Resource of the Week: Light at the End of the Tunnel Pamphlet

I think that one of the hardest things about learning that your baby has Down syndrome while you are pregnant is that you have a diagnosis but not a baby. Many expecting parents find themselves terrified, overwhelmed, and shocked. They are confronted with a myriad of medical facts without having the luxury of actually holding and caring for their infant. While they are provided with statistics and facts, the realities of day-to-day life with Down syndrome often get lost in the shuffle.

To help with this not so unique experience, the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County has developed a downloadable pamphlet entitled Light at the End of the Tunnel. This 20 page pamphlet contains wonderful quotes and practical advice from parents who found out that the baby they were carrying had Down syndrome. It talks about how the parents learned the news, what they wished they had known then that they know now, what advice they would give to expecting parents in this situation, and what they found to be helpful during their pregnancy. Beautifully written with wonderful pictures, I would not hesitate to provide this pamphlet to expecting parents who are struggling with the diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Would a pamphlet like this have been helpful to you? Did anyone receive this pamphlet during their pregnancy?