World Down Syndrome Day -- My story

Down Syndrome is something I had heard about, but never thought I would have to deal with as a parent. We had heard stories about babies having heart issues. I even read a very sad story of a mother who's baby died. Let's just say Down Syndrome was not something we thought we would ever deal with as parents...

Our story starts back in 2014, I found out I was pregnant "again" with our fourth child. The pregnancy was pretty normal; near the end I was anemic (again). I was able to correct that anemia (again) with supplemental iron. So, my due date drew near (early 2015), and I had not even had one sonogram/ultrasound done. We went into a final checkup and the doctor thought I needed to schedule an utlrasound because I was not measuring right size. I am thin to begin with; so I didn't really see the danger, but I agreed because we always want to be on the safe side.

However, our baby had his/her schedule -- we didn't know the gender. And I went into labor week 39 5 days I think before any ultrasound could be done. Anyway, so it was early Saturday morning and I could feel the pressure waves coming and going. I knew it was time to try to get hubby awake to drop off our children at the baby sitter and get onto the hospital. It always takes us longer than what we think -- so when we were finally on our way....our oldest did come with us since I felt she could handle watching our birth -- you might call her my mini-doula in the making! Hubby was my main support. I had not hired anyone for this birth...

We arrived at the hospital to be told that I needed to get an IV because of GBS positive; so they couldn't stick me...it took a specialist to come in (and my arm was really hurting now!) He picked the other arm to try and it worked! Phew...I hate getting stuck while in labor! This particular time, I seemed to be attached to the belt monitor during labor...so I didn't have that much freedom of movement. The lack of movement made it a little bit harder for my transition and pushing stage; however, the hospital did accomodate to let me try pushing some on my hands and knees. I think now looking back that I was pushing too soon -- though it felt like it was needed -- so anyway, I kept trying for about an hour it seemed a long time. The doctor had me go back to my back position and she basically broke my waters (hubby said) and the heart rate started going down with each contraction -- so the doctor really needed me to push baby out -- now! I finally felt more like pushing and baby came out. She wanted to cut cord right away -- so we had to let them do that -- the nurses took baby while I got placenta out quickly! I finally held -- "It's a Boy" -- our son!

All of a sudden, hubby noticed he looked "different". I was hmm, yes, he didn't have dark hair (like our other 3 when they came out). You might say he looked like his German cousins blond hair and blue eyes (that looked like they would stay blue).

My husband and I also noticed wrinkled hands and feet and his eyes looked different. The head nurse was called upon and she said that our son most likely has Down Syndrome. The hospital would run tests later. We actually did not find out "officially" till after we left the hospital. Our son was perfect in health as the hospital ran several tests. This was a great blessing as many Down Syndrome babies have heart or hearing issues. They did tests on hearing and heart. So, we were cleared to go home.

Hearing the news "officially" about a week later was kind of sad. However, I had cried in the hospital a few times. My son would be different. We would have to accept that. I didn't know what the future would hold for him at that moment. All I knew is that his brothers and sister accepted him with open arms. Now, that he is 2 years old; he is a great blessing to our family. He knows how to walk now and "get into anything" a regular two year old can get into! So, he is our little baby cherub and we are so blessed with his naturally healthy boy. He challenges us everyday; Down Syndrome children are smart! Do not ever underesitmate their intelligence. Their language skills might be lacking some; but they can communicate in their own way!

We want anyone on Down Syndrome World Day to look at the beauty of Down Syndrome children and to please do not abort your child just because this child has this disorder! Please consider raising this child or at least giving your baby up for adoption to a loving family that will be able to raise him/her. We are truly blessed. We hope you will be too.