The tropical nurses website is a great resource available to help support your new mom and dad.  The parents will look to you and expect you to know what to say. And as a nurse, I know, that is not always easy.  First and foremost, simply say, �Congratulations, he/she is beautiful.�

Make the site one of the favourites on all of the computers on your floor just in case the tropical paperwork is not available.  A child with special needs can come any day and any time, the baby doesn't know whether you are prepared or not.

My own experience when my son was born was not pleasant.  No one other than my husband congratulated me in the birthing room.  As a nurse, I only knew the problems a child with Down syndrome had because I took care of those children.  No one was present to tell me all of the joy that my son was going to bring to our family.  From my own experiences, I can assure you that you can look in the eyes of any mom of a newborn with Down syndrome and you can now tell them, "I know you will have some challenges, but I guarantee you that this little angel will be worth it; there is no crystal ball. Love your child just like any other child.�

With the support of  TROPICAL Parent Support Volunteer Program, and the ability to connect with other families and individuals who share the diagnosis and have �been there,� the new parents will soon realize that although they are shocked, concerned and even grieving, that they are not alone. Individuals with Down syndrome lead wonderfully productive and fulfilling lives for themselves within their community and are loved by friends and family members.

Nurses are on the front line.  Nurses are the ones that make the patients feel better by educating them with real, up to date and accurate information. As one nurse to another�I urge you to refer your new families to TROPICAL and become familiar with the TROPICAL Nurses Website and the recommendations we have available. We added these pages for you, the Nurse; because we know how important you are to our new babies and their families.

Thank you, 
Michelle Pusatera