Congratulations!!!!

I am the mum of 6 kids, my middle son Jack, also has Down Syndrome. He is now 14 and attending his local high school in year 8 in a mainstream setting.

He is a child first......not a Down Syndrome child (I hate it when people pigeon hole people due to a label).

Jack is an individual with unique abilities just as we all are. (I also hate when people say "they" ).

Love him enjoy him and my only advice is not to listen to every bit of advice given, cause trust me you will get tonnes.

Enjoy this child the same as you enjoy his siblings, most things you do are just common sense. Do what you feel is best and trust in yourself as his parent.

Feel free to Minti mail anytime. Take care and best wishes, Miriam

 congradulations to you  on the birth of your special boy  i have five boys my youngest is4yo he has downs and he is the apple of our eye  , i can only suggest that   for now enjoy being with your little man and relax  there will be plenty of time to find out   all that you want to know  and there is a lot of places to look but i have also found that it is good to have someone to talk to  there is a lot of infomation out there  weather in books or on the internet .  i would like to keep in touch through minti  anytime you would like a chat  regards  mumofive

Congradulations to your family and a  heart warming hug for  you! I admire your attitude and courage, and even more the love within that is so unselfish.

I found this link after a search here at minti found nothing in groups. I hope this will put you in touch with more loving and caring people as yourself.

I do not know much about downs, however as a mom with a child of multiple "challenges' I find the rollercoaster method of parenting works best for me.  Roll with the punches and do the best I can, never give up on those high steep climbs, and the downward speeding ride...hang on tight, as I know the coasting and climbing back up and the thrills and fears and goals are ever changing.

As long as you love him and are there for him, then it doesn't matter if he breathes water or flies in the sky.  You are a wonderful mother, no matter what, and this happening is just a hiccup in statistics.  If your partner is over 35, then the risks are increased, no matter what your age is.

I'm sure there are groups here on mInti where you can get more support.  Just follow the groups tabs at the top of the homepage and do a search.

Hey there, lots of love to you and your family! Downs Syndrome is like anything else ... there are varying degrees. I have worked with lots of families that have a child with Downs Syndrome. Mostly they are the most delightful children, however the reason I have had to work with them is due to conductive hearing loss as the formation of their eustacian tubes laeves them much more prone to ear infection and thus conductive hearing loss.If you are aware of the health risks and attend to them ASAP it can reduce the   need of intervention greatly.  I also have a close relative with Down's Syndrome and it is only now  that her Mum is in her 80's that she has had to go into a shared support house. Often they are highly functional but never progress past the "teenager stage" emotionally.I have worked with many Down's Syndrome people who are in their 40's to 60's. They are highly intelligent but emotionally are less developed. They do need guidance and support but are the most delightful people! If you want to chat I am here. Best wishes!