World Down Syndrome Day

Today is World Down Syndrome Day and I would like to share this beautiful video with you:

I also would like to take this opportunity to celebrate two wonderful children that I have been blessed to know - my godson, Manila Mommy's kissable Noah and Momma N' Manila's huggable Gellibean! I am amazed by the strength of Neva and Michelle and commend them for using their blogs to promote awareness and teach people to look at their children as Noah and Gellibean -- not as children with disabilities.

Neva has also partnered with parents of kids with special needs and set-up the Manila chapter of Best Buddies.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Find out more about their activities by liking the Best Buddies Manila page.

Let me end this post by sharing with you some links on breastfeeding a baby with Down Syndrome.
FAQ from La Leche League
Printable and Comprehensive brochure from the Canadian Down Syndrome Society
Tips from the Australian Breastfeeding Association
Printable flier with illustrations of breastfeeding positions from the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Comprehensive listing of resources from Kellymom

I won't pretend to know or explain how to breastfeed a baby with down syndrome but I hope with the resources listed above, I may be able to assist a new mom to get information on how to successfully breastfeed her baby.

For more information about World Down Syndrome Day, visit their webpage.  To learn more about local activities and support for children with Down Syndrome in the Philippines, visit the DSAPI webpage.