'Bachelorette' Emily Maynard on her son's Down syndrome

Former 'Bachelorette' Emily Maynard welcomed her sixth child, a boy named Jones West Johnson, and announced he has Down syndrome.

[@dpsdownspositivesyndrome]

I have Down Syndrome and My parents were shocked to but the best part is that they treated me just like any other kid and they loved me no matter what

[@Amy-fk5we]

If I was your mom I’d be so proud of you! 😊 I bet they are very proud!

[@dpsdownspositivesyndrome]

@@Amy-fk5we thanks your very nice

[@lindapowers8592]

That’s beautiful ❤

[@donnaerickson3059]

This child will forever bless her home. ❤️

[@noralally6449]

with social security check, yay more money

[@lovehate4666]

My son is almost 19 now and continues to teach all that know him about love, acceptance and being genuine to his core.

[@meghoughton562]

One of my friends has a brother with DS and she said he is the most contented person she knows.

[@CDN1975]

God absolutely did place him in a home where he will be surrounded by love. God bless them.

[@brandyclark6641]

Congratulations!! Jones will thrive in a family that large. He will teach you all things you never knew and one will be a form of unconditional love that the rest of us are not capable of naturally. ❤

[@susanbajjada2960]

Amen🥰

[@Sierralovescharles]

Beautifully said 💙💛

[@dianaamman5636]

You are so right!

[@JuniperLynn789]

Proud of Emily and her family! I have a Down Syndrome brother and he is the biggest blessing!

[@Sierralovescharles]

💛💙💛💙

[@clare7777]

Me too! I have a sister ❤

[@kolbi-sis]

My papaw always said they are blessings from God

[@kolbi-sis]

I have adored Emily since the bachelor. She is such a great mother her kids are so.cute even with down syndrome kids are a blessing. Wise words emily

[@daybyday1664]

My youngest was born with DS. He’s 17 now. I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing your life is going to be now. Medical stuff can be hard, but he will love so much.

[@mommaofsteel]

I agree! My son is 6 and the biggest blessing EVER!! 💙💛

[@Sierralovescharles]

Life is so much more presious , my boy is 7 💛💙

[@Jennathegreenwitch]

In my experience, people with downs are the absolute sweetest - they’ve got so much love in them ❤️

[@StudentNurseMomFiance]

You get what you get and you’re gona love it no matter what… I love those words.

[@knightingg8324]

That’s her family stance… it works for them. When you have money and family support (village) you can make those types of decisions easily.

[@Happytown7523]

@@knightingg8324 nope. It’s really not about money. My grandmother raised her children on nothing… breastfed, cloth diapered, and lived on a frugal budget in a mobile home. Sure, not every child had their own room in a suburban McMansion, but it didn’t matter. When people love their families enough, they will make sacrifices for them. It’s called unconditional love. It’s really NOT a difficult ‘decision’ to be made. Anything else is falls within conditional love and is cold hearted.

[@janet5135]

GOD BLESSED YOU IN MORE WAY'S THAN ONE.

[@livelovenow8862]

I would just say that we will love “him” or “her” no matter what.

[@lvlysticgirl]

As someone who has a sibling with significant disabilities, this is not all great and wonderful. My parents were selfish because now they are gone and my life is to be a full time caregiver. I'm all alone, stressed, and my life is no longer mine. I didn't choose this but I'm stuck with it. I love my sister but the government does not help me enough. You guys all think this is great but it's really not. I didn't ask for this. Why did I have to lose my life so a high needs child could live? Who will take care of this child when the parents die? Is nice they have 5 siblings, I don't have any one to help me....

[@TJones-gj2fi]

Beautiful mom beautiful baby who will grow up surrounded by a big loving family lucky little boy.

[@maryjogreen1706]

He is absolutely just precious!what a blessing! Emily your so kind and sweet!

[@joannepiatte4026]

A special child for a special family. God knows exactly what he's doing.

[@freyamccauley]

AMEN AND AMEN

[@heatherj3385]

Oh, he is just gorgeous. Congratulations to the family! I also declined genetic testing for the same reason. A baby is fearfully and wonderfully made and worthy of love. 💕

[@Andy13april64]

A true gift for them, they just don't know it yet.

[@maureenpalardy4912]

I love this Baby! He is a gift from God, and chosen just for Emily and her Husband. Jones, you are adorable.

[@Nurturing2]

BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY❣️ CONGRATS to the entire family on your new addition!!! Your family is WHOLE!!! ❤️♥️❤️

[@Katie-cd8oh]

He is so sweet. Emily is such a great mother ❤

[@mnm3755]

Aww! I love her! She sounds like a nurturing mom & the best mom for her son.

[@rachellovely3507]

Before I had my 2 kids I said I would never keep a baby if there was gonna be any kind of handicap or anything wrong, but when I first found out I was pregnant and seen sonogram and heard his little heartbeat, there was no way I would ever give him up. Changed the way I see the world for sure ❤️

[@susanbajjada2960]

I can relate to this so much. My daughter was born 35 yrs ago with Klippel/Fiels syndrome after I had 2 healthy children. I felt exactly the same way. I had cuddles for an hour & she had to be whisked away to the Children's Hospital almost 2 hrs away. They wouldn't let me go until the next day & all I wanted to do was hold her & breast feed her. When I got to her the next day I will never forget the relief & love I felt to do just that. Two brain surgeries by the time she was 6 wks old, physiotherapy, speech therapy & heart surgery up until her teens but she's full of life despite some limitations. I don't know what I'd do without her. I went on to have 4 more children. Being a part of a big family benefited her greatly. She has brought so much joy, love & lessons in life along with all the challenges. Love conquers all❤

[@Amy-fk5we]

What a beautiful story ❤️ she must be proud to have you as a mom ❤️

[@Simplelivingslowliving]

❤

[@kittykaos3725]

Such a beautiful baby ❤️❤️ God blessed you with this baby, because you would love, care for this precious child like the others!! God bless you and your precious family ❤️ 💕

[@beverlydust5381]

This baby is adorable and I hope that he grows up healthy and happy.

[@splinky730]

We’ve a downs child in the family who is now an adult... honestly she has been the joy for every single member of our family! We could not imagine life without her! She is so incredibly loved and she is gifted so much live by her family! GOD BLESS YOU, HUSBAND, YOUR NEW SON, AND ENTIRE FAMILY. Thank GOD Emily you follow the LORD!

[@frannienarvaez7591]

Beautiful sweet Angel.. lots of support from his sweet siblings “God” bless y’all forevermore ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@maileevyne5000]

Idk what everyone else thinks... But he's beautiful. I realize I'm saying this even though I don't have direct family or know anyone personal with it. But I see so many stories and it seems wonderful.

[@marylandis6714]

He is a beauty Sounds like he is lucky to get awesome parents and wonderful siblings Bless all of You

[@soramame7528]

Sixth child. Wow. Good for them and thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@dorothyluciano8910]

God bless your Baby Boy & your beautiful Family. Congratulations ❤️🥰❤️

[@pequena_ninera]

You got this and with all the support you're getting it's gonna get easier. Children that have down syndrome are angels in disguises to teach people about love, acceptance, patience and humanity. You are blessed.

[@bengalbabe]

So true! ❤

[@viktorias63]

Someone like preaches killing DS fetuses when its suitable

[@SusanaXpeace2u]

She is lucky enough to have money. This experience is much harder for women without money.

[@lvlysticgirl]

As someone who has a sibling with significant disabilities, this is not all great and wonderful. My parents were selfish because now they are gone and my life is to be a full time caregiver. I'm all alone, stressed, and my life is no longer mine. I didn't choose this but I'm stuck with it. I love my sister but the government does not help me enough. You guys all think this is great but it's really not. I didn't ask for this. Why did I have to lose my life so a high needs child could live? Who will take care of this child when the parents die? It's nice they have 5 siblings, I don't have any one to help me.... pro-life is just pro-birth because I can't afford care for my sister. Who is helping me with her "life"?

[@User729__p]

He is so gorgeous. What a blessing

[@robbiemarcum8878]

I have always admired and respected Emily. She is such a loving person. I like how she says you get what you get with your babies. God has a plan for each one of us. He has great parents and he is so loved.

[@patseemore5019]

What a beautiful boy! God is good, all the time!

[@marlenejones6266]

Wow she has five children? How wonderful is this? She's got a household full of little ones. So much joy and happiness in her home. They all adore the new addition you can see that. Hugs to Jones and much love to everyone

[@73cidalia]

It’s wonderful that he has all those siblings. He’ll always have someone in his court. ❤

[@janetcaton3503]

I love those words.. you get what your gonna get.. you are so awesome and he’s gorgeous!! Keep up the great work and love downs babies are soooo worth the love and value.. no matter what! I have a good friend in upstate NY who’s 3rd child was born w Downs and he’s the sweetest child ever.. he’s 7 now and he’s just a love to her and her husband! Never have regrets.. just lots of love and hope!!❤️🥰💖😘💞💞😃

[@lindaleidig8565]

These children are special kids and I think it makes the parents special too!

[@LeslieBanfe]

Jones is gorgeous just like Emily, Nicky and their whole family.

[@gretchenlhommedieu9246]

This little guy will teach you more than you can imagine. Love to all of you. ❤❤

[@amyrenshaw9538]

He’s a beautiful sweet baby ❤ I appreciate her authenticity and openness

[@heidilee3415]

Thank you for sharing. Lots of love.

[@elizabethgatewood3426]

Your baby is so Beauitful your right God put him with you because your family will love him unconditionally and it will teach your kids we are all different in are on way and we need to love each other no matter what much love for your family.

[@mj-rg9kp]

He’s beautiful and she’s a wonderful mother, I hope she knows it

[@hollywatson5778]

This is a forever blessing regardless

[@LoveLaw]

He's perfect xx

[@robbinmcvay4206]

Awe jones is so beautiful! Congratulations! Many blessings and prayers for your wonderful family!

[@joanwatkins3022]

He is beautiful! Jones has been born into the best family he could ask for; Emily will continue to be a terrific mother. Blessings to the whole family!!

[@tinahuttner7280]

Love her attitude on her son, she’s feeling very blessed and fortunate😀

[@vickyoconnor7396]

Such a special baby with so much love to give. Bless your beautiful family. Lots of love from the fair isle of Ireland. ❤️🍀🇮🇪

[@Mk-xp9xt]

What a beautiful family! What a brave and loving mom. Respect!

[@iutuber100]

God bless this beautiful Family ❤

[@violingirl1349]

I can totally relate to so much of her story! We found out at birth that our fourth child had DS and a heart defect (for which she needed surgery at 4 months). Such an emotional roller coaster at the beginning because, yes, it’s all so different and new and unexpected. But we also had so much love and support for her and for our family. I am so thankful for all of that. And we’re still all growing and learning together, and absolutely loving our 5 year old Annabelle Faith. ❤❤❤

[@raerae2555]

This is literally why we have such extensive prenatal testing. So if she decided to reject all the testing we have and have this child, then it was just that. A choice.

[@RIP19851]

He adorable

[@rosainostrosa1838]

Thanks for sharing...adorable.

[@cynthiaannblaha5127]

Beautiful story! God bless you guys for making it public! I have a,ways felt children born with Down’s Syndrome are angels here on earth. I know there may be struggles, but the there always are in raising children.

[@mstyles2667]

omg he is so cute, i think downs people are a blessing. the extra chromosome they have makes them extra special. i could imagine it is a lot to deal with at first, so many questions, so much to learn, so many fears to overcome. i wish them the best.

[@Kayla-mr1kp]

So glad she didn’t do the genetic test. I don’t know her doc but the specialist we were sent to actually mentioned termination of the pregnancy due to some fluid on the back of the neck could indicate a abnormalities. I was blessed thinking about being a mothers to a special needs child. Its been challenging to have a child w epilepsy and intellectual disability! Now he is 15 and working hard learning construction with his dad!

[@kimtodd1803]

Beautiful family oh their baby son is god sent angel

[@shellyh3014]

shes so beautiful and classy. jones is beautiful also!!

[@keriXianne]

People with Down syndrome has the biggest heart, they are so sweet, kind and smart. All you can do is be the best parents humanly possible for all your kids no matter the obstacle that you may face.

[@mrenae6798]

Ha! He’s such a little cutie😊 💜and a big blessing.

[@cyndimorgan9792]

Oh he’s just the most adorable little boy!

[@traceywilliams8395]

Beautiful Family ❤💐

[@chalenesabino4801]

He is adorable! A blessing to be chosen as his family❤

[@seeleygirl6178]

Still gorgeous lady. And family.

[@heidimull]

Emily thanks for helping raise awareness. You are a beautiful person inside and out. ❤️

[@tamarasavedandsanctified7778]

Blessings to her beautiful baby boy and family.. Children are a gift from God and all have a purpose.. Beautiful family

[@jennymao29]

Emily so beautiful and so positive ❤👍

[@Sparkl4860]

Who truly has the time to give to 6 kids? Children start bringing up children.

[@SerendipityTrouvaille]

Wow I don't know her but I have so much respect after hearing her story. I love what she said about not getting a genetic testing. God bless her family. 💖

[@shaunalea823]

I don’t think it’s a different kind of love, it’s the same love, the love of a mother for her child. Jones is amazing and his family will see how blessed they truly are to have him.

[@pamterlizzi2636]

Thank you for sharing your loving family and your beautiful boy

[@viceb7]

Why do these people feel the need to share everything? It's weird that I know this little boy I'll never know has a rare colon condition... Smh

[@christiewhite5295]

He's absolutely gorgeous and will be such a joy to you and your family

[@dianecelento4974]

Beautiful family.

[@roseyk7677]

"you get what you get, and you're gonna love IT?" 😳 There's a lot of revelation in words........ The way she spoke speaks volumes about her true feelings!!!

[@zc6346]

Oh c'mon, it's the story of her life and the life of her family she was referring to, not her son. Do you really find it THAT hard to believe that a mother could actually love her downs child? If so I feel sorry for you.

[@NadaVerse]

Congratulations on your most precious blessing 🙏🏽

[@saradaniels2624]

Mathew 18:10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” Your son came with strength grace and mercy to endure this life for the life to come blessed are you woman for choosing life and not death from the gift that God gave you

[@Teresa-xq5ut]

I was 3 months shy of turning 42 when I had my 3rd baby. The Dr mentioned an amnio to me because of my age but I refused. Like this mom, it wouldn't matter.

[@momof4kids735]

This child will teach your family the true beauty of love and family ❤️

[@joycedominguez8997]

God bless this family. Watch that little girl,she's aggressive with the baby 2:03.

[@JuniperLynn789]

I would not call that aggressive

[@privateuser3859]

The Maynard's new baby boy is a cutie pie. Congratulations to all the family.

[@rebeccahernandez1705]

You have such a beautiful family.

[@rainedyani8505]

Hearing her talk about grieving and “you get what you get” was really sad to me. I hope she sees more and more every day how absolutely special her little gift really is. ❤️

[@robbiemarcum8878]

She also said you love them. She is not at all disappointed she gas a baby with downs syndrome. Watch it again. This baby is so loved.

[@gymnasticsgirlie0647]

Grieving is completely normal in this situation. A life with Down Syndrome isn't worse than a normal life, but it is different, and it's not what you expect for your child. It makes sense that you need to grieve the loss of the life you thought your child would have. Only once you process those emotions, which it seems that this mom has, can you truly embrace the life your child WAS given. Plus, Down Syndrome does come with certain actually sad challenges. It can cause physical health issues such as heart issues, bone issues, increased susceptibility to leukemia, etc. It obviously increases the possibility that the child will be affected by ableism and inaccessibility, which can also cause mental health issues. And by "you get what you get", again I don't think she is saying that children with disabilities are bad or defected or not as good as able-bodied children. She was actually saying that she would accept her child any way they came. She just might have worded it a little weird as "you get what you get" is an expression normally used to help kids tolerate not getting what they want.

[@modawg1111]

A grieving process ? I see a Teaching opportunity for his siblings. That baby brother, will bring out more love & compassion in those kids then anything else ever could. Congratulations to the beautiful Ohana of eight ! 🤗😘🙏🤙

[@Deelitee]

Yes, indeed! But it is a grieving experience and there’s no shame in that. It’s normal humanity. ❤

[@cathymackes4064]

That baby will teach his siblings all about love and acceptance...

[@sunshinecasey]

COMPLETELY normal for her to feel this way

[@jasmineancona7792]

I think she meant she grieves for hi. That his experience is so different from the others.

[@eyesofblue1050]

Well said, Bridget.

[@bsilva6064]

He's so cute 😍 GOD bless your beautiful baby!! 🙏

[@DL-by8el]

Good luck to little Jones and family.

[@sharonsolana]

Beautiful family!

[@maryj4876]

Mommy it's okay. DS they are all sociable, sweet and follower. Consider it's a blessing from God and not a curse. It's a challenging journey but it's not difficult. They are all unique and different and you will learn to embrace and love him. ❤️

[@cuteclassi2004]

Wow what a beautiful lady to have such a good outlook on babies. It is so true. You get what you get and you will love the baby no matter what!

[@melaniesheppard8449]

Congratulations- I have a daughter with CRI-du-Chat & we could not love her more!!! Jones will make all of your lives better than you can imagine!!! It’s not easy but he is a gift ♥️

[@donnazerbe8000]

Beautiful. My little sister has Down syndrome and when she was born in 1970, my mom was encouraged to put her in an institution but mom refused and I’m so glad she’s my little sister!

[@nutrition182]

Gosh amazing to have so many children, they will manage because of the people they are. Is her husband the same man that proposed to her on the bachelorette?

[@HeatherSmith-momof4]

Awe 💕 God bless your family that's a real mom right there!!!

[@waverlyfremgen8349]

What a gift to have such as beautiful child born into such an amazing family :)

[@KristinAndre1717]

Beautiful family ❤️

[@marylowry5543]

God bless you Emily, Jones and your family ❤️ you are such a great witness and bright light in this sad throw away culture we find ourselves in

[@susanb5058]

He is the CUTEST!! ❤

[@roxybennett3964]

He is absolutely precious and just perfect 🎉Congratulations beautiful baby❤