Congratulations on the expected birth of your baby!

 

The DSA of NCI hope to be an encouragement for you in the months ahead. Know that you are not alone. Any feelings you feel right now are completely normal. The parents in this group have felt your pain, angish, and stress but we hope to show you the joy our children have brought us.  We would like you to know that your child will be more like typical children than not. They go to school and play, laugh, and make friends. They are going to want independence and lives of their own as well. 

 

Please take a moment to read the Welcome to Holland essay. For most of us, this essay was able to bring a new perspective to the journey we were about to embark on with our child. We hope it brings you the same peace and hope it did for us. We have also included some links to websites and articles that you may find helpful as you wait for the arrival of your very special baby. 

 

• Brighter Tomorrows – Program designed to help answer your questions, educate you about Down syndrome and share the stories of other parents in similar situations. (www.brightertomorrows.org)

• A Promising Future Together: A Guide for New and Expectant Parents

• Light at the End of the Tunnel – Reflections from Parents Whose Child with Down Syndrome was Diagnosed Before Birth

• Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network- ​parents from all over the United States and around the world who each have a child with Down syndrome and a great desire to ensure families who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis receive current information and support. Pregnancy support group. (http://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/)

 

Please feel free to reach out to us as soon as you are able to. We look forward to sharing in your new journey.

 

Sincerely,

Your DSA of NCI Family