When expectant moms learn more about prenatal testing, what do they choose?

by Mark Leach from Down Syndrome Prenatal Testing:
Yesterday’s post shared how the Department of Defense/Veterans Administration guidelines recognize the need for genetic counseling when offering prenatal testing. One of the methods was group counseling, in which the guidelines said participants learned best as compared to individual counseling or decision aids. What do participants choose then, that have learned best through group counseling?
At the Madigan Army Medical Center, genetic counselors conducted a study of over 400 patients. About 75% of the participants received individual counseling and 25% participated in group counseling sessions. Here’s what the counselors found:

• Before counseling, both groups had about the same level of knowledge about prenatal testing and Down syndrome, meaning they answered questions correctly and incorrectly about the same.
• As should be expected, both groups reported significant increases in knowledge after counseling, answering a higher percentage of questions correctly.
• Those who participated in group counseling had a higher percentage of correct answers than those just receiving individual counseling.
• And, those who received group counseling were less likely to accept prenatal screening.

So, group counseling increased understanding about prenatal testing and Down syndrome, as compared to individual counseling by itself. And, with that improved knowledge, the study’s finding suggest improved patient knowledge reduced the acceptance of prenatal testing.

At Disney Social Media Moms event, the small things made the event truly special

by Eliana Tardio from babble.com:

I’m very grateful for having been invited to the Disney Social Media Moms event this year. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it by myself with my two kiddos, but everything went great and actually much better than I planned!

The event was beautiful and we really enjoyed the family time. The second night, we were delighted with a beautiful dinner at Hollywood Studios, but the moment that made my day was when my daughter saw Minnie Mouse walking on the red carpet. She was holding her Minnie doll, so after watching Minnie walking, she turned to me and asked: “Mom, is that Minnie?” I said “yes” and then she said: “But, this is Minnie!” gesturing to her doll in her arms.