Recalling…
The chorionic villus sampling (CVS) test showed that Jennifer’s baby is abnormal. They were troubling to make a decision whether to keep the baby or not. Dr. Josephine had arranged them to meet with Dr. Bellion who was the qualified genetic counselor. Jennifer just left all of these to David.
Sunday Drama Series: Mom of a Child with Down Syndrome (Part 4)
David held Jennifer’s hand to go to Dr. Bellion’s office. They looked at Dr. Bellion with desperate look. To break the deadlock, Dr. Bellion started the conversation initially.
“I understand your feeling now. I wish that I can really help you,” Dr. Bellion said.
“Doctor, what should we do now?” David asked.
“May I know what is on your mind now? Do you still want to keep the baby?” Dr. Bellion started his counsel.
David wished to nod but he did not. He gave an awaiting look to Jennifer. He wished that they can make decision together. However, Jennifer replied him with a dumb look. She seemed like did not want to think anymore. David had to make the decision.
“Yes, I wish to keep the baby, can’t I?” David answered.
“I’m so glad you still wish to keep the baby. However, there are still a lot of things that we need to prepare for the child to be born. Are you ready for it?” Dr. Bellion showed his confidence.
“What are we going to do now? I have no idea,” David asked.
“If you are ready to face to the situation now, then everything will be easier. I think it is better for me to analyze the consequences of keeping the baby,” Dr. Bellion started to explain.
There were a lot of things that David and Jennifer need to do for their child with Down syndrome. They need to look after the child attentively. Some of the Down syndrome patients may have immune deficiencies. The Down syndrome child can be easily infected by diseases. Therefore, extra care is needed. Furthermore, most of the Down syndrome patients may have developmental delay and mentally retardation. They need special education and communication. Dr. Bellion explained all of these things to the couple so that they can really get ready for all of these. He knew that the most difficult thing for them is their mental preparation for the child. Are they ready for having abnormal child? Will they regret? His mission is to help them prepare for this.
“I’m so glad to see that both of you are willing to face on the problem. Most of the people will just choose to ignore or escape when they meet an obstacle in their life,” Dr. Bellion praised.
David said nothing. He knew now is the critical moment for them. They have to face the problem, accept the problem, solve the problem and put down the problem. But how were they going to solve this problem? They could not cure the abnormality. They can only accept this truth and get ready for their child to be born.
After talking with Dr. Bellion for almost an hour, David and Jennifer went back to their home with sad. Yet, they felt a little bit relief now. At least they knew what to do to keep the baby. They love the baby, though the baby is abnormal. They did not know what will happen in the future. They just wished to strive for their first child’s survival.
To be continued…
Kok Siong’s Question
As we can see, David and Jennifer wish to keep the baby and they accept this fact currently. Today, I have set up two polls for you to vote. I wish to listen to your opinion. Your opinion and comment can make this story more exciting and as a reference for my cytogenetics cancer research. Here is my question:
1. Is this a wise choice for them to keep the baby? Please give your opinion.
[poll id="6"]
I have to apologize to you that I might not update this Sunday Drama Series next Sunday. For your information, I will be sent to National University Hospital Singapore for training for a week. Thus, i might not have time to write for this Sunday Drama Series. Anyway, i promise that i will try my best to update it on time. Thanks for supporting! 
hey si heng, i’ve been following your story since you 1st launch it. i am enjoying myself reading it. =) this is one of my questions, don’t you think genetic counselor should maintain professional and neutral when consulting their patients? is it ok to say “I am glad to see……” stated in your story? what happened if david is just assuming but have not made up his mind? will that line affect his final decision? like, so dr is glad that i keep the baby, and vice versa, he is not glad if i decide not to keep the baby.
2nd question, your gift is waiting for its owner until neck also long lor~ let me know when you are coming, until then your gift will be collecting dust in my room. wakakakaka~ XD
Hi Sue May! Yes, the counselor should maintain his neutral during the counseling session. However, in my opinion, when his client has spoken out his wish to keep the baby, the counselor should give him courage for his decision and make him feel confident to do it. On the other hand, if the client wish to abort the baby, i think the counselor should give him the correct direction too.
Anyway, i have to admit that i’m not a qualified genetic counselor or a professional counselor. It might not true in reality. Haha!!:)
About the gift, can i take it from you tomorrow? What is the time that is convenient to you? Thanks ya!
hmm~ my class starts at 11am till 2pm, then i will be at ips, dr chan’s lab. you can come when you return your grad robe also. =) sms la~ =P
can i vote dunno?
This is really great Kok,
I think David made the right decision and it will be better to keep the baby.
Thanks a lot for the great post,
-Onibalusi