What do you do when your pregnancy isn’t what you thought it would be.. when Covid-19 and a shocking diagnosis leave you looking for answers? Well if you’re anything like Abby Green, you discover that what really matters is not the celebrations and expectations, it’s that you love your baby no matter what. Today we have this pregnant lucky mama on to tell us all about her pregnancy in a pandemic, receiving a Down Syndrome diagnosis alone, and joining #TheLuckyFew before even giving birth. We’re also touching on the shock and confusion that comes with a Down Syndrome diagnosis, who to tell and when to tell them, and how to navigate it all in the middle of Covid-19. Thinking of all you mamas who are pregnant during this wild year! We see you and we are cheering you on!

GeneralValerie SchliederAugust 18, 2020Down Syndrome, Pregnancy, DiagnosisComment

46. Behind the Scenes with Incredible Narrative Shifters

Wondering how to turn your passions into narrative-shifting movements? (So are we!) That’s why we sat down and chatted with some incredible advocates at the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network’s Rockin’ Moms Retreat last month! What a joy it was to interview Kristie Magnuson (mother to @gabe.the.babe.and.co), Tamara Pursley of the National Down Syndrome Congress, and Sinead Quinn of Grateful Wellness Co.! We’re talking about everything from t-shirt design to educator conferences and even mental health for moms of children with special needs.

GeneralValerie SchliederOctober 21, 2019Down Syndrome, Adoption, DiagnosisComment

45. Adoption & Down Syndrome w/Stephanie Thompson from the NDSAN

“My doctor told me that my baby would have Down Syndrome and then they brought up termination, so I came home and googled Down Syndrome and adoption and you were the first thing that came up..” the beginning of countless conversations Stephanie Thompson shares with expectant parents. A mother of a 27-year-old son with Down Syndrome herself, Stephanie knows the uncertainty that accompanies most diagnoses, and the desire of many to parent a child with Down Syndrome, so that’s why she created the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network. The NDSAN provides support, education, counseling, and perhaps most importantly, options, to parents expecting a baby with Down Syndrome.

GeneralValerie SchliederOctober 14, 2019Down Syndrome, Adoption, DiagnosisComment

37. Redefining the Down Syndrome Diagnosis w/Meg Wilkes & Stephanie Meredith

We talk a lot about how doctors deliver a Down Syndrome diagnosis on this podcast, but we've never discussed doctors and diagnoses and DS with actual medical researchers! Meg Wilkes and Stephanie Meredith are shifting the diagnosis narrative through their research. Meg is pursuing a masters degree in genetic counseling at the University of South Carolina and her thesis is on: ‘Redefining the Essential Informational Needs of Parents Receiving a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome.’ Stephanie is the medical outreach director at the University of Kentucky who is overseeing Meg’s research, and her 19-year-old son has Down Syndrome! Thankfully, this medical duo knows that a newborn with DS has a lot more than health issues and doctors appointments ahead of them, and that’s why they’ve created a survey for all of you! Parents of children with Down Syndrome, you’re invited to tell Meg all about your diagnosis experience: what you needed to know, what you did not need to know, and what you wish you knew! Take the 10-15 minute survey here, tell a friend (or 10), and help us redefine the Down Syndrome diagnosis.

GeneralValerie SchliederAugust 19, 2019Down Syndrome, Advocacy, DiagnosisComment

22. Owning Your Influence in Down Syndrome Spaces with Jen Jacob

“Congratulations! You’re going to have a baby with Down Syndrome..” the words Heather dreams a doctor would say when delivering a Down Syndrome diagnosis. Thankfully, fierce advocates like Jen Jacob are here to make that vision a reality. Jen is the co-author of "The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Advice, Information, Inspiration, and Support for Raising Your Child from Diagnosis through Adulthood" and the author and a contributor for "Unexpected, Stories of a Down Syndrome Diagnosis." Jen is also the co-founder and Executive Director for the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network.

Today, we’re chatting about doctor’s appointments, community groups, and Jen’s incredible work with the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network. Serving over 9,000 families, Jen Jacob is literally shifting the Down Syndrome narrative, in doctor’s offices and delivery rooms everywhere.

GeneralValerie SchliederApril 1, 2019Diagnosis, Down Syndrome, AdvocacyComment

EPISODES

EPISODES | ABOUT | SHOP | CONTACT