First Call Program
Our First Call Outreach Program is designed for parents who have just received a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Learning your baby has Down syndrome comes with a wave of emotions and questions.
We strive to provide you with up-to-date information about Down syndrome and connect you with resources to support you, including a parent mentor if you wish. The opportunity to speak with other parents who have experienced what you are experiencing can be invaluable. If you would like to be paired with a parent mentor, please email Megan@dscpugetsound.org.
Request a New Parent Packet
Fill out the following form and we'll send you a New Parent Packet in the mail at no cost to you.
First Call also supplies local hospitals, birthing centers, obstetricians, and genetic counselors with our New Parent Packets. These packets contain accurate information about Down syndrome, and national and local resources. Our hope is that our packets will show parents that there is a caring, welcoming and supportive community waiting for them. While we do our best to get our packets to all medical providers, on occasion someone gets missed.
As you begin the process of learning more about Down syndrome, we ask you to be mindful of the following:
Make sure that any material you read on the topic of Down syndrome has a recent publication date. Much of the information that is available becomes outdated quickly.
Know that the outlook for children with Down syndrome has improved tremendously in recent years due to advancements in the quality of medical care and educational support in our schools for individuals with Down syndrome.
Like every child, all children with Down syndrome are unique, with their own strengths and challenges. You can’t predict exactly what your child will be like, and you can’t base their needs or abilities on your observations of others.
"The First Call Program was crucial to me, my daughter, and our whole family in the early days of her life. We received a birth diagnosis after a traumatic delivery and were still recovering when we first heard about the program. The connection we made to another family with an older child with Down syndrome helped me understand that my daughter’s diagnosis was something to learn about, but not something to fear. This program filled the beginning of our journey with joy and hope."
—Caitlin S.
Recommended Online Resources:
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
https://diagnosisnetwork.org
National Down Syndrome Congress
https://www.ndsccenter.org/
New and Expectant Parent Resources
National Down Syndrome Society
https://www.ndss.org
Explore our website for many helpful local and national resources.
Recommended Books
Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother’s Guide to Down Syndrome
http://downsyndromepregnancy.org
Down Syndrome Parenting 101 by Natalie Hale
Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives, edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper
Become a Sponsor
Sponsoring a New Parent Packet is easy, and can really make a difference to a family. $20 covers the costs of materials, printing and distribution of each packet, and ensures a positive message reaches the new parents of a child with Down syndrome. Sponsor a packet by making a donation and indicating in the comment section that you wish to support our New Parent Packet Program. Thank you!