Children with Down Syndrome do benefit greatly from breastfeeding.
As with the immunological importance already mentioned, the same benefits
for any baby apply and are even more important.   Switching side to side to
enhance brain development, the potential for increased IQ, and enhanced
school success.
The jaw and muscle development can help decrease or overcome tongue
thrusting that occurs due to an over sized tongue and decreased muscle tone,
as well as improve dentition.
Even if the mother had a prenatal diagnosis (we did not); the reality once
the baby arrives, of not having that "perfect" child is lessened by looking
into that beautiful face as you feed (even if your tears drop on them :-)...
Please encourage the mother to seek out some kind of support group locally
or to contact the National Down Syndrome Society, her local chapter of The
ARC (formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens), and her local
health department.  Early intervention programs are often initiated through
health departments and not local school districts.
The NDSS or the National Down Syndrome Congress offers a preventative health
checklist that can  be given to the pediatrician. It was updated last year
and covers birth to adulthood.
There is a great book entitled, "Babies with Down Syndrome, A New Parents
Guide" by Karen Stray-Gunderson that we found very helpful.  It is available
in most bookstores or from Woodbine House Publishers.  ( phone:
301-949-3590)
And as with all our children, despite their differences, they grow
unbelievably fast.
Our daughter is 8 years old.
Deb Zwolinski
OH

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