A Message to Parents Who Have Received
a Prenatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome
We at MHDSA would like for you to
know that you are not alone. Many
of us are parents who also received
a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome
and we truly understand how difficult
it is to hear that unexpected news.
We are a safe place to turn to with
your questions and you are invited
to share your feelings with people
here who understand. We pledge to
you that we will reach out to you
with compassion and great care. We
will not judge.
 There is no right or wrong way to
react to a prenatal diagnosis. We
all have our distinctive situations
and come from unique life experiences.
The thing that we all have in common,
however, is that we all have hopes
and dreams for our children. That
extra 21st chromosome just usually
isn't part of the plan as we set
out to start our families.
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. We offer to you
the opportunity to speak with experienced
parents who can answer your questions
and provide a realistic picture of
raising a child with Down syndrome.
We will answer your questions honestly
and do our best to describe the joys
and challenges we have experienced
in our own personal journeys.
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 at first, 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 during the pregnancy
so that the birth will be a joyous
occasion. Some are able to let go
of their initial dreams and create
new dreams for their child before
the child arrives.
We have excellent information kits
available to you, and we could get
one in the mail quickly. We are also
available to visit on the phone,
in person, or on email. Wherever
you find yourself this moment, please
know that we care and we will try
to meet your needs for information
and support at this time.
Prenatal Diagnosis Resources
|
