I just read and update this morning about Alaska governor Sarah Palin and her newborn infant son Trig. Governor Palin, 42, gave birth to her 5th child April 18th. I was impressed with the fact that she was still on the job the day she gave birth! According to press, the Governor went into labor while attending a conference in Texas, and flew back to Alaska for the birth.

Shortly after the birth, a press release stated that the child had “special needs.” Governor Palin has now said that Trig has Down’s Syndrome, and that the doctor’s revealed the diagnosis during her fourth month of pregnancy. Down Syndrome is a birth defect cause by an extra chromosome and occurs in 1 out of every 100 births in women who conceive after the age of 40.

This story was very personal for me as I have 5 children myself. Two of my children have numerous handicaps and so I am aware of how a special needs child can incredibly change one’s life. Last week, my sister-in-law discovered that the child she miscarried had Down’s Syndrome as well. Parenting a special needs child is certainly a demanding job, although parenting in general is a demanding job as well. Despite her new job as a parent to a speical needs child, Governor Palin vows that she will still continue on in her role as Governor and that her new duties will not affect her work. I am impressed with her strength and tenacity! Although my personal decision was very different than hers(I chose to freelance from home instead of continuing on with my career), I wish her and her family the very best as they begin this new life journey.

Tags: Alaska, birth defects, Down's Syndrom, family, politics, Sarah Palin