Ashleigh and Jagger
“I love seeing people’s reactions to the way he feeds and everyone thinks the FreeArm is the best solution to tube feeding and I couldn’t agree more!”
What is your favorite thing about Jagger?
I don’t have a single favourite thing as such, he is my favourite! I love everything about him, I love his character, I love that he is himself and I can’t wait until he is older and is running around with his friends and family! ❤️
What is the biggest challenge of being a young, single parent to a child with health concerns? Any advice to other single parents?
I chose to be a single parent before I knew Jagger had Down syndrome. Everyone prepares you for a baby, but no one ever prepares you for a child with medical needs. I believe that is something everyone should be prepared for. Jagger isn’t on a NG tube because he has Down syndrome - any child can have any medical need at anytime, newborn, 5 years, or even in teens. It’s a challenge at times with hospital stays, tube changes, therapies and appointments- doing it all myself, but I’m very lucky for the amazing friends and family we have. People say a child needs two parents, I don’t agree as long as your child has loving and supportive friends and family. That’s really all you need. Jagger is only 8 months old so I’m sure some more challenges along the way will come, but so far Jagger is thriving and hitting all milestones!
What would you like to tell other parents who just received a Down syndrome diagnosis?
Don’t be scared! it’s a lot easier said than done! But honestly, if you stay with a mindset of “you know what, I’m just raising a child like anyone else” then you will be fine! Jagger is literally no different - he sleeps 12 hours of a night, he is such a character already! Like I say to friends and family, he is the same as anyone else, I will not be holding him back. If he wants to do something, then go ahead, live your best life. What he will do in life is what anyone else can do in life! You need to stay strong because you are their forever person. You can’t sit there and beat yourself up. You need to embrace the EXTRA LOVE, EXTRA GUIDANCE, the EXTRA PERSONALITY - that is what makes them, THEM! You will face some challenges along the way, but hey, so does anyone else. You go to some intense therapies that your friends don’t understand because they don’t go to them. But that’s okay, early intervention and the way you guide your child is how they will thrive when they’re growing. You advocate for them everyday. You are their voice a lot of the time but they will always understand and know! A disability doesn’t define anyone and you always need to remember, just because your baby has Down syndrome, that doesn’t mean anything to anyone else. Just because your baby needs a tube or oxygen, that isn’t because they have Down syndrome - that is because they need some EXTRA HELP. Everyone is different and unique. No one is ever the same!
How did you tube feed before the FreeArm?
I came up with a few different ways so I wasn’t sitting there holding the syringe. I have carpal tunnel and loose grip on one of my hands. When I first brought Jagger home on the tube, I had a clothes horse (clothes drying rack) behind his bouncer and attached an elastic band to the clothes horse. Then I put the syringe into the loop and it would be above Jagger’s head. It worked but, then I thought, “What will I do when I don’t need the clothes horse out?” It was big, bulky and in the way.
Where is your favorite place to use your FreeArm?
Out and about! It stays attached to Jagger’s pram (stroller) because if I take it off I will forget to put it back on. We are always out and about and I love seeing people’s reactions to the way he feeds and everyone thinks the FreeArm is the best solution to tube feeding. I couldn’t agree more!
Why do you like your FreeArm(s)?
It has made mine and Jagger’s life so much easier, especially when out you can adjust it and make it any height. It works perfectly and doesn’t take too long to feed him anymore. A friend of mine recently purchased Jagger a second FreeArm for when he starts preschool next year to help the educators with his feeding! I couldn’t be more grateful for the love and support we have around us, I truly am blessed.