New & Expectant Parent Resources
Congratulations on the birth or expected birth of your baby! You probably have lots of questions. You may be grieving the loss of the baby you expected. You may be concerned or overwhelmed. These feelings are normal. The most important thing for you to keep in mind is that a Down syndrome diagnosis is not as “life changing” as the fact that you have a new baby. And in most ways, your baby will be just like other infants. He or she will need to be fed, held, and loved. There will be many joys in raising your baby, as well as some challenges along the way. Down syndrome is a condition your baby has, but it is not who your baby is. It’s normal to be nervous about what lies ahead.
Know that when you are ready, the DSAWM is here to support you. Many new parents have found that the single most helpful thing they did after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis was to talk to other parents of children with Down syndrome. When you are ready, please contact our office at 616-956-3488 to speak with our staff who can help you with additional resources, information, and supports. You can also email us at director@dsawm.org.
Become a DSAWM Member
DSAWM’s membership is comprised of 350 families across 12 West Michigan counties. In addition to the outreach that we do within the community through our partnerships and advocacy initiatives, we also offer a wide variety of programming for our members from birth to adulthood. You can read more about our programs and services on the Our Programs & Services page. The annual $25 membership fee is waived for new parents, so your first year of access to programs, services, and events is free to you and your family! Most importantly, as a DSAWM member you join a community of advocates and families who are all committed to the same mission: embracing Down syndrome, empowering individuals, and promoting opportunities for meaningful lives.
Upon becoming a member, DSAWM will send you our New Parent Packet. The New Parent Packet is full of helpful information about what to expect during the first few years of your child’s life, the joys and challenges associated with a Down syndrome diagnosis, and the services and support that DSAWM and other area organizations offer.
DSAWM Programs and Services for New & Expectant Parents
Community Supports
Resources listed are not necessarily endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at director@dsawm.org.
