Congratulations on the birth of your new baby!

As parents who have experienced the birth of a child with Down syndrome, we know how difficult this time can be.  We are familiar with the many feelings and questions you may have.  We hope that the materials in this New Parent Packet and the suggestions that follow will help you.

• We suggest you talk to your family and friends as openly and simply as possible.  This will help them to understand and be comfortable with you and your baby.
• We found that other parents can provide you with good information and support.  Many of your concerns can be put into perspective by seeing them and how they have adjusted to this situation.
• We suggest you read materials on the topic of Down syndrome that are recent and up-to-date.  Older materials are inaccurate and are not helpful.
• We welcome your call.  It is the only way we know that you have had a new baby.  We are available to answer your questions, offer support, listen, and provide you with medical, educational and recreational contacts.

Since each family is unique, there is no single answer to this question.  There are, however, five things that you can do immediately that will aid your peace of mind as you face the beginning of this new situation.

Enjoy your baby.  These early months will pass very quickly.  Do all the things you had planned to do before you learned that your baby has Down syndrome.  If you are facing some major health condition with your baby, you may have to postpone some of these things—but only temporarily.  This little bundle is a baby first and foremost; he or she just coincidentally has Down syndrome.

Most importantly, your baby is a baby first and secondly, a baby who happens to have Down syndrome.

It is generally suggested that parents not wait to tell friends and family members about their baby having Down syndrome.  Even though telling family members and friends about your child having Down syndrome will be one of the most difficult things you face, don’t be afraid.  Most parents who have a new baby want others to be happy for them and to extend best wishes.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this……..

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

You Are Not Alone:  For Parents When They Learn That Their Child Has A Disability
Patricia McGill Smith
Executive Director National Parent Network on Disabilities

If you have recently learned that your child is developmentally delayed or has a disability (which may or may not be completely defined), this message may be for you. It is written from the personal perspective of a parent who has shared this experience and all that goes with it.

A Promising Future Together National Down Syndrome Society: New Parents A Guide for New Parents of Children with Down Syndrome  

Congratulations on the birth, or expected birth, of your baby!  We understand that your baby may have Down syndrome.  You probably have a million questions, concerns and fears right now.  That’s okay.  The most important thing to keep in mind is that this diagnosis is not as life changing as the fact that you have a new baby.  And in most ways, your baby will be just like other infants.  Every baby needs to be fed, held and most of all, loved.

There will be challenges in raising your child, but there will also be many, many joys.  It’s normal to be nervous about what lies ahead, but remember that Down syndrome is a condition your baby has, it is not who your baby is.  Now is the time to begin learning all you can about Down syndrome and this brochure is a great place to start.