Manitoba Down Syndrome Society

New Parents

Resources for New & Expectant Parents

You are not alone - and you've just joined an incredible community.

Whether you have just received a prenatal diagnosis or are welcoming a new baby with Down syndrome, the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society is here to support you every step of the way. This page brings together trusted resources to help you navigate this journey with confidence, hope, and community.

A Message to New Parents

First and foremost - congratulations on your new baby! Having a child with Down syndrome may feel overwhelming at first, and that is completely normal. There is no right or wrong way to feel. What we want you to know is this: your child has a bright, full future ahead of them, and you have an entire community ready to welcome and support your family.

MDSS Support for New Parents

MDSS offers several programs specifically designed to welcome and support families who are new to the Down syndrome community in Manitoba:

Labour of Love Package

Provided to Manitoba hospitals to be given to new parents of babies born with Down syndrome. Inside you'll find a one-year free MDSS membership and information about our programs and supports. (Link to pdf version of Labour of Love package)

Visiting Parents Program

Connect with an experienced MDSS parent who truly understands what you are going through. Your visiting parent can share their own journey and help you find your footing in our community. Learn more

Baby Love Gatherings

Held each Spring and Fall, these warm and welcoming events bring together families of babies and young children with Down syndrome to connect, celebrate, and support one another. Learn more

Learn More About MDSS New Parent Support

Manitoba-Specific Resources

Children's Therapy Network of Manitoba (CTNM) The Children's Therapy Network of Manitoba connects children from birth through to the end of schooling with therapy services across all regions of the province. If you have concerns about your child's speech, hearing, movement, learning, or social development, CTNM can help. Services are provided by a team of specialists including Speech-Language Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Audiologists. Services may be offered in the home, classroom, childcare centre, or clinic, and can be accessed by families, caregivers, or professionals.

CTNM operates across all Manitoba regions. Contact the Central Intake in your home region to get started:

Winnipeg CTNM - 204-258-6550
Southern CTNM - 204-346-9359
Prairie Mountain CTNM - 204-622-2991
Interlake-Eastern CTNM - 204-785-7730
Northern CTNM - 204-677-5385
PROMISE Years CTNM - 204-748-2692
Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine (DSFM) CTNM - 204-878-4424 ext. 3667

Learn more at Manitoba.ca

Prenatal Resources

If you have received a prenatal diagnosis or are considering prenatal screening, the following resources can help you access accurate, balanced, and up-to-date information about Down syndrome.

CDSS Information for Expectant Parents and Medical Professionals

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society has developed a comprehensive resource to support informed decision making for both expectant parents and medical professionals. It provides accurate, current information about Down syndrome to help families navigate a prenatal diagnosis with clarity and confidence.

Download the CDSS Prenatal Resource (English)

Down Syndrome Answers

Hear directly from people with Down syndrome themselves. The CDSS Down Syndrome Answers campaign features Canadians with Down syndrome responding to the most commonly asked questions about their lives - a powerful and uplifting resource for any new or expectant parent.

Watch the Down Syndrome Answers Videos

Dear Future Mom

A touching video message from young women with Down syndrome to mothers who have just received a prenatal diagnosis. A must-watch for any expectant parent.

Watch Dear Future Mom

Down Syndrome Pregnancy

A trusted resource offering compassionate, practical, and expert-reviewed information for expectant parents preparing for the arrival of a baby with Down syndrome.

Visit DownSyndromePregnancy.org

Resources for New Parents & Early Years

21 Welcomes - Canada's Guide for New Parents

Published by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, 21 Welcomes is the essential guide for parents who are expecting or have just welcomed a baby with Down syndrome. It includes honest perspectives from other parents, stories from individuals with Down syndrome living full lives in Canada, and practical information on feeding, early intervention, sharing the news with family and friends, and much more.

Download 21 Welcomes for Free (English)
Télécharger 21 Welcomes en Français

Early Intervention

Early intervention programs - including physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy - are available from birth through to about age five and can make a significant difference in your child's development. It is important to connect with these programs as early as possible. Speak with your healthcare provider or contact MDSS for guidance on accessing early intervention supports in Manitoba.

Breastfeeding Support

Babies with Down syndrome can and do breastfeed, though it may take some extra time and patience. La Leche League Canada offers mother-to-mother breastfeeding support in person, by phone, and online.

Visit La Leche League Canada

Personal Child Health Record

The Personal Child Health Record from The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group is a valuable tool for parents and healthcare providers, covering expected developmental milestones, feeding, growth, and health monitoring for babies with Down syndrome.

Learn More at DSMIG

National Down Syndrome Congress

Offers a wealth of trusted resources for new and expectant parents, including an Expectant Parent's Guide and New Parent FAQ.

Visit the NDSC Website

You Are Not Alone

Thousands of families across Canada and Manitoba are on this journey alongside you. MDSS is here to connect you with our community, answer your questions, and make sure you and your family feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated every step of the way.

E-mail: info@manitobadownsyndromesociety.com
Phone: 204-992-2731

Welcome to the community. We are so glad you are here.