'Welcoming a Newborn With Down Syndrome' Now Available in Spanish

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 20, 2016) — The new parent guide "Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome," by Stephanie Meredith and Nancy Iannone, has just been released in Spanish thanks to a generous grant from the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation.

The newborn book published last year was specifically written for new parents during the first months after the birth of their baby with Down syndrome and includes topics like breastfeeding, adjusting to a diagnosis, preparing siblings, understanding medical issues, preparing for the future, and, most importantly, it shares diverse stories about the daily lives of families whose children have Down syndrome at different ages.

The Spanish version of "Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome" is available in print at http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/books/ and also free online through the National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources at the University of Kentucky. This book was also reviewed by top professionals in the medical, education, and Down syndrome communities and includes beautiful photography.

"Learning to expect the unexpected is the life of any parent," said Dr. Tim Shriver, president of The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. "We’re thrilled that prospective parents of children with Down syndrome will be able to learn how to manage both the challenges and the rich rewards of their families."

Co-author, Stephanie Meredith, adds, "As soon as we released 'Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome' last year, one of the first questions we received was when the book would be available in Spanish. This is so critical because the Hispanic population has the highest birth rate for babies with Down syndrome and the lowest life expectancy—largely attributed to lack of services. We can and must fix that disparity, and we're so grateful to the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation for making that possible."

“Raising a child with Down syndrome is a journey, one filled with many joys and thrills, despite some occasional challenges," said Dr. Brian Skotko, co-director of the Down Syndrome Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. "This must-have book helps new parents take confident first steps based on accurate and up-to-date information.”

The Spanish version of the new parent book is the latest title from Down Syndrome Pregnancy (downsyndromepregnancy.org) which also includes "Diagnosis to Delivering: A Pregnant Mother's Guide to Down Syndrome" in English and Spanish, "Your Loved One Is Having a Baby with Down Syndrome" (with a Spanish chapter), "Coping with Loss: Down Syndrome," and "Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome: A New Parent's Guide" in English and Spanish.

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Harder, 859-323-2396, whitney.harder@uky.edu