New Parent Resources
Congratulations on your new journey into parenthood! At GCDSS, we're here to support you through every step, providing answers, building community, and celebrating the unique abilities of your baby with Down Syndrome and empowering your family along the way.
Let us assist you with any questions you may have. GCDSS members are dedicated to supporting you and building your community, every step of the way. Your baby's journey is unique, and our mission is to be here for both of you. Whether it's family, friends, or colleagues, we're here to support them too, ensuring no one feels alone. Embrace the learning process; all questions are valuable for growth. The Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society in Mississippi empowers individuals and families, fostering community and celebrating the remarkable abilities of people with Down syndrome.
Welcome to Holland
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this…… When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The flight attendant comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland.” "Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy.” But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It’s just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland. By Emily Perl Kingsley ©1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission of the author.
New Parent Basket
If you're a new parent of a child with Down syndrome, we understand the unique challenges and joys you may experience. That's why we offer a special new mom basket designed to support you during this exciting time. Packed with essential items and resources, our basket aims to provide practical assistance and a sense of community as you embark on your journey of parenthood. Apply now to receive your new mom basket and join our supportive network of families at GCDSS.
“Your baby will bring you a joy that you never knew you needed. One thing you’ll learn fast is that not all accomplishments need to be measured as “milestones”; oftentimes “inchstones” are cause for celebrations with the knowing that there IS forward moving progress.” ~Mika Hartman, mom to Hudson (age 6)
New Parent Resources
First Steps of Mississippi
Early intervention is vital for babies with Down syndrome as it boosts their development and quality of life. Starting therapies early addresses delays, enhances skills, and fosters communication, setting a strong foundation for growth. It also supports families in creating a nurturing environment for the child’s success. First steps is fully funded by the state and can be found at the link below.
Jack's Basket
Jack's Basket is a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and supporting families of babies with Down syndrome. Named after Jack, a child with Down syndrome, the organization provides personalized baskets filled with resources, support, and encouragement to new parents, helping them navigate their journey with hope and community.
Down Syndrome Pregnancy
This is a very useful resource for couples; it also has a very human side that comes through openly and compassionately.
National Down Syndrome Society
The National Down Syndrome Society offers plenty of useful resources and current information that benefits our buddies nationally.
National Down Syndrome Congress
The National Down Syndrome Congress is dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome.
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
DSDN is the largest national organization supporting new and expectant parents with a Down syndrome diagnosis.
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