Most married couples are familiar with the question, “When are you having kids?” But for Charli Worgan and her husband Cullen, the question was often far more personal and sometimes even painful. Instead of curiosity about timing, strangers frequently asked why they would even consider having children at all.
Charli and Cullen, both living with different forms of dwarfism, had always known that their path to parenthood would not be ordinary. From the beginning of their relationship, they faced constant public scrutiny and judgment simply because of their height, which drew attention wherever they went.
Yet the couple refused to let outsiders dictate the course of their lives. They dreamed of having a family of their own and were determined to make that dream a reality despite the medical and social obstacles stacked against them.
When Charli gave birth to their first daughter, Tilba, the couple felt an overwhelming wave of joy. Holding their baby in their arms, the fear and doubts that had haunted them seemed to vanish. Tilba was healthy, beautiful, and perfect in every imaginable way.
Shortly after Tilba’s birth, Charli decided to create a social media account. It wasn’t for fame, but to share her family’s life, educate others about dwarfism, and challenge the stereotypes that she and Cullen faced every day. She wanted people to understand that her family was like any other — full of love, laughter, and chaos.
The account quickly grew beyond her expectations. Within a few years, Charli had amassed over 300,000 followers, many inspired by her honesty, humor, and courage. People admired how she shared both the joys and challenges of raising a family while navigating life with dwarfism.
Charli and Cullen’s family continued to grow. Their second daughter, Tully, joined Tilba, and together the girls brought even more love and energy into the household. Both daughters inherited one of their parents’ genetic conditions, adding another layer of complexity to their family’s journey.
When Charli announced that she was pregnant with their third child, her joy was tempered by fear. Every pregnancy brought unique risks due to their genetic backgrounds, and each one came with four possible outcomes that could affect the baby’s health.
The baby could be of average height, inherit Achondroplasia like Charli, inherit Geleophysic Dysplasia like Cullen, or inherit both conditions — a rare combination known as “double dominant dwarfism,” which doctors have said is fatal shortly after birth.
This meant that with each pregnancy, there was a one-in-four chance that the baby would not survive. While most expectant mothers were shopping for baby clothes or sharing ultrasound photos, Charli faced a grueling medical procedure called Chorionic Villus Sampling, or CVS.
CVS involved inserting a massive needle through her abdomen to collect a sample of the placenta, carrying a 2% risk of miscarriage. It was the only way to determine the baby’s genetic makeup, and Charli described the experience as emotionally and physically taxing.
The wait for results was agonizing. “I wasn’t just waiting to find out the baby’s gender,” Charli wrote on Instagram. “I was waiting to learn whether I could bring this little one into the world come March — or if his or her journey would end before it began.”
Charli’s openness about her journey has drawn both support and criticism. Some questioned her decision to have children given the genetic risks, while others lauded her bravery in sharing such personal moments with the world.
“I’ve copped criticism for choosing to have babies with these odds,” Charli said candidly. “That’s a whole conversation in itself. But by sharing this small piece of our journey, I hope people can understand that bringing a child into this world with my odds isn’t simple — it’s a deeply personal decision, filled with love, faith, and courage.”
Despite the negativity, the majority of Charli’s followers offered admiration and encouragement. Through her posts, she highlighted not only the challenges of living with dwarfism but also the joy, normalcy, and love that filled her family’s life.
In late February 2021, Charli gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Rip. The announcement sparked celebration among supporters around the globe, who had followed every step of her courageous journey with hope and love.
In her first post after Rip’s birth, Charli shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo of herself holding her newborn son. “I’m tired,” she wrote, “but I’m feeling ever so grateful and lucky. There’s no ‘correct’ way to do motherhood — but I’m sure as anything, there’s no ‘wrong’ way either.”
Charli’s words resonated deeply with thousands of parents, reinforcing that motherhood is not about perfection but about love, resilience, and commitment to nurturing life in any form.
Today, Charli and Cullen continue to share their lives online, documenting every moment of family life with Tilba, Tully, and Rip. Their home videos capture laughter, tantrums, bedtime routines, and everyday adventures, showing the world that their family is fundamentally like any other.
Charli uses her platform not only to tell her story but also to educate the public about genetic diversity, inclusivity, and empathy. She hopes to break down misconceptions surrounding dwarfism and to foster understanding in a world often quick to judge those who are different.
Their story demonstrates the power of love over fear, hope over judgment, and courage over limitation. Each challenge, from genetic testing to public scrutiny, has been met with determination, strength, and an unwavering commitment to family.
Charli and Cullen’s journey is also a reminder that parenthood is not about physical ability or size but about heart, dedication, and the capacity to provide love and support for children, no matter the obstacles.
Friends and followers have celebrated the family as a beacon of inspiration, showing that challenges do not define destiny, and that joy, laughter, and compassion can flourish in even the most difficult circumstances.
Through it all, Charli emphasizes that while their lives may be unique, the love within their home is universal. “We might be little,” she often says, “but our love is bigger than anything you could imagine.”
The Worgans’ story is a testament to the enduring strength of family, courage, and hope. By sharing their journey with honesty and warmth, they have not only created a life for their children but also inspired millions around the world to believe in the power of love and resilience.