-Armed Surfer Bethany Hamilton Uses Feet To Change Her Son's Diapers

A one-armed mum has shared the 'tricks and adaptations' she uses to help aid childcare, such as using her feet to change diapers.

American surfer Bethany Hamilton was 13 when she lost her arm in a 2003 shark attack, later opening up about what happened in her autobiography Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, which was adapted into a 2011 film.

PA

Since then, she's not only been able to adapt to surfing with one arm, she's also become a mum to three sons - Tobias, born in June 2015, Wesley, born in March 2018, and Micah, born in February 2021.

While Hamilton, now 31, admits parenting has sometimes been 'frustrating' for her, she's been able to come up with nifty adaptations that help her - saying things have been getting easier over the years of motherhood.

In an Instagram post, Hamilton wrote: "A little bit about Mom life with one arm. Well I'm raising our third son, so the tricks and adaptations are getting better with each child.

"When they are this young and have the wobbly head and need constant attention, nursing, diaper changes, tummy soothing, lots of sleep and of course smiles, kisses and more.

"I use my feet to help with diaper changing, lots of pillows with nursing, a baby carrier all throughout the day and tricky styles of holding to keep baby's head up.

"Sometimes it can get frustrating but I just gotta keep moving forward, have lil breaks and keep it positive! Plus I remember I've done it before. And as a family we make it work! Loving our lil Micah and looking forward to more life with him!

"Cheering on all you mommas out there grinding, loving and doing your best!"

In 2019, Hamilton's life was the subject of documentary film Unstoppable, which showed the struggles and happiness of her family.

Instagram/Bethany Hamilton

In another Instagram post earlier this month, Hamilton explained that motherhood had its 'ups and downs', and that it was 'not always smiles'.

But she also said being a mum was 'the most beautiful gift', adding: "Thankful for this life and the beauty of motherhood.

"Thankful for my family, friends, my husband and boys. Grateful to God to have this beautiful challenge and joy.

"You got this mom and dads out there!!! Stay positive."

Topics: Mum, News, US News, Parenting

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman