One of the first things our OB/GYN told us after we received our son’s Down syndrome diagnosis was “I’m sorry” (followed by something even more unbelievable.)
We didn’t want to hear “I’m sorry,” instead we wanted to hear the word that these four moms say at the end of this short video that Hope Story produced.
If you’re looking for some other things to say to a new parent of a child with Down syndrome, here are some ideas.
If you’re the parent of a child with Down syndrome what is one thing you wanted to hear after receiving your child’s diagnosis? Leave a comment and let us know!
About Rick Smith
The nurses cried when JT was born. No celebration for my son. Wish instead, someone would have acted like he would be loved, same as any infant. Hurt to the core.
I am so sorry that you had a negative experience surrounding your child’s birth and diagosis. May I ask how old your son is now and does he have Down syndrome?
I love that you share so much. It has beyond helpful for me and my son Dylan. Dylan is 4 and can not walk yet, but we are working on his walking and speech and his growing healthy and strong. I wish that the discussion had with my husband and myself was more along the lines of congratulations instead of “I’m sorry, do you think you are prepared to handle this?” There was a hint of this just being business and the wonder of were they trying to take my child away for some hidden reason, if they felt that we were incapable of giving the love that our son needed. It was concerning and all we could stress was that we raised a teenager with Asperger’s as well as three other sons with no disabilities. It was interesting how the approach happened, but sad as well. More love needs to be reflected from the specialist or doctor involved, even if it is all business!
The NICU nurse who told us the official Trisomy 21 diagnosis was crying,I couldn’t believe it. We had to reassure her. Our daughter is a precious gift not a mistake or burden.
We were blessed with medical professionals who loved our son. The OBGYN told me about all the misconceptions out there about Down Syndrome and how much of a blessing and normal child they really are. Sure they have differences but don’t we all??? One doctor that cared for him in the NICU kept telling us how beautiful he was which is what every parent likes to hear about their little one :). Hopefully more people jump on this bandwagon and realize what a blessing kids and people with Down syndrome are- they may be different and have many challenges along life’s road but that’s what makes the world go round. Maybe not what we expected but such a blessing!!!