Discovering My Child Had Down Syndrome at Birth

Birth Story

Discovering My Child Had Down Syndrome at Birth

I had meticulously planned everything for my pregnancy and birth experience—except for this.

By Laura Thompson
March 22, 2022
Image Courtesy of Laura Thompson

I envisioned every detail of my pregnancy and birthing process. My partner joined me in Lamaze classes where we practiced breathing techniques, explored birthing positions, and set the mood to ensure the best possible experience for our child, Noah. I selected a birthing center renowned for its positive reviews, believing that a hospital felt too clinical for such a special occasion.

As my due date approached, just one week away, my midwife informed me that Noah was now in a footling breech position. While it could manifest in various ways, Noah was displaying his flexibility in a rather dramatic way. My midwife reassured me, saying he had ample amniotic fluid to move around and suggested we attempt an External Cephalic Version (ECV)—a procedure where the doctor tries to turn the baby by applying pressure on my belly. Unfortunately, it didn’t succeed. Noah seemed determined to showcase his acrobatic skills right at the most critical moment. I felt a mix of pride and anxiety, and I even shed tears in a coffee shop while penning thank-you notes for my baby shower.

My dream of a serene, candlelit birth in a cozy tub quickly morphed into the stark reality of a sterile room filled with harsh fluorescent lighting and the prospect of major surgery. After being turned away by several doctors unwilling to perform a vaginal birth for a breech baby, I mourned the loss of my desired birthing experience and reluctantly scheduled a C-section. I knew the exact date Noah would enter the world; I wished for it to be the 21st, like my own birthday, so he could have a memorable golden birthday. Little did I know, Noah’s arrival would bring even more surprises.

As I lay there under the fluorescent lights, my abdomen open for all to see, my OBGYN briefly held Noah up for me to see. My first thought was, “Wow, that’s one purple, swollen baby.” They quickly took him to a corner and called in a NICU nurse, gathering around him for monitoring.

What felt like an eternity passed, though it was likely just five minutes. Silence enveloped the room, and my partner remained quiet, whispering with the medical staff. I assumed he was simply processing the reality of fatherhood, but in truth, he was grappling with much more.

I noticed Noah’s almond-shaped eyes and lack of a nose bridge. My partner turned to a nurse, asking if it appeared that Noah had Down syndrome. There were about seven or eight people in the room besides us, and while most focused on Noah, one nurse cast a concerned glance my way.

Someone finally spoke up, “Dad asked if the baby has Down syndrome.” Shock washed over me, and I could only respond with, “Whaaat?? Really?” My partner looked to the nurse, who confirmed with a nod.

You might wonder how I felt in that moment. Honestly? I felt a surge of excitement, eager to hold him. Nothing had changed; I had spent nine months bonding with him, and he was already my beloved son.

Then, a wave of worry hit me: “Is he going to be okay?” I was anxious that they hadn’t placed him on my chest yet. The anesthesiologist’s nurse must have sensed my anxiety, quietly reassuring me, “You can tell by the mood in the room that he’s okay. If things were critical, they would have taken him right away.”

I needed to hear that—any longer, and I might have burst into tears. Finally, they placed Noah on my chest, and I experienced the moment I had been waiting for. He was here, in my arms! I was overjoyed.

Noah faced some challenges with breathing and couldn’t be discharged until his oxygen levels stabilized. My mom made our hospital stay enjoyable by bringing sushi for my first non-pregnant meal and treating me to pastries from the nearby bakery. We grew close to the nurses caring for Noah in the NICU. What began as a few extra days in the hospital stretched into weeks, filled with pastries and reruns of Friends.

After nearly a month, Noah still needed assistance with breathing but improved enough for us to go home with an oxygen tank. My partner certainly got his workout carrying Noah in his car seat along with the oxygen tank and pulse oximeter.

Once we finally settled at home, I sat on our living room couch, letting it all sink in. We had spent weeks surrounded by doctors, specialists, and lactation consultants. Now, we finally had time alone and felt incredibly fortunate.

Reflecting back, I realize just how blessed we were that Noah made it home with us. There were moments during the last weeks of my pregnancy when I feared for his life; he had stopped kicking, and panic set in. I underwent several unscheduled stress tests to ensure his little heart was still beating, and thankfully, it was.

Having a baby with Down syndrome at 26 is rare, but even rarer is the fact that Noah made it to birth. Between 50% and 75% of fetuses diagnosed with Down syndrome are lost before term. That’s why I want to shout from the rooftops just how special Noah is! His birth brought us unexpected surprises, and while we processed the news differently as parents, we emerged stronger together. Noah is remarkable for being uniquely himself; he’s a miracle because he made it.

Fortunately, he didn’t need oxygen for long, and we were cleared to stop using it by the new year. Now a spirited two-year-old, Noah fills our lives with endless hugs and kisses, and his radiant smile lights up any room. He loves us unconditionally, and believe me, the feeling is mutual.

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Summary:

In this heartfelt account, Laura Thompson shares her unexpected journey of discovering her child Noah had Down syndrome at birth. Despite meticulously planning her pregnancy and birth, she faced the challenges of a breech birth and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. Through moments of anxiety and joy, Laura reflects on the strength and love that emerged from this experience, celebrating Noah as the unique miracle he is.

Keyphrase: Discovering Down syndrome at birth

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