Married couples often dream of starting a family together, but for Charli Worgan and her husband, Cullen, the decision to have children came with challenges and scrutiny. Living in Sydney, both Charli and Cullen have different forms of dwarfism, which has raised questions about their choice to become parents.
When Charli gave birth to their first child, she decided to launch a social media account to share insights into their family life. Her goal was to help people understand their experiences and challenges. Now, the couple has two daughters and a following of 300,000 people who are interested in their journey.
Recently, Charli announced she was pregnant with their third child, sharing that she was 14 weeks along. While many congratulated the family, some continued to question their decision.
Each pregnancy for Charli comes with added complexities due to their genetic conditions. They undergo genetic testing to ensure their children do not inherit either or both forms of dwarfism, as specialists say inheriting both could lead to severe complications.
Charli explained the process, saying:
“At 12 weeks, while others are celebrating their pregnancies, I was preparing for Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). This involves a large needle through the abdomen to take a placenta sample. It carries a 2% risk of miscarriage but is necessary to check the genetic makeup of the baby.”
Through social media, Charli has opened up about her journey and the emotional and physical challenges involved. Her story highlights the strength required to make difficult decisions and educate others about living with dwarfism.
For Charli and Cullen, their growing family represents love and determination, despite the unique challenges they face. Their journey continues to inspire many followers.