I Have a Baby with Down Syndrome

Dear New Parent,

We are here for you. We want you to know that we will walk along this journey with you, as you navigate your child’s diagnosis. We will provide a listening ear, answers to any of your questions, and resources along the way.

Let’s talk about getting that diagnosis. A lot of families refer to this as a “flashbulb” moment. This is a moment that you will never forget, and you will carry it with you for a lifetime. I still remember when the doctor told me my son had Down syndrome. I had my son at 7am, and the House Pediatrician woke me up to tell me the news. I was by myself; after what we thought was a successful labor, my husband and parents went home to rest while I slept. I remember every word the said, I remember the feeling afterward. The feeling of someone coming in and turning your world upside-down. Time just stops and you are left with this diagnosis, and you don’t know what to do with it.

First of all, it’s okay to grieve. You’ve received heart-breaking news that your child will have a life-long, permanent disability. Allow yourself to go through the grieving process. Reach out to us for support, we have a list of families who have been through this grieving period, who would be honored to share their story and support you during this time.

There are some great resources to read during this time, and they are listed here:

“Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome: The New Parents’ Guide to the First Month" - Download the book here at no cost to parents.

We have wonderful relationships with many of the local Down syndrome support groups across the United States. Email us here and let us know what city and state you reside in. We will send you the name and contact information for local support. They will keep all of your information private, and will honor the space you are in as you consider the options of parenting and adoption. 

We also created a list of resources that will support at this time. You can view that list here. 

Let’s start with the basics. Minutes after the doctor gave me my son’s diagnosis, a nurse came in with a “Hospital Packet” that was put together by the local Down syndrome support group. I was not ready to open the packet…I wasn’t ready to feel the reality of what was just said to me…that my son had a permanent, life-long disability. Instead, I asked the nurse to bring my son to me. I just wanted to hold my Christopher.  My husband made it back to the hospital in record time, and he was wanting to dive in head-first with educating himself on what Down syndrome was, and how this diagnosis was going to affect our son.

If you are not ready to reach out yet to your local Down syndrome support group, you can find updated, correct information at the National Down Syndrome Congress. Take your time and learn about Down syndrome. Don’t overwhelm yourself; read it in chunks. If you have any questions along the way, contact us.

Where do we go from here? We want to make sure you are educated on Down syndrome with updated, accurate information. We also want to make sure you have learned about parenting a child with Down syndrome, and all of your questions about raising a child with DS have been answered. If you have additional questions or just want to talk, you can contact Molly or Stephanie via voice or text at 513-709-1751, or email us here. If you still feel like you may not be able to parent, we are here for you. We will walk with you as take this journey of possibly placing your child for adoption. We will be here with you every step of the way.