Yes, babies with Down syndrome
are very special, but...

Most parents who have babies with Down syndrome will tell you it's definitely not easy. They love their kids and will support and fight for them to the end, but there will be challenges.

One challenge most parents will face is acceptance. Sometimes (but not always) there is a grieving period for the loss of the typical child they expected. Dreams for a child are shattered, especially if the diagnosis of Down syndrome is unexpected.

New dreams are made, however, and you will come to terms with it as well. Not everyone deals with the acceptance of their babies with Down syndrome in the same way.

A few Moms were asked this question:

"How long did it take you to accept your child's diagnosis of Down syndrome?"

It took me a couple of months. Then I realized that my son will be the best he can be and that he is really more like my other kids than he is different. I know that he will have a happy life with a family that loves him unconditionally. It also helped me to meet other families who had babies with Down syndrome and see how happy their kids were and how close the relationships were with their siblings and how proud and happy all of the parents were. Just give yourself time - it will come.
--Sharon, mom of Brennan

A while. When the neonatologist first told us he suspected DS based on some physical features I tried to explain them away. It was months before I was really ready to spend time with other people whose babies did not have DS. It was hard. And sometimes it's still hard. But I think in general I have found acceptance. And of course, it helps that Nathan is so darn cute and I just love him to pieces.
--Kalista, mom of Nathan

My husband and I never had a problem with the fact that Landon has Down syndrome. He's our creation and is perfect in our eyes. However I do get sad sometimes, not because of any struggles he has had so far (he's only 6 months old and has had no major health problems), but when I realize some of the struggles he could face. More than anything I just hope (as I know all moms on here do) that he is met with love and acceptance from everyone, that the health risks often associated with babies with Down syndrome are mild or never present themselves and that he is able to live life as he chooses.
--Kelly, mom of Landon

I'm not sure that you ever really accept it. I have my good days and bad days. When my daughter is doing well, I forget the fact that she has DS. When I see her struggle to do things that other children are doing, it breaks my heart. My daughter is 4 and she has been very blessed. The only surgeries she had to endure were for her ears and adenoids. After you get through the health worries of the first couple of years, you focus on the developmental progress. It can be slow & frustrating and all you want to do is scream. Accepting the fact that she has DS, yes. Liking it, no. Feeling blessed, yes. Trade for another, NO!
--Roxanne

We all are different when it comes to acceptance. I have a cousin that has DS. She is 34. I grew up with her and our family nurtured her. When I found out about Oopie it was the day he was born. A part of me knew from the moment I laid eyes on him. Everyone around me kept saying the doctors are wrong. I had them test him and within two weeks we had results. I had already decided it would be ok. We loved him and wanted him. Would I have changed him? He had two surgeries before his first birthday. Yes, he has gone through so much I would love to have taken that pain away! But know this--he has changed me as well. He has made me a better Mother and generally better person for his struggles. I came to grips on the fast track because everyone else was on the denial train. I was taking him to Doctor's appointments and arranging therapy. Everyone else said that he was fine, the doctors are wrong. So let yourself off the hook if you need too. We all deal with it in our own ways. I have always been a let's fix or do what needs to be done kind of person. So I then had a cause and a mission. My child was going to get, do, have, and be whatever I thought he needed. He is a fabulous little boy and I am so proud. He does phenomenal things. Celebrate your gift, Your Child. I do everyday.
--Julie, mom of Oopie

Want to see pictures of babies with Down syndrome? What great smiles! These babies with Down syndrome are all beautiful, all different, and all loved.

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