ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 209 - A Leap of Faith - Rare Disease Moms on the Bittersweet Joy of New Babies
I'm joined by two new, rare moms, Emily and Katie, to discuss the topic of having additional children after you've had a child with a rare disease.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
How did your experience with your first born children's genetic conditions shake your hopes and fears about having a second child?
Once you connect with the rare disease world and learn about all of the rare disease possibilities, you know rare isn't so rare. The second pregnancy is different because you're aware of the chance that something can happen more than once and your eyes are open to the potential outcomes.
Does having the knowledge the second time take away from the joy?
It definitely does. We had genetic testing done on our second child and it was terrifying until we got results. Throughout the entire pregnancy, I didn't feel safe.
Did you wish you had a typical experience and did you feel bad for feeling that way?
You expect challenges to happen again, and it's a self-preservation mentality, not wanting to set yourself up to be disappointed. I do feel guilty about wanting a typical parenting experience, but that's what everyone wants. That's not to say that you don't love and appreciate your parenting experience with your child who has disabilities. We don't want to see our children suffer and we don't want to suffer as parents.
What is your best advice for families thinking about having another child?
It's important for parents to acknowledge all of their feelings and the complexities of their feelings. It's complicated, so reach out to other people you know who have been through it. Talking to others will help to solidify your decision to continue growing your family, despite how terrifying it might feel.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
CONNECT WITH EMILY
LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED
CONNECT WITH EFFIE PARKS