health books about Down syndrome

[goodgoats]

I there. I gave birth to boy/girl twins 2 weeks ago and the boy has Down Syndrome. Are there any good books about rasing Down babies as far as diet and health goes?

[meghans_mom]

Hello & welcome...congrats on your new babies!
this website has many books concerning babies and children with down syndrome.
woodbinehouse.com/down-syndrome.Down_Syndrome.0.htm
you might find something there.
as far as feeding & nutrition, etc -- treat him like any other baby...unless he has celiacs disease or other problems digesting food...he'll be just like your daughter as far as feeding & nutrition goes. except his muscle tone may be lower.
take care - laurie

[MatureMomG]

Congratulations! And how wonderful! Twins!
I am sure you will be one busy momma!
I don't post much here, but health, diet and nutrition is one of my special interest topics (has been for some time). My dd that has DS is 18 months now.
Are you breastfeeding? I still am with my dd, and just recently has gotten her first "illness"- a cold that is mild. (She has had a few really short, less than 12 hours stints of "I think she's coming down with something" that never turned into anything, so I don't count those. )
So, my advice is if at all possible, breastfeed. With a twin to help, the other one can get the milk supply going if your boy is a poor nurser, on the other hand, nurisng two is MUCH more work. But i would do all I could to achieve it, if you can. Do nothing but nurse and eat and DRINK lots of wter the next two months. Make people come to you. Take up offers of food, help, whatever (that is help with the house and laundry, you snuggle the babies).
Anyway, pm me if you'd like, or want more info. Are these your first two, or do you have more?
Best of luck.
Yours in Christ,
Kathy

[goodgoats]

Actually these are number 10 and 11! I have 9 other children ages 3-16. Yes, I am planning on nursing both of them (I have an ample milk supply). I was just a little concerned about his weight (maybe it is just because the doc's concern, which is based on average weight gain). I am not one who usually goes to the doctor much and doesn't believe in having to be "like the average person".
I'm wondering if any of you have experienced slower weight gain in your down babies versus a normal baby?

[Jessie]

Wow!!! You are my hero!!! 9 kids and you just added TWO more! Congratulations!

Welcome to UnoMas, you will find a ton of good information here and people to listen to you just when you need it.

Look forward to hearing more about your clan.


Jessie

[wrblack]

Good lists of books at www.ds-health.com/books2.htm and www.ds-health.com/books3.htm
For health issues you might want to start with <<Medical & Surgical Care for Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents
ed. by D.C. Van D.y.k.e, and P. Mattheis. Woodbine House, 1995
This book "provides detailed, easy-to-understand information on a wide range of medical conditions and treatments, including heart disease, recurrent infections, thyroid problems, eye problems, skin conditions, ear/nose/throat problems, gastrointestinal problems, orthopedic problems, leukemia, facial and dental concerns, reproductive issues and neurologic problems," plus much more.>>
You could order it from Barnes & Noble through Dr. Leshin's site.
I still think the best book to start with in general is <<Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents' Guide
ed. by Karen Stray-Gundersen. Woodbine House, 1995
"This classic guide provides new parents of children with Down syndrome with straightforward and compassionate advice and insight. It helps families become more confident in their ability to cope, to learn about their child's development, to know where to seek help, and to advocate for their child." The editor is a graduate of Washington University Law School and is the mother of 4, including a teenager with Down syndrome.>>
Believe Babies with Down syndrome is due for a 3rd ed. and Dr. Leshin has been asked to update the medical info.
Regards, Bob

[momofrussell]

Welcome Kim to Unomas! I think you've received wonderful info here so far but wanted to tell you like in the other post that Woodbine DOES have wonderful books.

Enjoy those babies!!!!!!

A.

[donnita]

Welcome to Uno Mas Kim!

Generally, children with Ds grow more slowly than typical children. Here is a link to the specialized "Down syndrome growth chart" www.growthcharts.com/charts/DS/charts.htm
My daughter with Ds is almost 4 years old. She is between the 25th and 50th percentile on the Ds chart and she is under the 5th percentile on the typical chart.

Donnita

[rickismom]

ell, I hearby bow out as the uno mas member with the most kids- I have 8, although a few are married. I raised two more- but only 10 total! I hope you ENJOY as I do!
The best bools are from Woodbine house, and they have an EXCELLENT one on feeding and nutrition by Joan Medlan. Until you order that, you can see a shorter version of some of her points for babies at:

www.disabilitysolutions.org/newsletters.htm

Then click volume 3 #3. Its worthwhile downloading and printing almost all their issues (its for free!)