Dear New Parent,
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby!!! As parents of children with Down syndrome, we know how fantastic that moment is when you first see and hold your beautiful baby.

We also know how hard it can be to hear those words for the first time…”He has Down syndrome.” What we also know is that this is not the end of the world. It is not a horrible sentence or a punishment. It didn’t happen because you did something wrong when you were pregnant like eating too much ice cream. It didn’t happen TO you or your baby, it just happened.

We know that part of accepting those words ”She has Down syndrome” means grieving a few things. But it also means other, fantastic things that you haven’t experienced yet, like that beautiful smile, eyes that look at you like the sun rises and sets around you, arms that wrap around your neck and little hands that pat you on the back during a hug just like you pat them on theirs.

One thing that will come up over and over as your child grows is the idea that your child is a person first. Right now your baby is a baby first…one that just happens to have Down syndrome. You’re going to take care of her or him just like any other baby and he or she will put you through all the same things all new parents go through. You’ll have sleepless nights, stinky diapers, burps and bottles, laundry and lots and lots of love.

Learn what you can about Down syndrome, but learn at your own pace for now. Remember you are not alone. We are here to help when you need us. And for now enjoy your baby while he or she is a baby. They grow up fast and you’re not going to want to miss one minute of it.

We’ve included in the NEW PARENTS section, basics about Down syndrome for the new parent. If you have any other questions, need advice or just want someone to talk to that understands, please do not hesitate to contact us at (504) 251-8953. Someone will return your call as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

The Moms and Dads of the
Down Syndrome Association of Greater N.O.