LLDSS.com
Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society
Copyright (C) 2009 LLDSS.com All Rights Reserved
Hearing the news that your baby does or may have Down syndrome can be an overwhelming experience. Some of us have felt angry, sad,
tired, depressed, and helpless as well as happy and excited! The question that may be running through your mind again and again is
“What do I do next?”
We have some suggestions:
* Remember to breathe.
* Take care of yourself! You just had a baby. If you feel overwhelmed and don’t want to read about Down syndrome today, don’t. You can educate yourself when you’re ready. There’s time.
* Enjoy that new baby! Look at and appreciate the little miracle you just created.
* Take pictures. There may be a lot on your mind, but your baby is only going to be this age today!
* Are you nursing? Your hospital’s lactation consultant can offer insight on effective positions and techniques.
* Are you bottle-feeding or supplementing? Is your baby having trouble sucking? You may find the Playtex Nurser bottle with the drop-in bags useful. With these bottles, you can control the flow and amount of milk your child takes by pressing gently or more firmly on the bag.
* Be sure to hold your baby upright while feeding. Keep her mouth above her ears to help avoid future ear infections and hearing problems.
* Do not cut the nipple to make the milk flow faster. This practice sounds helpful, but it could make your baby stick out her tongue, a habit that may be hard to break as she gets older.
* Talk to your child’s pediatrician. The more comfortable you are with your pediatrician, the better off your baby will be—even if it means changing doctors.
* Ask your doctor questions, share your concerns and hopes and get information on immediate healthcare issues for your child.
* Suggest your doctor read the Healthcare Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome.
* Take care of yourself! You just had a baby. If you feel overwhelmed and don’t want to read about Down syndrome today, don’t. You can educate yourself when you’re ready. There’s time.
* Enjoy that new baby! Look at and appreciate the little miracle you just created.
* Take pictures. There may be a lot on your mind, but your baby is only going to be this age today!
* Are you nursing? Your hospital’s lactation consultant can offer insight on effective positions and techniques.
* Are you bottle-feeding or supplementing? Is your baby having trouble sucking? You may find the Playtex Nurser bottle with the drop-in bags useful. With these bottles, you can control the flow and amount of milk your child takes by pressing gently or more firmly on the bag.
* Be sure to hold your baby upright while feeding. Keep her mouth above her ears to help avoid future ear infections and hearing problems.
* Do not cut the nipple to make the milk flow faster. This practice sounds helpful, but it could make your baby stick out her tongue, a habit that may be hard to break as she gets older.
* Talk to your child’s pediatrician. The more comfortable you are with your pediatrician, the better off your baby will be—even if it means changing doctors.
* Ask your doctor questions, share your concerns and hopes and get information on immediate healthcare issues for your child.
* Suggest your doctor read the Healthcare Guidelines for Individuals with Down Syndrome.
If the early road gets rough, just try to … breathe … take care of yourself … enjoy your new baby … and take plenty
of pictures.
Everything else can wait.