New Parents

Congratulations on your new baby! 

If your newborn has just received a Down syndrome diagnosis, you are probably experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. The first thing to understand is that you are not alone. In Massachusetts, there are 5,000 families whose children have Down syndrome. The MDSC represents the interests of all these families, providing critical support and programs, such as the Parent's First Call Program, the latest information and opportunities to connect with a parent mentor.  

Parents’ First Call Program
For new parents of babies with Down syndrome, an opportunity to speak with other parents who have experienced what you are experiencing can be invaluable. The MDSC Parent's First Call Program is a volunteer, state-wide group of trained parent mentors available 24/7 to listen, share, answer questions, and provide valuable information.  If you would like to speak with a First Call parent, please call 800-664-MDSC(6372) or e-mail scullen@mdsc.org. 

New Parent Welcome Package
The MDSC offers all new parents of children with Down syndrome a welcome package that includes two books (Gifts by Kathryn Lynard Soper and Common Threads by Cynthia Kidder and Brian Skotko), a new parent packet of information, a newborn onesie and a handmade baby blanket! To request the package, call 800-664-MDSC(6372) or e-mail  scullen@mdsc.org.

Online Resources

• Visit our national affiliate, the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), for a wealth of information for new parents.
• The National Down Syndrome Society’s “A Promising Future Together” guide is written specifically for new and expectant parents.
• Brighter Tomorrows provides families with balanced information about receiving a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Recommended Books 

• Down Syndrome Parenting 101 by Natalie Hale
  
• Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives, edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper. 
• Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome by Cynthia Kidder and Brian Skotko. 

The MDSC has donated copies of Gifts and Common Threads to each public library in Masssachusetts for easy access by expectant and new families. These books are also included in the MDSC’s new parent welcome package (see above for details).  Books donated by the MDSC are found in every library in Massachusetts. The NDSC has a recommended reading list as well. Woodbine House Publishers  specialize in books on a variety of developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome.

Adoption
We understand that not all birth families feel they are able to meet the needs of children with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network provides information to birth families who may be seeking alternatives to parenting as they prepare for the arrival of their child. The network currently has over 200 registered families, each waiting to adopt a baby with Down syndrome.  You may contact them directly at (513) 213-9615. 

Support Groups and Play Groups
There are dozens of support groups and play groups across Massachusetts.  For a complete list, go here.

Health Care Professionals
As a new parent of a child with Down syndrome, there may be no better place to live than Massachusetts. With world-renowned medical and research facilities, Massachusetts boasts a wealth of resources and expertise in the world of Down syndrome. Chief among them is Children’s Hospital’s Down Syndrome Program, an excellent source of information that includes an interdisciplinary services clinic for Down syndrome children from birth to 18.  For more information, call the program at (857) 218-4329.