The Lucky Mama Project SUPPORTING THE Down Syndrome COMMUNITY

Written by: Rae Swift

The Lucky Mama Project was founded in partnership with Down syndrome Indiana in 2018 by Heather Gregg. She was inspired by her daughter, Ivy, who has Down syndrome and her own personal experiences with receiving a prenatal diagnosis when she was 14 weeks pregnant. Her website comments that when these moms should be receiving congratulations, instead they are hearing “I’m sorry.” The Lucky Mama Project works to connect and offer support to new moms who receive a pre- or post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

The Lucky Mama Project does this by providing information at the time of diagnosis to local OB/GYN offices as well as care packages to maternal-fetal medicine offices for moms who are a little farther along in their pregnancies. After their baby is born, the Lucky Mama Project delivers or ships a swag bag with presents inside for both new mom and baby. Among these gifts, there is always a handmade blanket and a letter from a local girl with a diagnosis of Down syndrome to the new parents. The Lucky Mama Project’s goal is to provide support and make sure the family knows they are not alone in their journey. If you know someone who might benefit from a care package or are a medical provider, you can visit their website at dsindiana. org/lucky-mama-project in order to request a care package and information packets. If you would like to get involved with the Lucky Mama Project, you can reach out to Heather Gregg at hgregg2017@gmail.com. They are also accepting monetary donations and handmade baby blankets as well as Amazon wish list purchases. All donations can be sent to Down syndrome Indiana, 708 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Note: The Lucky Mama Project’s 2021 calendar is on sale now. It features 40-plus kids in Indiana that have Down syndrome. Proceeds go toward creating care packages for new moms. Purchase yours here: https://www.createphotocalendars.com/Store/ The+Lucky+Mama+Project+Calendar+2021-5287689519.

If you would like to share your personal or family story, or to nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living, email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.