I write this as part of my new series, ten reasons. The main reason I started blogging was to educate people about Down Syndrome and this began when Ellie, my daughter, turned 10 this will become and I’ve decided this will be a new feature.
In addition, this title is one I have thought about for some time after reading the amazing article https://themighty.com/2019/07/celebrating-baby-down-syndrome-diagnosis/ and decided there were many more reasons that five, so let’s begin.
First may I just add that I wish I had read a blog post like this when we received our own diagnosis with Ellie because unfortunately it wasn’t pleasant, see here
https://t21hub.com/2019/08/17/the-first-chapter-with-ellie/
Here Are My 10 Reasons
- You have been given a diagnosis of Down Syndrome and you now may have a preempt view of your new life as a mum. Stop!
No new mum can predict their child’s day let alone their future. - You may begin to worry about your child reaching milestones, such as walking and talking. Stop!
Each child gets to where they want to be when they are ready, including yours. - You may start to worry that your child will grow up lonely, with no friends or social life. Stop!
You are just about to join an exclusive community, the Down Syndrome community, which will have enough friends in there for your child, for you and for your family. - You may be concerned about your child’s immune system and overall health. Stop!
Your child may or may not need additional support, such as intervention and wearing glasses; remember there are many children these days that need help with speech and sight these days. - You may be feeling overwhelmed, I know I did and not sure what to do next. This is completely natural. I would not suggest going on Google or diving straight into an outdated book. I would suggest simply holding your child that little bit longer for a cuddle even if you are feeling emotional.
Here’s a book I would recommend though
https://www.wouldntchangeathing.org/product/wcat-book-by-celebrate-t21/?fbclid=IwAR1dwSxdh4_k1XhU3CwYqtmMnqgxkGMee8GCUqKZ8YztF5c6nmc6-EmQmys
6 Do not stereotype your child, they will grow up to be more like you than different and most stereotypes these days are extremely outdated
https://t21hub.com/2019/05/08/challenging-some-myths-and-stereotypes-around-downs-syndrome/
7. You may be concerned about future independence, please rest assure that many individuals with Down Syndrome are living as independently as possible. They are going onto find employment, become celebrities and get married. Have you not heard of the amazing Sarah Gordy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Gordy
8. Are you worried about siblings, new or future ones? Stop!
Speak to other parents and find out the same as I did, future siblings are not guaranteed to receive the extra chromosome, that’s only for the privileged. Most children go onto love their siblings even more as they develop a true bond.
9. You may feel that your child will not be able to take part in the community. Stop!
They can and they will, if you want them too. Many children go to mainstream schools and lots of after school activities are inclusive or tailored to meet the needs of all children. Ellie enjoys drama and swimming, she currently has performed with http://Bamboo Studios several times in front of large crowds.
10. You have a baby, a baby that has an extra chromosome, that’s all for now> Enjoy the journey and take the pictures even though I promise you, you will never forget a milestone like many other parents do.
To Summarise
I’m sure with the help of other parents we could get these top 10 reasons to celebrate your baby with Down Syndrome to 1000 and one day you might read that blog. If you are reading this as a new parent, try not to be scared even though all emotions and reactions are normal, accept them. Enjoy being a mum you’ve waited approximately nine months for this.
If you are an existing parent to a child with an extra chromosome, can you add in the comments an additional reason to celebrate.
Finally if you are reading this as not a parent to a child with Down Syndrome but know someone that may benefit from this blog and website, please share and help us spread awareness.
If you would like to connect with me personally, please go to my Work With Me page
https://t21hub.com/contact-me/
Until Next time and as always thanks for reading
Sharon x