New Families

Congratulations!

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! You may have many questions, concerns, and even fears right now. That’s okay.

We’re here for you.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that a diagnosis of Down syndrome is not as “life-changing” as the fact that you have a new baby. In many ways, your new baby will be like other infants. But it’s normal to be nervous about what lies ahead. There may be challenges along the way as well as many joys. The most important thing to remember is that Down syndrome is a condition…it is not who your baby is. Now is the time to begin learning all you can about Down syndrome and this website is a great place to start.

Thanks to the DSAWT Fellow Parent Welcome Auxiliary, parents who receive a new diagnosis (prenatal or postnatal) of Down syndrome can be contacted or visited by a trained parent representative – a parent of a child with Down syndrome who will welcome the family, answer any questions, and help connect them to resources, information, and other families. If you or someone you know has a newly diagnosed child with Down syndrome, please contact:

Debbie Riffle
Southwest TN District
731-499-1065

Jennifer Coleman
Northwest TN District
731-336-0715

Or email dsawt321tn@gmail.com to be connected with a parent representative.

Through this program, new parents are given a one-of-a-kind handmade blanket thanks to the talents and generous donations of local volunteers. DSAWT also provides a “Babies with Down Syndrome” book along with other resource information and gifts.