For this Blue MumDays special celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Day, I'm joined by the beautiful Jannah Hayah. Jannah talks to me about life with her gorgeous son Musa, who is 5. Musa has Down Syndrome, hearing loss and is fed via a feeding tube. Jannah is passionate about wanting the world to know that while a life living with disability can have its challenges, the struggle comes with incredible rewards. It's a wonderfully life-affirming conversation.

*TRIGGER WARNING: *Birth trauma and a very brief mention of feelings of suicide*

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[00:00] Teaser quote.

[02:25] Introduction to Jannah and Musa.

[04:43] Judgement on Jannah looking well presented - double standard for women.

[11:08] Life before Musa. Transitioning into a mum with her older children.

[12:59] Musa's traumatic birth. Receiving the diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

[19:47] The damage of the words that were used.

[23:18] The need to take your time to accept and find peace with the diagnosis.

[26:01] How Musa has shaped Jannah into the woman she is today.

[27:36] The hugely positive affect Musa has had on his older siblings.

[31:54] The social model of disability - the need for society to be more accessible and inclusive for all.

[36:50] How people 'give up' making an effort as soon as they hear Musa is disabled.

[38:25] How Musa is determined and finds his own way in the world.

[41:19] Lack of support and information for Jannah at the time of the birth.

[43:54] Musa's difficulties feeding, due to low muscle tone.

[47:32] Being dismissed and ignored when asking for help.

[49:23] Hitting rock bottom. Discovering local group Jolly Josh - an absolute lifeline.

[53:37] Meeting the dietician - having the feeding tube properly explained to her.

[55:56] How Jannah's culture and religion perceives people with impairments and conditions.

[57:43] Musa's legacy - educating the world on inclusion.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Follow Jannah and Musa's Instagram or Twitter Feed for endless positivity and inspiration and to learn more about Musa’s journey.
2. Jannah is an Ambassador for Making Chromosomes Count, a challenging, thought-provoking and inclusive non-profit magazine exploring the fascinating kaleidoscope that is Down Syndrome.
3. The Down's Syndrome Association is a national organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of people who have Down’s Syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others. 
4. NHS information on Down's Syndrome – click on this link for more information about the condition, where people are born with an extra chromosome.
5. Cristina at DiffAbility Charity is the amazing mum who delivers free ‘Welcome to the World’ packs to new parents in hospitals, welcoming and offering support to babies with Down Syndrome. Diff-Ability is a charity creating to create events and opportunities for people with disabilities, learning disabilities, Autism and neurodiverity to engage in with their families and friends.