In this episode, I chat with La Min, a paediatric physiotherapist. This chat is especially meaningful to me because Mia and our family benefited greatly from his guidance during Mia’s first year of life.

In this conversation, some of the key questions we discussed include: What do terms such as low muscle tone and ligament laxity actually mean, and how might they impact movement and development? Why does starting physiotherapy early matter? And why might children with Down syndrome achieve their motor milestones at different times?

La Min also shares practical tips on what parents can do to support their infants at home, as well as some encouraging words of wisdom from his years of experience.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest Lamin

02:25 – Why working with families is rewarding

03:15 – Understanding how children with Down syndrome move differently

04:12 – Explaining hypotonia and ligament laxity with guitar analogy

07:32 – Importance of early physiotherapy and starting young

08:33 – How early intervention shapes movement patterns

09:32 – Supporting movement through physiotherapy before compensatory habits set in

10:30 – The significance of physiotherapy for children with Down syndrome

11:28 – Balancing milestone achievement with quality of movement

12:36 – Managing caregiver anxiety and realistic expectations

14:23 – Understanding developmental delays and individual differences

16:14 – Celebrating the individuality and temperament of children

17:10 – The non-linear nature of development and resilience

19:11 – The importance of patience, observation, and trust

23:28 – Advice for parents waiting for intervention

25:54 – Supporting infants at home through touch and tummy time

28:21 – Incorporating play and daily routines for development

30:20 – Supporting parents in their journey and community resources

37:41 – Words of encouragement for caregivers

39:49 – Closing remarks and gratitude for the guest

Light in the Darkest Place: A conversation with Mary, Kayleen’s Mother 

In this episode, Mary shares vulnerably about one of the hardest seasons in her family's journey with her daughter, Kayleen — the early years marked by repeated ICU stays and moments when they came frighteningly close to losing her. 

Yet amidst the darkness, Mary remembers the many glimmers of light that shone through: the kindness of nurses, the care of family and friends, the prayers of people both known and unknown, and the unexpected strength and resilience she saw in Kayleen herself.

A conversation about suffering and hope, resilience and faith, and the glimmers of light that can shine through even our darkest days.

Mary also shares about the support her family received from Ronald McDonald House Charities Singapore during Kayleen's hospital stays, a resource that may be helpful to other families walking through a difficult hospital journey with a child.

Timestamps:

1:02 — Mary introduces herself and family

2:06 — Why her blog is called “Simply Lamb Chops”

3:36 — Describing Kayleen’s personality

4:58 — First ICU episode and early medical struggles

8:22 — Kayleen thanking the nurse after a blood test

9:31 — A difficult hospital season

10:00 — The first ICU crisis 

12:51 — Second ICU stay and ECMO

14:50 — Third ICU stay and pneumonia

17:48 — What helped them through the season

21:38 — How the experience changed Mary as a parent

24:03 — Realizing Kayleen is more resilient than expected

27:50 — How the season brought the family closer

30:08 — Ronald McDonald House as a supportive resource 

33:12 — Advice for parents who may be in a similarly difficult season

36:51 — The greatest gift Kayleen has given Mary

37:17 — “I like to waste time with you”

39:18 — Karaoke and spending time together

40:33 — Closing remarks

Resources and links

• Mary's blog, Simply Lamb Chops
• Ronald McDonald House Charities Singapore
  

From Fear to Privilege: How Jacob Changed My Heart

A Conversation with Carol, Jacob’s mom

Join us in this heartfelt episode as Carol shares about the early days after Jacob’s diagnosis — the fears, questions, and uncertainty that followed. She opens up about how she was supported by her faith, her community, and the people who walked alongside her, and how this journey transformed her perspective about Down syndrome and changed her heart in unexpected ways.

In this episode:

• Carol introduces herself and her family

• The early days of receiving Jacob's Down syndrome diagnosis and her initial emotional response.

• How her perceptions shifted from viewing Down syndrome as a challenge to seeing it as a gift.

• Memorable stories illustrating Jacob’s empathy, joy, and his relationship with his sister Claire.

• The significance of community, faith, and shared experiences with other families.

• Lessons learned about God's love, acceptance, and purpose through her journey.

• Practical advice for parents navigating diagnoses and the importance of hope and support.

  
  

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to Carol and her journey with Jacob

01:05 - Carol shares her background and family life

01:41 - How her faith shaped her perspective on Down syndrome

02:22 - What Jacob is like: his personality and passions

03:16 - A touching story of Jacob’s empathy as a baby

04:20 - Adjusting to Jacob as an older brother and his relationship with Claire

05:05 - The day of Jacob’s diagnosis and initial emotional impact

06:20 - Overcoming grief and contemplating abortion

06:42 - The process of acceptance and choosing to keep Jacob

07:16 - The fears and worries in the early days

08:52 - Prayers for healing and how faith transformed her heart

09:45 - The moment her perspective began to shift

10:38 - How learning about others' joys with Down syndrome brought hope

11:35 - The significance of trusting God’s plan and surrendering

12:30 - Love at first sight: Jacob’s birth and the fading diagnosis

13:56 - Her parents’ acceptance and the power of familial support

15:11 - Meeting families and individuals with Down syndrome and their impact

15:55 - What Jacob reveals to Carol about God's heart

16:57 - The ways Jacob has strengthened her faith and marriage

17:30 - Advice to her past self and those newly diagnosed

18:21 - Encouragement for struggling parents: You are not alone

19:30 - The greatest gift Jacob has given her: Perspective

21:08 - Closing remarks

Full episode transcript can be found at this link.

Resources & Links:

Jacob’s Instagram - JacobAweSomeSim

In this episode, I invite my husband to join me as we share a little about our family, how this project came to be, and the hopes and vision for this platform.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to "The Extra Mile SG" podcast and its mission

00:35 - Meet us: Shumin and Zestin

01:13 - Their family's story and the journey with their daughters

01:50 - Shumin’s inspiration to start podcasting after noticing a gap

02:33 - The motivation to create a platform focused on Singaporean stories

03:00 - Inspiration from UK-based podcast channel "Coffee and Chromosomes"

03:40 - Choosing the podcast name "The Extra Mile" and its significance

04:24 - The broader meaning of going the extra mile for loved ones and community

05:01 - Shumin’s hopes for the podcast to share authentic stories and foster understanding

05:28 - Overcoming initial fears after diagnosis and the power of shared experiences

05:55 - The importance of building an archive of real lived experiences

06:24 - Expanding the podcast’s reach to include various community voices

07:10 - Future guest plans: parents, siblings, professionals, and people with Down syndrome

07:53 - Encouraging community engagement and feedback

Full episode transcript can be found here at this link.

Resources & Links

• Coffee and Chromosomes (UK-based podcast on Down syndrome)

Connect with me:

• The Extra Mile Instagram
• Email

Welcome to The Extra Mile SG — a podcast where we share stories, reflections, and practical wisdom from the Down Syndrome community in Singapore.