The only hope for many expecting parents is to have a happy, healthy baby.
When pregnancy complications or medical concerns arise, it can be a devestating and stressful time for parents.
What can make these situations even more difficult is when doctors make hurtful comments.
One mom has bravely shared her story after a doctor told her that, “no one would blame her,” for ending her pregnancy.
When Hannah Seadschlag married her husband, Brian, she knew that he had always had ambitions to join the military.
Just as he was setting off to begin his training shortly after their wedding, Hannah discovered that she was expecting.
Even though they knew it would be difficult with Brian away for months at training, Hannah was excited for their growing family.
However, early in her pregnancy, Hannah had complications from placenta privea.
What followed were stressful weeks of prenatal tests after doctors noticed some soft markers for Down Syndrome.
During one ultrasound, a fetal heart specialist noticed that the baby’s heart wasn’t developing normally.
The specialist was concerned that if the baby had Down Syndrome, it would have serious complications at birth.
Hannah consented to an emergency amino test to determine if her baby had Down Syndrome.
During the procedure, the doctor told Hannah, “‘I know you said no to terminating, but no one would blame you. Having kids is hard, having kids with special needs is even harder. It’s going to be all about doctor’s visits, and surgeries…,’” she said in a post for Love What Matters
After numerous tests, Hannah received confirmation that her baby did have Down Syndrome.
Hannah was relieved by the news, and thankful her baby wouldn’t have more serious complications like a heart defect.
Because Brian had been away at training, he didn’t know the full extent of the baby’s condition.
Hannah told him during his Christmas leave that their baby would be born with Down Syndrome.
Worried that Brian would be disappointed, Hannah was relieved when he said, “…’she’s ours and that’s all that matters.'”
All that was left to do was wait for the baby to come.
On March 26, 2016, with Brian watching through a video call, Hannah gave birth to their daughter.
They named her Adaline Grace.
“Quietly she came, and our lives were never the same,” said Hannah.
With Brian still away, Hannah and Adaline were on their own for the first four months.
“We conquered the NICU, our first outings, weeks of trying to breastfeed exclusively, sleepless nights, doctor’s appointments and health scares – just the two of us,” said Hannah.
Finally, nearly fourth months after she was born, Adaline got to meet her dad.
The family’s reunion was emotional, but all that mattered was that they were together.
“Introducing my daughter to her father was a moment I’ll never ever forget. She has always been his twin, and seeing her in his arms was surreal,” said Hannah
It’s safe to say that Adaline is a daddy’s girl.
Brian even got her name tattooed on his chest. You can tell that there is so much love happening in this photo.
Now, Adaline is a thriving toddler and a big sister!
The family welcomed another baby girl named Claramae Rose in November 2017.
Of course, Adaline is the sweetest and most wonderful sister to Claramae.
Like all toddlers, Adaline is full of energy and Hannah regularly posts photos of her playing and exploring.
It’s amazing to think that at one time, Hannah wasn’t sure that she would make it, but here she is.
Adaline has certainly changed her family’s life for the better.
Hannah has become a Down Syndrome advocate and has been featured on the YouTube Channel The Ups And Downs, which features stories about children with Down Syndrome.
And now, the family of four is sharing their story with the world. Hannah has a blog and regularly posts updates on Instagram.
Hannah never doubted her decision to have Adaline and this little girl has brought so much joy into their lives.
“Down syndrome was not the end of our world, it was just the beginning,” Hannah said .
