https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 20:11:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735685 Sun, 14 May 2017 08:45:23 +0000 caterw 2735685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rocker2014: This! I don't have any experience with parenting a child with Down's, but definitely make sure to treat your friends child as you would any other. My DD has a friend with Down's. Her mom is AMAZING and has never placed assumptions or restrictions on her kiddo. Her daughter is super sweet and fun, very well adjusted, and is in a regular class at school. Obviously this isn't the reality for every family, but choosing to believe in the child makes an insanely positive difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735683 Sun, 14 May 2017 08:26:38 +0000 winniebee 2735683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Banana330: you are a kind and compassionate friend! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735653 Sat, 13 May 2017 19:57:14 +0000 Rocker2014 2735653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was in this exact situation - one of our closest couple friends have a daughter a little less than 3 months younger than LO who has Down Syndrome. Honestly, I have no idea if I handled it correctly, but we're all still close so I think I was on the right track. I did a few things- first, I focused on our similarities and made sure to make no assumptions on what her daughter could or could not achieve. Second, I educated myself on the correct language and active groups in the area. Third, I let her/them talk, and just listened. They never expected us to have the answers, and we never pretended to have them. </p> <p>I will add that both my husband and I have worked with developmentally disabled adults in our careers, which our friends knew, so perhaps that made conversation flow more freely. </p> <p>Both our LOs are 2.5 years old now, and despite their differences they're good friends! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735642 Sat, 13 May 2017 17:49:08 +0000 Mrs. Oreo 2735642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you heard of the poem, Welcome to Holland? </p> <p><a href="http://dsnetworkaz.org/holland/" rel="nofollow">http://dsnetworkaz.org/holland/</a></p> <p>My sister showed me this when her BFF's baby was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735623 Sat, 13 May 2017 14:30:10 +0000 Banana330 2735623@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@alphagam84: Thanks. </p> <p>@gingerbebe: Thanks I'll look in to that for them. </p> <p>@winniebee: Of course. I already told her I would be there for her no matter what decision they make. So sorry for your loss. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735618 Sat, 13 May 2017 13:27:11 +0000 winniebee 2735618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Until you know whether they plan to continue the pregnancy, I would just offer as much support as you can. Let them know that you are there for them, that you will be there for them no matter what happens, and that they are strong and kind parents. We chose to terminate a very much wanted pregnancy due to a grim prenatal prognosis (not downs) and friends and family letting us know they supported us no matter what was what we needed to hear. Thinking of your friends as they navigate this difficult process :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735613 Sat, 13 May 2017 12:53:01 +0000 gingerbebe 2735613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Once they process and if they decide to embrace the pregnancy, I'd refer them to Kelle Hampton's website (kellehampton.com) and her book Bloom. She realized her daughter had Down after birth - it wasn't known before - and her book goes into that process. She also blogs about her three kids. Also charities like Ruby's Rainbow offer good inspiration. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735609 Sat, 13 May 2017 12:34:48 +0000 alphagam84 2735609@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I read something about this the other day and thought I was perfect. Something along the lines of "I know this isn't what you were expecting and it is going to be a challenge. This child is going to be so lucky to have you as their parent". Then I'd offer to help research, etc. I know it isn't good news, but people with Down Syndrom are so loving and warm, and I think that's something special to have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/downs-syndrome#post-2735607 Sat, 13 May 2017 12:30:35 +0000 Banana330 2735607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Good friends of ours recently found out they are expecting. We are super excited to be pregnant together. They just found out the baby has Down's syndrome. I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced this and if there's anything I can do to help support them through a difficult change in the expectation of their baby. I don't know what their plans for the pregnancy are yet. </p>