Dear New and Expectant Parents,

Learning that your child has Down syndrome often throws the delicate equilibrium of new and expectant parents into turmoil.

Whether the diagnosis is prenatal (before birth) or postnatal (after birth), the news is often overwhelming. Many parents report feeling shocked, blindsided, confused or isolated. You are not alone in your feelings or on the journey ahead of you.

The MDSC is here to provide you not only with accurate, up-to-date information, but also the opportunity to speak with a parent mentor through our Parents’ First Call Program. Our resources and connections are free and confidential. For immediate information and/or to speak to someone through the Parents’ First Call Program, please call 800-664-MDSC (6372) or e-mail me at scullen@mdsc.org.

If you have been given a prenatal diagnosis, please see our Information for Expectant Parents page.

If you have been given a postnatal diagnosis, please see our Information for New Parents page, and please accept our warm congratulations!

Either way, you are most likely being flooded with a whirlwind of emotions and dozens of questions. The MDSC is here to help you. See links above for more information and for details on connecting with a parent mentor.

Warm Regards,

Sarah Cullen
MDSC Family Support Director