A mum has shared a video that shows her “hitting” her infant daughter to bring attention to the harsh realities of caring for a child with cystic fibrosis.
UK woman Samantha Carrier posted a video of her daughter’s morning physiotherapy routine, which involves the parent repeatedly slapping baby Daisy Evan’s chest, on Facebook.
The Birmingham mother explained that the treatment was performed for 25 minutes, three times a day from when Daisy was just over two weeks old to try to shift mucus and prevent lung damage.
“I realise this is shocking if you don’t realise why,” she wrote.
“It doesn’t hurt her. We are taught how to do it properly so it doesn’t.
“Generally she just falls asleep. Or she lies there smiling at me. It makes them feel better.
“It’s like when we have an irritating cough and we finally get it off our chest, how much better we feel. This is what it does for them.”
However, not all viewers got the message, with several posting critical comments questioning if the treatment, known as chest percussion, was necessary.
“You’ll break her ribs,” one commented.
“You’re doing it too hard,” said another.
Ms Carrier even received a death threat, according to BBC Midlands.
Thankfully, this was overwhelmed by the majority of messages of sympathy and encouragement from supportive Facebook users.
"She looks so content, gorgeous little doll. You're doing amazing. Don't listen to the silly people who having pointless opinions," a supportive commenter wrote.