An Australian mother faced criticism for choosing to remove her son’s birthmark through laser treatment, despite having his best interests at heart and disregarding her own attractiveness.

Brooke Atkins of Gold Coast, Australia, gave birth to her second child, Kingsley, in January 2022. The infant had a large port-wine stain birthmark on his face, which can potentially lead to eye-related complications.

Medical examinations revealed high eye pressure and a potential risk of glaucoma for Kingsley. Fearing the possibility of blindness in one eye, Brooke and her spouse, Kewene, decided to pursue laser treatment to preserve his skin’s health and prevent further damage.

When Brooke shared pictures and videos of her son on TikTok, she faced backlash and harsh criticism for subjecting her child to laser surgery, with some calling her a “monster” and accusing her of prioritizing her own desires.

Despite the hurtful comments, there were supporters who defended Brooke, commending her for making a difficult decision in the best interest of her child. They emphasized that she knew what was best for her son’s health.

Brooke expressed her initial 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤 and guilt upon reading the negative comments but stood firm in her conviction that she had made the right decision. She highlighted the importance of understanding the health implications associated with birthmarks.

The positive reactions eventually prevailed, and Kingsley gained a significant following on social media. The boy responded well to treatment, and his second laser intervention was scheduled for August of the same year.

Amidst the challenges of numerous medical appointments and procedures, Brooke described Kingsley as the happiest and most loving boy in the world, sharing her gratitude for the support she received.

 

This six-month journey highlighted the difficulties faced by the family and the pain caused by judgment from those who didn’t understand Kingsley’s situation. Despite it all, Brooke remains focused on her son’s well-being.