Congratulations!
My child was suspected DS at birth then confirmed when bloods came back. Fortunately he was born without any health issues, he’s now a young adult.
A few emotions you may feel are anger, guilt, grief and an overwhelming protective instinct for your child, way more than you feel for your other kids.
Ignore the idiots who tell you your child is a gift from god, you must be a special person to have such a special child, you’re blessed! It’s bollocks. As is the old trope that all people with DS are happy and lovely and cuddly, they aren’t, they have exactly the same emotions as everyone else, my child is coming out the other side of being a grumpy, stubborn teenager.
It won’t be all unicorns and rainbows, in my experience everyone finds a cute DS baby adorable, unfortunately peoples attitudes change as they grow and become less cute. You will experience bigotry and horrible attitudes.
Services for babies with DS are undeniably excellent, this also changes as they get older, be prepared to fight for what your child deserves.
When the time comes please consider a SEN school.
Try and make time for your other children one on one, having a disabled sibling is tough as my adult child can confirm.
Involve as many family members and friends as possible, you will appreciate the support in the future. Older relatives may have a somewhat negative attitude. Ignore.
The first time I cried was when the midwife took the development pages out of my child’s red book and replaced them with Down Syndrome development pages.
Be prepared for hospital stays, even now a fully packed hold-all is ready to go under my bed.
You will love them with a ferocity you didn’t know existed.
Apply for DLA and carers, it sounds as if you might qualify as your baby has extra health needs.
Your child must never use a trampoline.
Some idiot will tell you at some point that your child will be highly sexed, it’s rubbish, people with DS have fewer inhibitions so need boundaries enforced from a young age.
I wish someone had told me all of the above instead of making out it was all ok, life would be day after day of fun and cuddles.
My exH couldn’t cope with having a child with DS and left when he was 2, he’s seen him
a handful of times since, if your DH isn’t coping well after the initial shock has worn off think about some talking therapy.
I remember how you are feeling right now, I felt lost and scared and my heart goes out to you, raising my son has been tough but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
If you need anything or want advice PM me.