21. "You're Perfect, You're Healthy and You Have Down Syndrome" with Filmmaker Amber McGinnis - Unmedicated Birth Story, Becoming a Mom to a Differently Abled Child.

What is it like to receive a positive Trisomy 21 diagnosis during early pregnancy and then prepare to give birth to and become a mother to a child with Down syndrome? Today's guest, the talented film director and writer, Amber McGinnis, opens up and gifts us with a very detailed and vulnerable account of her experience with this reality. She shares everything that she wishes she had known before and during her journey, how she got through a completely unmedicated hospital birth, and she also talks about the unique challenges of breastfeeding a baby with DS. In this episode we also explore how to offer better support to our own loved ones if they receive a surprising genetic test result and how all of us would benefit from approaching the differently abled community with love and curiosity instead of fear and ignorance.

This Episode is the Season 2 Finale!

Check out all the links below to learn more about guest Amber McGinnis and find more resources discussed in today's show.

LINKS:

Amber's WEBSITE

Watch the film Amber directed while she was pregnant: International Falls

"The Adventure" - A Short Film about Amber's daughter

Bottles that worked well for Isla: Advent Bottles

The band that Amber listened to during her unmedicated labor: The Gloaming

Additional Resources:

National Down Syndrome Society

Find Support in Your Area with This List of Organizations by State

Down Syndrome Misconceptions vs. Reality

Find Out If Your Hospital Has A Good Rating and low C-Section and Episiotomy Rate at LeapfrogGroup.org

Visit www.birthshow.com for some great free resources that will help you on your own journey into motherhood.

Follow the Birth Podcast on Instagram:

@birthshow

Follow Christy on Instagram:

@christywill

If you find yourself struggling emotionally and mentally after having a baby, you are not alone. Please visit www.postpartum.net for help. There is someone waiting to talk you through this tough moment. Don't wait, help is only a few clicks away.

This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any