DSANI | New Parents

Through our Outreach Program, we've put together "New Parent Packets" and supplied them to area hospitals. If you would like to request a new parent packet please print off this form and contact DSANI

"A Baby First..."

This pamphlet is an introduction to some of the issues a parent faces after the initial diagnosis, and stresses the most important fact that this baby is a baby first. (Can also be ordered at: http://www.nads.org/pages/pnp.htm)

"Nursing Your Baby with Down Syndrome"

This booklet explains how this can effect breastfeeding, and gives suggestions on positions, techniques, and aids that may be useful. (Can also be ordered in bulk at: http://www.childbirthgraphics.com/)

Woodbine House catalog of books on Down syndrome

A publishing house for books on disabilities for parents, children, and professionals.
http://www.woodbinehouse.com/Down-Syndrome.29.0.0.2.htm

"First Steps Early Intervention Services: Hereís How to Get Help"

A brochure from the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) to help families in Indiana get the help that is available to them for a child that is developmentally delayed or disabled. (More information on: http://www.state.in.us/fssa/first_step)

"Parenting a Child with Special Needs: A Guide to Reading and Resources"

A publication from NICHCY (National Dissemination Center for Children
with Disabilities) that deals with the emotions and impact of raising a child with a disability. It deals with the parentsí need for information and gives suggestions for potential resources to support the family. (Can be downloaded at: http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/newsdig/nd20.pdf)

Prenatal Testing

The decision whether or not to test for Down syndrome during pregnancy involves many issues: What is the likelihood that my baby will have Down syndrome? What are the risks of testing to me and my baby? What are the benefits, if any, to testing?

Explains prenatal screening and diagnostic tests offered, and some of the risks and interpretation of the results.

We recommend the following websites for additional information on new parenting issues:

American Academy of Family Physicians: Primary Care of Infants and Young Children with Down Syndrome

Special issues and the rate of occurence of these issues in children with Ds in the early stages of development.

Addresses the do's and don'ts of what to say to parents of a child diagnosed (pre- or postnatally) with Down syndrome.

Addresses the emotions that a parent faces after learning of the diagnosis of Ds.

Australian Breastfeeding Association: Breastfeeding a baby with Down Syndrome

Along with reiterating the benefits of nursing, this article offers tips to overcome unique issues associated with breastfeeding your baby.

Toilet training is a challenging issue with any child and different techniques work with different children. We offer two different ideas and recommend that you tailor them according to your childís personality.

Interesting article that will help in toilet training, this is in microsoft word format

We also organize programs for parents with speakers such as therapists, physicians, and social workers. In addition to learning more about Down syndrome, parents have the opportunity to meet other new parents that are dealing, or have dealt, with the same issues. New parents can request a home visit from a family that has a child with Down syndrome.

If you, or someone you know, would like a New Parent Packet or more information about our Outreach Program, please contact DSANI at (260) 491-9964 or email dsani4u@aol.com.