Most married couples can relate to being asked when they plan to have children, but for Charli Worgan and her husband Cullen, the question was often “why?” The Sydney-based parents each have a different form of dwarfism and frequently face public scrutiny, especially when Charli became pregnant with their first child.
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After the birth of their first daughter, the delighted Aussie mom started a social media account to educate people about their family life. Little did she know how popular her account would become.
Now, the couple has two beautiful daughters, and Charli’s Instagram account boasts over 300,000 followers.
Recently, Charli announced she was 14 weeks pregnant with their third baby, but the announcement was bittersweet. With each pregnancy, Charli has had to endure painful genetic testing. Charli and Cullen’s genetic conditions mean their children could inherit one type of dwarfism (either their mom’s or their dad’s), could be of average height, or could inherit both types of dwarfism, which doctors say would be fatal.
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Charli revealed the heartache of not being able to enjoy the 12-week point in her pregnancy like most other moms.
“While most are celebrating the joy of announcing their pregnancy at 12 weeks, I was lining up for Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) – a massive needle through my abdomen to take a sample of placenta that carries a 2% rate of miscarriage, to test the genetic makeup of my baby.”
Their daughters, two-year-old Tully and four-year-old Tilba, each have one of the two types of dwarfism. When Charli fell pregnant with her third baby, they waited to find out which of the four possibilities their baby had.
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Charli explained in her Instagram post:
- The baby could be of average height.
- The baby could have Achondroplasia, the same form of dwarfism as Charli.
- The baby could have Geleophysic Dysplasia, the same form of dwarfism as Cullen.
- The baby could inherit both genetic variations, known as “double dominant dwarfism,” which is considered fatal upon birth. Charli would have the choice to either carry the pregnancy to term or terminate it should this occur.
Charli shared that she was waiting to find out: “If I can bring this little one into the world come March 2021, or if his or her journey finishes here.”
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By sharing her life publicly, Charli has faced a lot of criticism and addressed this in her post.
“I’ve copped criticism for choosing to have babies with these odds and that’s a whole conversation in itself, but by sharing this tiny piece of the puzzle, those who doubt can see that bringing a child into this world with my odds is no simple decision and it’s all about being kind 💜”
Now, the couple has three beautiful children who are all thriving, and the family continues to share their ups and downs.
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Their baby boy Rip was born at the end of February, and Charli shared a post with a picture of her with her newborn alongside some wise words for every parent.
“I’m tired but feeling ever so grateful and lucky. There’s no ‘correct’ way to do motherhood, but I’m sure there’s no ‘wrong’ way either.”
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Ultimately, Charli shows that her life as a parent is relatable to many; parents can connect with the struggles and joys of bringing children into the world.
Her posts are an inspiration to all, and we wish this family health and happiness on their journey together. Please share.
4o
