Down Syndrome Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Down Syndrome, including details on education, symptoms, treatment, information.

Postnatal support for mothers of children with Down syndrome.

Skotko B, Bedia RC

Harvard Medical School, 12 Greenway Ct., Suite 5, Brookline, MA 02446, USA. Brian_Skotko@student.hms.harvard.edu

Delivering and receiving a postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome is not an easy experience for most physicians or parents. In this study, 467 mothers of children with Down syndrome in Spain completed a survey about the postnatal support services they received immediately following the diagnosis of their child. Mothers reported feeling anxious, frightened, guilty, angry, and, in rare cases, suicidal. According to most mothers, physicians did not give adequate amounts of information about Down syndrome and rarely did they give enough printed materials or make referrals to parent support groups. Little seems to have changed since 1972. Mothers provided recommendations on how the Spanish medical system could be improved, with implications for other countries including the United States.

Published 10 May 2005 in Ment Retard, 43(3): 196-212.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Down Syndrome Research Today. All Rights Reserved.