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Is What I’m Feeling Normal?

Learning that your baby has Down syndrome is not an easy thing for anyone to face, and right now you may be experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. While everyone handles the diagnosis in their own way, certain reactions are common in new or expectant parents of a child with a disability.

For the majority of parents, the period immediately following the diagnosis is filled with uncertainty and doubt. For example, you might worry about how the condition will impact your child’s life and whether or not you are equipped to handle all the responsibilities of raising a child with a disability. If your child has health complications, you may have additional fears and concerns. It is natural to experience denial, anger, depression and other stages of grief as you adjust to the news that your baby has Down syndrome. Even for parents who knew they were at a higher risk of having a child with Down syndrome or have received a positive diagnosis, acceptance can be difficult or, at first, seem impossible.

Know that whatever you may be feeling is normal. More importantly, know that you are not alone. There are many sources of support available to new parents of children with Down syndrome. In time and with the right support, you can expect the intensity of painful emotions to subside, and new, positive feelings to take their place. One of the best places to turn to for encouragement and reassurance is other parents of children with Down syndrome. Often, other parents can help you look beyond your baby’s diagnosis and delight in the joys of parenthood. They have been through what you are going through, and can be an invaluable source of support.

How Can I Get In Touch with Other Parents of Children with Down Syndrome?

One of the best ways to meet other parents is to get involved in a local Down syndrome parent support group. These groups can provide you with an excellent forum for sharing your feelings and concerns as a new parent, and an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others who have been in your shoes. Learning more about Down syndrome can also help ease some of your uncertainty, and support groups are a great place to start gaining knowledge. In addition to providing emotional support, other parents can recommend useful Down syndrome resources and help you understand the new terminology.

NDSS has a network of more than 375 affiliates. In addition to having support group meetings, most affiliates offer a wide range of programs and services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, such as sibling workshops, expert-speaker presentations, early intervention programs, social activities and events to raise public awareness. Support group membership can provide benefits to you and your family now and in the future, so we encourage you to contact your local group and explore this option.

If there is no Down syndrome-specific support group in your area, your hospital or pediatrician may be able to provide contact information for other parents who have agreed to serve as a resource. There may also be a general support group for parents of children with disabilities that you can join. Alternately, you may consider starting your own support group to network with others. NDSS can provide you with information on how to get started.

What Are Some Other Things I Can Do to Take Care of Myself?

Right now, you are very focused on taking good care of your baby. But remember that it’s also important to take good care of yourself at this time. Doing so will keep you feeling healthy, strong and well-equipped to deal with your responsibilities as a new parent. It can also help you develop and maintain a positive frame of mind, which is necessary for meeting new challenges successfully. Here are some tips many new parents have found helpful for reducing anxiety and stress:

BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF

The road to acceptance is a process, so give yourself time to deal with your emotional responses. Some days you might feel like you’re taking steps backward, but recognize that this doesn’t mean you aren’t making progress. If you feel it would be helpful, do not hesitate to contact a therapist. A therapist can help you find ways to cope and develop confidence in your ability to handle challenges.

BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM

It may be tempting to keep to yourself at this time, but doing so can result in feelings of isolation. Reach out to trusted friends or family members. This allows your loved ones to understand what you’re going through and gives them a chance to offer comfort and support. You can always let them know how much help you need or desire, and if you want time alone, don’t hesitate to say so.

Schedule some alone time regularly, and use this time to “recharge.” Read a book, take a warm bath, go for a walk, or just watch your favorite T.V. show. Do something you enjoy and find relaxing, and let yourself enjoy it. Alone time may sound like a luxury, but it is necessary for good health and can do wonders for your productivity and mood.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Research shows that a healthy eating and exercise plan can reduce fatigue, irritability, and risk for certain diseases and health complications. Develop a plan that works for you and make an effort to stick to it, especially during times of high stress. Be sure to get regular medical check-ups, too.

PRACTICE “LIVING IN THE MOMENT”

While it is important to plan ahead, worrying about the future can easily lead to anxiety. Although it may be hard, try to focus only on what you can do realistically in the present. If you find yourself getting anxious about a particular situation, try this strategy:

1. Identify the problem
2. Research your options
3. Make a decision
4. Set a date in the future to evaluate how your decision is working

In the meantime, just go with the decision you made and trust that it will work out.

DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF “THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE”

Nurture your relationships with your partner, children, friends and family. Communicate with each other, laugh, do fun things together, celebrate traditions, and be sure to spend quality time with your new baby that doesn’t focus on his or her disability. The fact that your baby has Down syndrome is life-changing. But it doesn’t change the things that are truly important in life!

NDSS RESOURCES

• Caring for Your Family

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome)
  www.dadsnational.org
  Support for fathers of children and adults with Down syndrome

• Down Syndrome Blogs
  www.downsyndromeblogs.org 
  A clearinghouse of blogs related to Down syndrome
• Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
  www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org
  DSDN connects new parents who have just received a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child with support and information

• DS-Health
  www.ds-health.com/lists
  A compilation of Down syndrome email lists, newsgroups and bulletin boards compiled by Dr. Len Leshin
• Little Hearts
  www.littlehearts.org
  Little hearts is a national organization providing support, education, resources, networking, and stories of hope to families of children affected by congenital heart defects

• National Family Caregivers Association
  www.thefamilycaregiver.org
  Caregiving advocacy organization with tips and statistics on caregiving in America
• Parent to Parent USA
  www.p2pusa.org
  Provide emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs by matching parents seeking support with a trained “Support Parent”

• Sibling Support Project
  www.siblingsupport.org
  A national effort dedicated to concerns of brothers and sisters of individuals with special needs

BOOKS

• A Special Kind of Hero; Chris Bruke’s Own Story (Second Edition). Burke, C. and McDaniel, J.B. (2001). Lincoln, NE: iUniverse.com
• Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected-A Memoir. Hamption, K. (2012) New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers
• Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome. Kidder, C., Skotko, B., and Dew, K. Rochester Hills, MI: Band of Angels Press. (2007)
• Count Us In: Growing Up with Down Syndrome.  Kingsley, J. and Levitz, M. New York, NY: Mariner Books. (2007)
• Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives. Soper, K. (Ed.) Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (2007)
• Gifts 2: How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich the World.  Soper, K. (Ed.) Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (2009)
• Going Solo While Raising Children with Disabilities. Marshak, L. (2015) Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House
• More Than a Mom: Living a Full and Balanced Life When Your Child Special Needs. Baskin, A. and Fawcett, H. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (2007)
• Road Map to Holland: How I Found My Way Through My Son’s First Two Years with Down Syndrome. Graf Groneberg, J. New York, NY: New American Library. (2008)
• A Room of Golden Shells: 100 Works by Artists and Writers with Down Syndrome. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (2013)

One of the main questions on the minds of many new and expectant parents is, “Will my baby be healthy?” It is important to note that many babies with Down syndrome are born without any health problems.

However, it is true that newborns with Down syndrome are at a higher risk for certain complications. While your baby may not have any of these potential complications, it is important to be aware of them so you can catch them early if they do occur. This section discusses possible health concerns and useful tools for monitoring your child’s health care and growth patterns. It also provides information on how to select a pediatrician, questions to think about when making decisions about potential treatments, and a discussion of feeding options.

What Health Conditions Are Associated with Down Syndrome?

Newborns with Down syndrome are at a higher risk for congenital heart defects, hearing and vision loss, respiratory problems, obstructed digestive tracts, childhood leukemia, and other health conditions. They also have an increased susceptibility to infection. Doctors routinely screen for these conditions because some, such as a heart defect, may be present even if no symptoms are readily apparent. While the list of possible health problems can be frightening, keep in mind that your baby will not necessarily have all, or possibly any, of them. If he or she does happen to have one or more of these complications, advances in medicine have rendered most conditions treatable. For instance, the majority of heart conditions can be corrected through surgery.

You can ensure your newborn’s optimal development through informed health care. There is a tremendous amount of information available, so it is important not to let yourself get overwhelmed. Learn at your own pace, and try to focus on those things you can do in the present to get your baby off to a good start. A good tool to use is the Health Care Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome (see NDSS Resources below).

What Should I Look For In a Pediatrician?

For optimal health care, it makes sense to locate a developmental pediatrician or a specialist knowledgeable about Down syndrome if any are available in your area. However, keep in mind that it is not always necessary to find an expert on Down syndrome. The most important thing when you have a baby with special health care needs is to find a doctor who is willing to learn about the condition and collaborate with you to ensure the best possible care for your child.

One of the best ways to find a pediatrician is to ask families of other children with Down syndrome in your area for recommendations. Your local parent support groups can be a good source of referrals. As a parent, you have a right to interview potential physicians to find the best one for you. Find someone you feel comfortable with and with whom you can communicate freely. Also, do not be intimidated when speaking to physicians. A good doctor recognizes that parents are experts when it comes to their children. He or she respects their concerns and sees them as partners.

Should I Breastfeed or Bottlefeed My Baby with Down Syndrome?

You may be aware of the tremendous benefits that breastfeeding provides to newborns. Breastmilk contains natural antibodies that fortify babies’ immune systems. This is especially important to infants with Down syndrome, who have higher rates of respiratory and other infections. Breastmilk can also reduce bowel problems, which are more common in babies with Down syndrome, and contains an ingredient known to promote brain growth and development.

In addition, the physical process of breastfeeding strengthens babies’ jaw and facial muscles, which helps lay a good foundation for speech and language development, and provides skin-to-skin contact, a form of sensory stimulation that creates neural connections that can facilitate future learning.

There are many great reasons to breastfeed, but whether or not to do so is a personal choice. Some mothers breastfeed exclusively while others bottlefeed. Still others combine the two. There are many factors that play into this decision, including whether or not you feel your body is producing enough milk, whether or not your baby has health complications, and whether or not you plan to return to work soon after delivery.

If you do plan to breastfeed, be aware of certain factors that might make it challenging. Babies with Down syndrome have low muscle tone, so it may be difficult for your baby to “latch on” to your breast at first. As these babies also tend to be sleepier than other infants, you will likely have to make an extra effort to raise your baby’s alertness and keep him or her awake throughout the entire feeding. Also, if your baby needs surgery, he or she may require a feeding tube for a short time.

Don’t worry, though. There are many organizations and individuals that can help you get started and provide tips for overcoming these and any other challenges you may encounter. These same specialists can help you learn how to pump, store and transport your breastmilk or how to select the right baby formula to meet your infant’s needs if you choose to bottlefeed. When it comes to feeding, the important thing is to make the choice that is best for you. Feedings should provide quality time for a parent and child to bond, so they should always be as comfortable and stress-free as possible for both individuals. A meeting with your hospital’s lactation specialist is a great place to start learning about what feeding option may be right for you.

NDSS RESOURCES

• Health Care Guidelines
• Health Care Providers
• Associated Conditions
• An Evening with William I. Cohen, M.D.

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• Australian Breastfeeding Association
  www.breastfeeding.asn.au
  The Australian Breastfeeding Association has a section of their website dedicated to breastfeeding children with Down syndrome at www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/down
• La Leche League International
  www.lalecheleague.org
  La Leche League was founded to give information and encouragement, mainly through personal help, to all mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. Information specific to breastfeeding children with Down syndrome can be found at: www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/down
• Breastfeeding a Baby with Down Syndrome
  This brochure published by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society provides detailed information for parents about breastfeeding infants with Down syndrome.

DVDS

• Down Syndrome: The First 18 Months. Blueberry Shoes Productions.

• Kids with Down Syndrome: Staying Healthy and Making Friends. Blueberry Shoes Productions.

BOOKS/ARTICLES

• Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents’ Guide (Third Edition). Skallerup, S. (Ed.) Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House. (2008)
• Coming Home from the NICU: A Guide for Supporting Families in Early Infant Care and Development.  Vandenberg, K. & Hanson, M. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brooks Publishing Co. (2013)
• Common Parent Reactions to the NICU. American Academy of Pediatricians, 2009.  Can be found at: www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/preemie/Pages/Common-Parent-Reactions-to-the-NICU.aspx
• Sleep Better! A Guide to improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs, Revised Edition. Durand, V. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing (2014)
• The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook. Guthrie Medlen, J. Lake Oswego, OR: Phronesis Publishing. (2006)
• A Parent’s Guide to Down Syndrome: Toward a Brighter Future. Pueschel, S. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing. (2002)
  Written especially for new parents, this book addresses the medical, emotional, educational and social issues related to Down syndrome.

Prenatal Testing & Diagnosis

There are two types of tests for Down syndrome that can be performed before your baby is born: screening tests and diagnostic tests.

PRENATAL SCREENINGS

Prenatal screenings estimate the chance of the fetus having Down syndrome. These tests do not tell you for sure whether your fetus has Down syndrome; they only provide a probability. Diagnostic tests, on the other hand, can provide a definitive diagnosis with almost 100% accuracy.

There is an extensive menu of prenatal screening tests now available for pregnant women. Most of these screening tests involve a blood test and an ultrasound (sonogram). The blood tests (or serum screening tests) measure quantities of various substances in the blood of the mother, including alpha-fetoprotein, inhibin A, plasma protein A,estriol, and human chorionic gonadotropin. Together with a woman’s age, these are used to estimate her chance of having a child with Down syndrome. Typically offered in the first and second trimesters, maternal serum screening tests are only able to predict about 80% of fetuses with Down syndrome. It is important to note that none of these prenatal screens will be able to definitively diagnose Down syndrome. Instead, mothers should expect results such as, “You have a 1 in 240 chance of having a child with Down syndrome” or “You have a 1 in 872 chance of having a child with Down syndrome.”

These blood tests are often performed in conjunction with a detailed sonogram (ultrasound) to check for physical features that are associated with Down syndrome in the fetus. Recently, researchers have developed a maternal serum/ultrasound/age combination that can yield a much higher accuracy rate at an earlier stage in the pregnancy. Even with the ultrasound, however, the screen will not definitively diagnose Down syndrome.

In recent years, noninvasive prenatal screening tests have been made available. These tests involve blood being taken from the expectant mother as early as 10 weeks of gestation. It relies on the detection of cell-free DNA that circulates between the fetus and the expectant mother. According to the latest research, this blood test can detect up to 98.6% of fetuses with trisomy 21. A “positive” result on the test means that there is a 98.6% chance that the fetus has trisomy 21; a “negative” result on the test means that there is a 99.8% chance that the fetus does not have trisomy 21.  The turn around time for the test is about 8-10 days, and approximately 0.8% of the time, results are not obtained from the tests due to technical standards. While the initial clinical trials were conducted just on cases with trisomy 21, one form of Down syndrome, a “positive” result cannot distinguish between trisomy 21, translocation Down syndrome and high-percentage mosaic Down syndrome. Put another way, a “positive” result will pick up all forms of Down syndrome, except mosaic Down syndrome that is 33% or lower. All mothers who receive a “positive” result on this test are encouraged to confirm the diagnosis with one of the diagnostic procedures described below.

Prenatal screening tests are now routinely offered to women of all ages. If the chance of having a child with Down syndrome appears high during prenatal screening, doctors will often advise a mother to undergo diagnostic testing.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

The diagnostic procedures available for prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome are chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. These procedures, which carry up to a 1% risk of causing a spontaneous termination (miscarriage), are nearly 100% accurate in diagnosing Down syndrome. Amniocentesis is usually performed in the second trimester between 15 and 22 weeks of gestation, CVS in the first trimester between 9 and 14 weeks. Amniocentesis and CVS are also able to distinguish between these genetic types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21, translocation Down syndrome, and mosaic Down syndrome.

Why Should I Get a Prenatal Test?

Some mothers choose to forgo all diagnostic testing because they know that they would continue their pregnancy no matter what and do not want to expose their pregnancy to even the small risk of miscarriage that come with CVS and amniocentesis. Some start with a prenatal screen and then proceed to a definitive diagnostic test. Other mothers simply bypass the prenatal screen and start with a definitive diagnostic test. Whether or not to undergo a prenatal screening or diagnostic test is a personal decision, and expectant parents must make the choice that is best for them.

SOME REASONS FOR CHOOSING A PRENATAL TEST INCLUDE

• ADVANCED AWARENESS: Some parents would like to know as soon as possible if their fetus has Down syndrome so that they could make preparations (like informing other family members and doing research on Down syndrome) prior to the birth. Families who have chosen this option have reported in research studies that the birth of their child with Down syndrome is as much of a celebratory process as any other birth because they have had time to adjust to the new diagnosis.

• ADOPTION: Some parents would like to receive a prenatal diagnosis so that they could make arrangements for adoption if their fetus were to have Down syndrome. There is a long waiting list of families in the United States ready to adopt a child with Down syndrome. (See below)

• TERMINATION: Some parents want to have a prenatal diagnosis so that they can discontinue their pregnancy. Parents should discuss this option with their obstetrician.

One of the best ways to begin to consider these choices is to speak to family members of individuals with Down syndrome through a local Down syndrome organization. In addition, there are many books and articles written by family members about their personal experiences. A message from families that is echoed again and again is that the positive impacts of having a member with Down syndrome far outweigh any difficulties or challenges that may come up.

If you have any questions about these procedures, do not hesitate to ask your doctor. It is important that you receive accurate information and understand all your options.

Diagnosing Down Syndrome

Since many expectant parents choose to forgo prenatal tests, most cases of Down syndrome are diagnosed after the baby is born. Doctors will usually suspect Down syndrome if certain physical characteristics are present.

SOME OF THE TRAITS COMMON TO BABIES WITH DOWN SYNDROME INCLUDE

• Low muscle tone
• A flat facial profile
• A small nose
• An upward slant to the eyes
• A single deep crease across the center of the palm
• An excessive ability to extend the joints
• Small skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes
• Excessive space between large and second toe

Not all babies with Down syndrome have all these characteristics, and many of these features can be found, to some extent, in individuals who do not have the condition. Therefore, doctors must perform a special test called a karyotype before making a definitive diagnosis.  To obtain a karyotype, doctors draw a blood sample to examine your baby’s cells. They photograph the chromosomes and then group them by size, number and shape. By examining the karyotype, they can determine accurately whether or not your baby has Down syndrome. 

Congratulations on the birth, or expected birth, of your baby! You probably have many questions, concerns and fears right now. That’s okay.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that a Down syndrome diagnosis is not as “life changing” as the fact that you have a new baby. And in most ways, your baby will be just like other infants. Every baby needs to be fed, held and most of all, loved.

There will be challenges in raising your child, but there will also be many joys. It’s normal to be nervous about what lies ahead, but remember that Down syndrome is a condition your baby has, it is not who your baby is. Now is the time to begin learning all you can about Down syndrome and this section is a great place to start.

NDSS RESOURCES

Local Support
If you would like to speak with someone from a local parent group in your area, search the NDSS Affiliate Map to find the group nearest you.

Helpline
To speak with an Information & Referral Specialist at the National Down Syndrome Society, call 800-221-4602 (Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET) or email info@ndss.org.

Publications
Download the NDSS new parent packet, A Promising Future Together: A Guide for New and Expectant Parents and Un Futuro Prometedor Juntos: Una Guía Para Padres Primerizos y Futuros Padres. You can order a complimentary copy of this publication in English or Spanish by calling 800-221-4602 or emailing info@ndss.org.

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

Brighter Tomorrows is a web-based resource on receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome prenatally or at birth. This site provides answers to questions that families and prospective parents may have at this critical moment in their lives. In both English and Spanish.

Down Syndrome Pregnancy is an online resource for expectant parents that provides information and support to expectant parents preparing for the birth of a baby with Down syndrome.

Congratulations Project is an initiative in which members of the PALS family write letters to new members of the Down syndrome community. These letters are designed to inspire, encourage, welcome and, most importantly, congratulate new parents and siblings of a child with Down syndrome. At each PALS Program, participants are invited to write letters sharing about their lives. Counselors and siblings are also invited to share their perspective, and letters are paired and dispersed as packages.