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 A friend of mine, Jill Grier, has put together a very helpful document for those of you who have received an adverse prenatal diagnosis. I've had two sonograms that left me with many insecurities - I didn't know where to go or what to do. I felt alone and helpless. I wish I would have had Jill's booklet when I was faced with those challenges. I promise you it will give you a sense of peace because it will give you some direction, action steps, and perspective. Please read Jill's letter below and click on the link for the adobe file of her booklet- you may print it and refer back to it for help along the way. ~Lynnette A HEARTFELT WORD OR TWO... No doubt, you have received this comfort and strategy packet from a considerate physician. Perhaps you have been given this packet from a caring relative or friend. In any case, I am thankful this information has made its way to you. The journey to bring this special baby to term is difficult, sometimes heart-wrenching, and an often lonely road. We know the emotional, physical, and spiritual ups' and downs' associated with getting an adverse prenatal diagnosis. Every pregnancy is filled with hope and expectation for that perfectly healthy baby. When that reality is challenged, it can help to know the experiences, coping mechanisms, and victories of parents who have been there. That is what this packet is all about. There are many different fears and scenario's swirling around in your mind at this time. Some are productive. Some are not. You may not see it now, but being forewarned about your baby's condition can be a tremendous benefit to you AND to your child. Although the remainder of your pregnancy will be tainted with the sadness of the loss of that "perfect" child, you now have within your power the ability to take control of your pregnancy, birthing, and neonatal experience. This prenatal diagnosis gives you a unique opportunity to examine, scrutinize, and carefully select every anticipated aspect of care for you and this special child. It may be difficult in this moment, but imagine the overwhelming task of parents who unsuspectingly deliver a special-needs baby. You will have the benefit of having qualified care-givers already in place and you will be able to "hit the ground running", so to speak. This is a gift. This packet was the dream of a mother who - upon getting a prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida and hydrocephalus in the 19th week of her third pregnancy - was pressured by the medical community, members of her nuclear and extended family, and some well-intentioned friends to terminate her pregnancy and to abort her child. When she refused, her physician simply gave her a yellow Post-It Note with two phone numbers scribbled on it by way of help before washing his hands of her care. I am that mother. The cry of my heart is for you to be encouraged and strengthened in your decision to persevere; the cry of my heart is for you to come to know God in a more powerful and intimate way, and to have your journey-path smoothed by what I and other families have discovered about caring for your sweet baby. You are a brave, loving parent to stand against popular wisdom and defend life as you face this new world of the unknown within your home and family. We know the journey is hard. We also know the journey is beautiful. May God hold you in the cup of His hand ~ Jill Grier |