I remember several years ago when there was going to be this big campaign in TN to "scare" moms into breastfeeding. Instead of highlighting the benefits, it was going to focus more on the possible negative side effects of feeding infants formula. This article reminds me of that, in that I think maybe doctors don't do enough to encourage parents of children facing this diagnosis. I don't know why the two are linked in my mind...I guess just because I think focusing on the positive aspects of life's challenges is a better plan than the theoretical negatives.

" It takes a joyful sound to make the world go round"-Bob Marley

Zooey that makes sense to me.  If doctors present the information to a pregnant woman in a negative way then obviously it will have a different effect than if the parent is told in a positive way.  Just like breastfeeding I would guess that doctors are poorly informed on this issue and as a result do not do a good job educating their patients. 

Precisely. I have heard this from my Down syndrome mother friends. That the med profession wallows in much ignorance of disAbility issues, such as Down syndrome, scaring mothers of it.  Which I think is projecting their own fear. My fiance recently endured some challenges from his "best friend" about his relationship w/ me and my daughter with autism.  The doc is basically freaked out by a label and cannot see the absolutely adorable young woman that is very charismatic to all those who look at her through LOVING eyes.

LEISA: MLM Moderator-Div/Single-SpecNeeds-WAHM

Count your Blessings. Find the Joy. Celebrate the Good.

Blog: www.leisahammett.com * Autism Art: www.GraceGoad.com

Agree completely.  I think it was an ultrasound tech this time that made a remark about checking for Down "while it's still early enough to do something."  I can't remember what she said, but the words and her tone stabbed right through my heart.  Like it was assumed that one would have an abortion if her baby had Down.  I guess people's personal opinions always coem through in their words and voices, but medical professionals should offer educated answers or none at all, IMO. 

MLM MANIAC

If you can't say something nice, don't create a username.

Does anyone know if the delivery of a Downs Syndrome baby is significantly different from any other vaginal birth?  I'm still curious why women are tested for this. 

I think that Down's babies can be born with some valvular heart defects, but I would also assume that those types of things would be detected trhough general ultrasound.

No woman has ever told the whole truth of her life.

-Isadora Duncan