New & Expectant Parents
Welcome New Members
At the Down syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis, our mission is to benefit the lives of individuals with Down syndrome through education, individual and family support, public awareness and advocacy.
Welcoming a new member into your family is a wonderful experience filled with excitement and nerves and joy and love. If you’ve come to this section, you have likely learned that your baby has or will have Down syndrome and you want to learn more about what this means for you, your family, and your new baby.
Our Expectant Parent section provides information and resources specific to those who are expecting a baby with Down syndrome.
Often times, parents find out that their baby has Down syndrome after birth. The New Parent section shares information about our New Parent Packet and our New Parent Support Network.
Please reach out anytime if you are looking for information that you are unable to find. We’d be happy to help! By phone at 314.961.2504 or by email at info@dsagsl.org.
Visit Our Membership Page
Become a member of the Association and we’ll be sure you have the most up to date information and resources about Down syndrome. It’s free and easy to sign up!
Expectant Parents
If you are reading this, it is likely that you were just given the news that your baby may have Down syndrome. You may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. We understand there are many emotions you may be experiencing right now. It is normal to mourn the loss of the baby that you thought you were going to have. We have been where you are and we are here to help.
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis was created by parents of children with Down syndrome. One of our missions is to support families with information and encouragement. For many parents, the single most helpful thing that they did after receiving the news was to talk to other parents of children with Down syndrome. If you would like to talk with someone or receive our packet of information for expectant parents, please call our office at 314.961.2504. You can also email Christy Klaus, our Family Support Coordinator, at christy@dsagsl.org. She would be happy to answer any questions or send information to you.
The weeks ahead will likely be touched with many emotions as you travel this unexpected path. We do ask you to remain mindful of the following information during this time.
Quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent years due to significant advances in the quality of medical care and educational support. Some of the written and word-of-mouth information that is available on Down syndrome is outdated and inaccurate. Make sure that any information you consider is from a recent and reliable source.
It is essential to continue good prenatal care throughout the remainder of your pregnancy and surround yourself with people who are supportive of you and your child.
New Parents
Congratulations on the birth of your baby!
We know that, with the news that your baby has Down syndrome, you may have questions and experience a myriad of emotions. As you begin this journey, we want you to know that we are here to offer you our encouragement, experiences and support.
Our trained parent volunteers have a packet of information, including the book Babies With Down Syndrome: A New Parents Guide. They would love the opportunity to share these resources with you and help you find the answers to your questions and concerns. You can also choose to have these resources mailed to your home.
We also recommend this wonderful website with information for parents who have just received a pre- or postnatal diagnosis
Please feel free to contact Christy Klaus, our Family Support Coordinator, at 314.961.2504 or christy@dsagsl.org. She will be happy to answer questions and send resources. You can also sign up to be a member of our Association. It’s free and we will connect you with one of our trained parent volunteers. We look forward to meeting you and your family!
New Parent Mentoring Program
If you are interested in becoming a New Parent Mentor, or if you are a new parent and would like to find out more about being matched with a mentor, contact Family Support Coordinator, Christy Klaus- Christy@dsagsl.org
