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.‬ BIRTH

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.
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@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 questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
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