Curiosity can sometimes lead to intrusive and insensitive questions. Charli Worgan and her husband Cullen, who both have different types of dwarfism, have often been asked “why” they wanted to have children. The couple, based in Sydney, frequently faces public scrutiny, especially when Charli became pregnant with their first child.

Undeterred by the judgment, Charli decided to launch a social media account after giving birth to their first child. Little did she know that her account would become a platform to educate people about their unique family life. Today, her Instagram account boasts over 300,000 followers, and the couple is proud parents of two lovely daughters.

Recently, Charli shared the bittersweet news of her pregnancy, revealing that she was 14 weeks along. However, due to their genetic conditions, each pregnancy brings with it additional challenges. The couple has to undergo extensive genetic testing, as their offspring could potentially inherit one type of dwarfism from either parent, be average height, or inherit both types, which medical specialists believe would be catastrophic.

Charli expressed her disappointment at not being able to celebrate the 12-week mark of her pregnancy like most expectant mothers. Instead of joyfully announcing her pregnancy at this milestone, she underwent a procedure called Chorionic Villus Sampling, which involves a needle inserted through her abdomen to take a sample of the placenta. The procedure carries a 2% risk of miscarriage, and the genetic makeup of the baby is tested to determine its condition.

Their two daughters, Tully and Tilba, aged two and four respectively, each have one type of dwarfism. With their third child on the way, Charli and Cullen anxiously awaited to find out which of the four possibilities their baby would have:

1. A baby of average height
2. A baby with Achondroplasia, the same type of dwarfism as Charli
3. A baby with Geleophysic Dysplasia, the same type of dwarfism as Cullen
4. A baby with both genetic variations, known as “double dominant dwarfism,” which medical experts believe would result in a fatal birth. In such a case, Charli would have had to make a difficult decision regarding the continuation of the pregnancy.

Charli acknowledged the reality of their situation, waiting to learn whether their baby would make it into the world come March 2021 or if their journey would end prematurely. Despite receiving criticism for sharing their life so openly, Charli addresses the doubters and emphasizes the importance of kindness. She states, “Bringing a child into this world with my odds is no simple decision,” and invites others to understand their unique circumstances.

The couple’s three lovely children are thriving, and they continue to share their ups and downs with their followers. Charli recently welcomed their son Rip at the end of February. In a heartfelt post, she expressed her gratitude and shared a photo of herself with her child, along with insightful words for all parents. She reminds us that there is no “correct” way to do motherhood, and we should embrace the journey however it unfolds.

Above all, Charli’s story demonstrates that her life as a parent is not so different from anyone else’s. She experiences the same joys and challenges that come with bringing children into the world. Her posts serve as an inspiration to all, and I wish this family the best of luck on their extraordinary journey. Please help spread the word.