Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children With Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives

The contributors to this collection have diverse personalities and perspectives, and draw from a wide spectrum of ethnicity, world views, and religious beliefs. Some are parenting within a traditional family structure; some are not. Some never considered terminating their pregnancy; some struggled with the decision. Some were calm at the time of diagnosis; some were traumatized. Some write about their pregnancy and the early months after giving birth; some reflect on years of experience with their child.

The writers' diverse experiences point to a common truth: the life of a child with Down syndrome is something to celebrate. These women have a message to share--not just with other mothers but with genetic counselors, obstetricians, and the rest of us. In particular, Gifts, 10th Anniversary Edition, provides new parents with a source of up-to-date, positive, and realistic insight that is too often missing when they are facing a pre- or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.