Postnatal diagnosis of Down's syndrome

Today’s postpartum story is from mum, Lucy @bea_fran_and_me. Lucy talks about her initial shock and struggles and how she came to terms with her daughters’ postnatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome.

Lucy & Bea’s Story

Being told minutes after your baby is born that the doctors suspect a disability is probably many women’s worst nightmare. At the time I was told the words ‘we suspect your baby has Down’s syndrome ’ I can’t even describe how I felt. Devastated. Terrified. Guilty. Had I caused it? What would our lives be like? This wasn’t the baby I imagined having. It was a huge shock and a very stressful time.

“The best thing that ever happened to me”

But I’m now two years down the line. Our daughter Beatrice is the best thing that ever happened to me (well maybe equal to having my second daughter 9 weeks ago!). Beatrice has ginger hair, huge beautiful blue eyes, and a wide smile that captures peoples’ hearts. She is cheeky. She is determined. People adore her.

Yes, it’s been hard at times (she spent 22 days in the NICU, there were some minor medical issues and developmental delays). But I can honestly say that your love for your child overrides it all. I wouldn’t change Bea for the world. She’s brave, bold and beautiful.

Bea is standing, signing makaton, and beginning to speak, she loves nursery, she loves being sung to, she is obsessed with bubbles.

Having a postnatal diagnosis was not the nightmare I visualised at the time of her diagnosis. I have been welcomed into an amazingly supportive community of mums and their children with disabilities. I’ve met and become friends with some of the most lovely and inspiring women.

Bea has so many friends she plays with at nursery/play dates/at local physical therapy groups.

And I have learnt so much about Down’s syndrome and what life is like with it. The biggest issue at the time of her diagnosis was my own negativity, naivety and total lack of understanding of the syndrome and what it’s like to have a disability.