'We're relaxed' Mum-of-two on raising a child with Down syndrome
Sinead Browne gave birth to baby Maia in 2015. She went through a "pretty standard" delivery, and there was no indication that anything was wrong.
In fact, it wasn't until several hours after her birth, that Sinead found out that anything was wrong.
"When she arrived, I got to hold her as normal before they took her away to be checked over and I was brought to theatre for a couple of hours," the mum-of-two explained.
"Looking back, those first few hours were a God send as they allowed me to just feel the overwhelming love and excitement for my new baby girl; all the normal feelings that a new mother feels.
"When I think back to those first moments and Maia's birth they are not overshadowed by her diagnosis and I am so grateful for that.
"It was my husband who broke the news to me alongside the nurse."
Admitting it was a shock, Sinead explained how the days following the news went by in a blur.
Baby Maia spent some time in the NICU – she had a rare blood disorder,(pre-leukaemia) and needed several platelet transfusions.
And doctors had to check her for any other health issues that are risk factors for babies born with Down syndrome.
"It was an extremely emotional time. We cried a lot of tears in those early days, brought on mostly by the fear of the unknown. Not knowing the impact that Maia having Down syndrome might have on her, on us and our son’s life was very overwhelming."
Sixteen months on, Sinead says that the family have coped extremely well, taking each day as it comes.
"I won't lie and pretend it's all roses now. There are days when I still feel like I'm not doing enough and overwhelmed, but the important thing is that I get through those days.
"Maia had a lot of health challenges in her first year that we are only now starting to enjoy the simple things with her now.
"In a way I think the health challenges, for me, put her having Down syndrome into perspective."
Maia's arrival completely changed the family, in only good ways. And Sinead says things are simpler now.
"We are more relaxed and patient, and Maia has helped put our priorities in place.
"She also keeps me super organised too which is a feat in itself!
"Maia has thrown the rule book out the window for us, we think outside the box on everything we do now. I see so many things in such a different light now."
"She has brought out the best in so many people that have met her which is an incredible thing for someone so small to be able to do!" she continued.
"She has brought so much joy to our life and we wouldn't change her for the world."
Sinead is a service user in The Down Syndrome Centre where she attends the Parents and Baby class, Team 21 Tots.
Each year the charity needs to raise €500K, and they are calling on the public to take part in the Mini Marathon and help them raise much-needed funds.
For more information about joining their team click here or contact Aileen on (01) 661 8000 / aileen@downsyndromecentre.ie
Registration opens for the Mini Marathon on March 1st at 9am.