A very unique and valuable service is available to families with a new baby.  Down Syndrome WA has a team of trained and experienced visitors on call to offer first-hand support and information to new families, as soon as it is known or suspected that a baby has Down syndrome.  A visit can be made to the hospital, or if preferred, later at home.  Other close family members can be present if the baby's parents wish it.  All visitors are parents with a son or daughter who has Down syndrome, so they have all been through a similar experience and know how new parents feel.

A visit can be requested via a simple phonecall to our Helpline (9368 4002) or an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  .  This request can come from the new parents, other family members, hospital staff or the Paediatrician.  Where special circumstances exist (e.g. if new parents have a different nationality or speak a language other than English, if the baby has a heart or other medical condition, if age of the parent or family size or dynamics is a factor of significance) an effort is made to match the visitor as much as possible.  This is not always possible for the initial visit but can often be arranged for a later visit if considered important. 

Visitors bring with them a copy of our New Parent Support Folder which is given free of charge to the family.  Many maternity hospitals will have a copy on hand in the parent library or social work department, and parents can request it until their own copy arrives.    View our online version of the New Parent Support Folder.  

Visitors can outline what is in the folder and highlight specific items if they seem important in a particular circumstance.  Visitors can speak from experience about taking their new baby home and those early days, they can answer questions about what it is like living with a person with Down syndrome and can pass on messages of hope and inspiration to new families.  Visitors can also bring photographs of their own son or daughter to show on request.  Not all new parents wish to see photographs but many do.

Sometimes new parents are not ready for a visit but would like to receive information.  A folder can be dropped off at the hospital or mailed to a home address if this is preferred and contact can be made at a later date as needed.

Visitors offer new parents a follow-up call at home to see how things are going and to answer any queries new families may have at this stage.  At any time new parents can be put in touch with other new families.  Regular new parent morning teas are also held at the DSWA Drop in Centre, giving new parents an opportunity to meet other new families, share experiences and exchange helpful information.  A personal call is made to invite new parents to attend, but they are also advertised in our newsletters for other parents of young babies who may wish to attend.

Membership is offered free of charge to new parents in the first year of their baby's life.  This entitles them to receive all newsletters, attend any advertised events or activities and access resources from the DSWA library.  Visitors can suggest some excellent resources for new families: recommended reading, books for siblings, new parent video/DVD.  

From time to time DSWA conducts workshops for parents wishing to become part of the Hospital Visiting Team.  One-to-one training can also be offered to a potential visitor as needed.  Click here to see if a workshop is currently being advertised.