Prenatal Diagnosis

Finding out that your baby is going to have Down syndrome can be a very emotional and confusing time. Please know that you are not alone!  Many of our families have been through the experience of receiving a prenatal diagnosis, and they stand ready to share with you.

There is no right or wrong way to react to a prenatal diagnosis. We all are different in our life experience and current circumstances.  Yet our common bond is that we all have hopes and dreams for our children.

Some expectant parents react by experiencing intense emotions at first: shock, dismay, fear, anger, etc. Please know that such emotions are a perfectly normal response. Many expectant parents enter a time of decision-making.

Some expectant parents consider adoption as an option. Many are quite encouraged to learn that there is actually a national waiting list of families wishing to adopt a baby with Down syndrome. If you would like adoption resources, we can provide those to you.

Other expectant parents are surprised and sad, but they make plans to welcome the baby into their lives. They gather as much information as they can and become determined to make adjustments.

No matter how you might be feeling,  we are available to answer your questions honestly and do our best to describe the joys and challenges we have experienced in our own personal journeys.

We also can provide you with a package of materials to help answer your questions and lead you to outside resources.

Please contact us us to receive your packet, or if you would like to talk with another parent, we are available to visit on the phone, in person, or on email.

A heartwarming message from 15 people with Down syndrome to a future mom.

 

Prenatal Diagnosis Resources