For so many of us, the day we received a diagnosis for our child with Down syndrome/Trisomy 21 is overwhelming. We moved forward from that time, and have grown along with our children. In the book The Time Traveler’s Wife, the main character travels back in time, and at one point tells his doctor that the doctor’s unborn child has Down syndrome. “He’s a wonderful boy,” is the attempt at reassurance from the time traveling friend. Having spoken to so many expectant parents, I can say that this bland generalization is not enough for those facing that raw time of fear of the great unknown. Parents often thirst for so much more.
We talk about “what to expect” so much on our blog and discussion board on Baby Center: NICU stay, prenatal monitoring, medical care, government services — the list goes on. Practical. Informative. Useful. But, of course, information is simply not enough. We need to share and hear personal stories from parents who have lived the experience.
Our Resources
See also: Adjusting to a Down Syndrome Diagnosis chapter in our book, “Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother’s Guide to Down Syndrome.”
More Articles/Resources
Mom and blogger Patti provides a particularly beautiful glimpse into the life of a family which has a child with Down syndrome A Perfect Lily.
8 THINGS I’VE LEARNED FROM HAVING A CHILD WITH DOWN SYNDROME by Kelle Hampton
You can also read stories from other moms and dads around the world who received a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis at Unexpected Stories of a Down Syndrome Diagnosis.
Parent Quotes
Reflections from other moms and dads who shared with us what they wish they could go back in that past and say to themselves on that diagnosis day:
