New Parent

Congratulations on the birth of your baby and welcome to the Peterborough Down’s Syndrome Group! We hope you will find a wealth of knowledge, experience and an abundance of new friends within the group. Receiving a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome can be a worrying time and lead to a lot of ‘What ifs’. We understand your fears and concerns and are always on hand to provide support. We aim to provide you with up-to- date information, answer questions and where appropriate share our own experiences. A diagnosis of Down’s syndrome can lead to confusion for many new parents. Misinformation and preconceptions can cause worry and upset, and you may feel a wide range of emotions at this time. It’s ok to be worried for the future or not feel connected to your baby straight away. Many parents have previously said ‘initially all I could see was Down’s syndrome’. Take the time to enjoy your new baby and see their personality shine through. Every child with Down’s syndrome will have some level of learning disability, however, there is a vast range of resources, information and support to help you to help them to reach their potential. The most important thing to remember is that everyone with Down’s syndrome is an individual, with their own strengths and weaknesses and personality traits that make them who they are. Some babies born with Down’s syndrome may have some additional health needs. We understand it is easy to become overwhelmed with the information given regarding these, but once again our parents and other family members are on hand to provide support, from personal experiences to signposting you to appropriate healthcare professionals.