e026 – World Down Syndrome Day – with Aimee Swift

Aimee is Mama to two beautiful girls, Eliza Rose & Lindie Fern, and is expecting Baby #3 any day now. This year she and her husband, Chris, will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary. She is a co-author in You’ve Got This Mama, Too, set to be released next month and loves writing on her blog. Aimee became a Down syndrome advocate after discovering that her youngest daughter, Lindie, had Down syndrome the day she was born. She loves educating others on the beauty that can be found in a Down syndrome diagnosis, all while vulnerably shedding light on the challenges that come with raising a special needs child. Aimee shares her story, the real version of what a surprise Down Syndrome diagnosis means. She shares that awareness and education are key tools in dealing with the shock behind a surprise. The first year was the hardest. Aimee shares that her daughter Lindie’s first birthday was a massive milestone because she felt as though her birth was not the celebration it deserved to be. Aimee’s biggest challenge in dealing with a special needs child is all of the appointments, the doctors and experts. The community has been a big deal for this family. The down syndrome community is really powerful. Aimee shares the importance of giving yourself grace in these kinds of situations. It is easy to fall into the trap of blaming yourself for things, but surrendering, accepting what you have and being grateful will provide you grace. Aimee explains the technical side of Down Syndrome. Most people have 46 chromosomes but people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st one. Some of the visible characteristics include lower set ears, palmer crease, thicker neck, and almond shaped eyes. There are also a lot of health issues too like duodenum, heart defects, feeding issues, low muscle tone and lots of developmental challenges. Sabrina asks Aimee what she loves about Down syndrome. Aimee says the main thing is how sweet and easy Lindie is. Not as a generalization but, typically people that have Down syndrome have really great personalities. Lindie is really outgoing and great with people. She also shares that being a mom of a child of special needs has given her a lot of perspective and gratitude for life. She feels like she is an exclusive member of an amazing club. Sabrina asks what the biggest challenges are. Aimee admits that her biggest challenge has been all of the appointments. Therapy, doctors, it is a juggle. She often feels alone. Even with a supportive husband and a great community, she tends to bear the weight of the workload. Aimee discusses the relationship between her two daughters and how great they are together. Aimee is also expecting a son in about a month, there are concerns about Lindie’s adjustment but Aimee is confident that being sandwiched between her two siblings is going to be incredible. The mamas talk about the importance of awareness and what World Down Syndrome day represents. We celebrate on 3/21 because Down Syndrome is when someone has 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. One of the things the community does is wear mismatched and crazy socks. If you would like to keep up with Aimee you can follow along on Instagram or her blog.