Gina Heslop
Charli Worgan and her husband Cullen faced a barrage of questions not typically asked of expectant couples. While most married pairs are quizzed about when they plan to have children, Charli and Cullen, both living with different types of dwarfism, were frequently asked “why.” Their unique circumstances made them subjects of public scrutiny, especially when Charli became pregnant with their first child.
Despite the challenges they faced, Charli decided to share their family’s journey with the world through a social media account after welcoming their first daughter. Little did she anticipate the overwhelming success this account would achieve.
Fast forward, the couple now boasts two lovely daughters, and Charli’s Instagram has garnered over 300,000 followers. However, Charli’s recent announcement of her third pregnancy came with a mixture of joy and apprehension.
Each pregnancy for Charli meant undergoing extensive genetic testing due to her and Cullen’s genetic conditions. Their offspring could inherit one type of dwarfism, the other, be of average height, or inherit both types, which experts feared could be fatal. This reality forced Charli to undergo tests that carried a 2% miscarriage risk at the 12-week mark, while others celebrated their pregnancies.
Their two daughters, Tully and Tilba, had already been diagnosed with one type of dwarfism each. So, when Charli became pregnant for the third time, they faced four possibilities for their unborn child’s genetic makeup. Charli shared this uncertainty with her Instagram followers, knowing that their child could be of average height, have her type of dwarfism, Cullen’s type, or the potentially fatal “double dominant dwarfism.”
Amid criticism for sharing her life so publicly, Charli defended her choice. She acknowledged that having children under such odds was a complex decision, emphasizing the importance of kindness in understanding their unique situation.
In the end, their son Rip was born in February, bringing immense gratitude and happiness to Charli’s life. Her Instagram posts serve as a testament to the challenges and joys of parenting, demonstrating that her journey, though unique, shares common ground with all parents.
Charli and Cullen’s story is a reminder that love, determination, and the willingness to embrace life’s uncertainties can lead to beautiful outcomes, even in the face of daunting odds. The family continues to share their ups and downs, inspiring others along the way.
