17.2 Sharing the News that a Baby has Down’s Syndrome – Supporting Families
The Maternity & Midwifery HourShow Notes
Series 17 - Episode 2: Sharing the News that a Baby has Down’s Syndrome – Supporting Families
Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of a full or partial third copy of chromosome 21 in the body’s cells. It is sometimes shortened to “Ds” and in some countries called Down syndrome. Approximately one in every 1,000 babies is born with Down’s syndrome. In Scotland, around 70 babies are born each year, with an estimated 4,500 people currently living with the condition.
Screening for Down’s syndrome is offered in pregnancy, and families may make different choices: some may opt not to screen, some may choose to screen and continue with the pregnancy, while others may decide differently. Whatever the decision, midwives play a vital role in ensuring families receive clear, up-to-date, and compassionate information.
This session, led by Varshali Swadi, Professional Engagement and Development Lead at Down’s Syndrome Scotland, will explore how midwives can best support families when sharing news that a baby has Down’s syndrome. The session will also include a video from a parent speaker, offering insight into lived experience.
You will:
Gain up-to-date knowledge about Down’s syndrome, associated health issues, and learning profiles. Understand how to provide sensitive support through screening, diagnosis, and the neonatal period. Hear lived experience from a parent of a child with Down’s syndrome. Learn about sources of support available for families and professionals.
Hosted by:
Sue Macdonald, Midwifery Expert; Host and Curator, Maternity and Midwifery Festivals/Midwifery Hour, Editor, Mayes Midwifery
Contribution from:
Varshali Swadi, Professional Engagement and Development Lead, Down’s Syndrome Scotland Bev Insch, Parent Volunteer, Down's Syndrome Scotland
Supported by MATFLIX: https://matflix.co.uk Register to watch the next episode LIVE or attend a Maternity & Midwifery Festival: https://mmf.eventbrite.com Watch the live stream: https://facebook.com/midwiferyforum/live
More from The Maternity & Midwifery Hour
Series 20 - Episode 6: The way forward for Midwifery and Maternity Services?
Most of us will know that our supermarket bills are increasing due to the rising cost of living and this might mean that we have to cut out a treat or two. But for some families, with a new baby, the rising cost of infant formula is having a major impact on their well-being, forcing parents to reduce their own food intake, take strategies which may impact on their baby’s health, or even getting into debt, to ensure their babies are fed and cared for.
While professional frameworks uphold compassionate care, growing global evidence indicates that disrespectful and abusive care remains a persistent systemic issue within maternity services worldwide.
Using research and evidence has become an important part of the midwife’s toolbox and, for some midwives, this moves beyond, to querying aspects of their practice, learning or management and towards a journey towards engaging in research themselves.
Series 20 - Episode 2: Birth, Safety and Beyond: Understanding Women’s Experiences