Wednesday, 24 September

Sharing the News that a Baby has Down’s Syndrome – Supporting Families

By Maternity & Midwifery Forum

The Midwifery Forum’s weekly live stream, brought to you by MATFLIX – every Wednesday, 7-8pm, UK

Date and time

Location

Online

Good to know

Highlights

1 hour
Online

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Health • Medical

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

Biographies

Varshali Swadi

Varshali Swadi is the Professional Engagement and Development Lead at Down’s Syndrome Scotland, where she leads on training, professional engagement, and resource development across education and health sectors. She joined DSS in 2017, following ten years with the National Deaf Children’s Society and previous roles in education both in India and the UK.

Varshali holds a Master’s degree in Economics and a Postgraduate qualification in Early Years Education. With over 20 years’ experience in the Third Sector, she has contributed to national work on neonatal and healthcare pathways for babies with Down’s syndrome and supports inclusive practice in schools through tailored training and resources.

Fluent in English, Marathi, and Hindi, and holding Level 2 BSL, she brings strong communication and cultural insight to her work. Outside of DSS, she volunteers for SAVE-UK ,a charity supporting women and children across SAARC countries. Varshali enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Oreo. She is an enthusiastic home cook and loves exploring new cuisines and cultures through travel.

Bev Insch

Bev is a mum of three girls and works part-time as a primary school teacher.

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