New & Expectant Parents
If you recently received a prenatal screening result, a prenatal diagnosis, or a diagnosis after birth, we want you to know this first:
You are not alone.
Kern Down Syndrome Network is here to support families in Kern County with accurate information, local connection, and a community of parents and caregivers who understand how emotional and overwhelming this moment can feel.
You may have questions. You may feel scared. You may not know what to ask yet. That is okay.
You do not have to figure everything out today.
Your baby is your baby first
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that happens when a person has extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Every person with Down syndrome is unique.
A diagnosis can give you information, but it cannot tell you everything about who your child will be, what they will love, what they will learn, or the life they will have.
Your child is not defined by a diagnosis.
If you received a prenatal screening result
A screening result is not the same as a diagnosis.
Prenatal screening tests can tell you whether there is an increased chance that your baby may have Down syndrome. Diagnostic testing can provide more definitive information.
If you received a screening result, we encourage you to speak with your medical provider or a genetic counselor so they can explain what your results mean and what options are available to you.
KDSN does not provide medical advice, but we can help connect you with accurate information, trusted resources, and local support.
What we want families to know
Down syndrome is one part of who a person is. It does not determine a person’s worth, personality, joy, relationships, or future.
People with Down syndrome learn, grow, communicate, go to school, build friendships, participate in their communities, and live meaningful lives.
Some babies with Down syndrome may have medical needs that should be checked early. Your child’s doctor can help guide recommended screenings and care. Early support, therapies, and connection can also help families feel more prepared and supported.
You are allowed to take this one step at a time.
Local support in kern county
Kern Down Syndrome Network is here for families in Kern County.
We can help with:
You do not need to wait until you have all the answers. You can reach out now.
Parent & me group
For families with babies and young children, our Parent & Me group offers a gentle place to connect with other parents and caregivers who understand the early stages of this journey.
This group is a welcoming space where families can meet, ask questions, build friendships, and find encouragement from others who are also raising children with Down syndrome. Whether you are expecting, newly diagnosed, or simply looking for connection, you are welcome here.
Parent & Me meets on the 1st Friday of each month
Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: 4201 Stine Road, Bakersfield, CA 93313
You do not have to come with all the answers. You can simply come as you are.
Trusted resources for accurate information
There is a lot of information online, and not all of it is current, balanced, or helpful. We encourage families and medical providers to use trusted resources from national Down syndrome organizations.
Prenatal & newborn down syndrome information pamphlet
- Published jointly by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Congress, and National Down Syndrome Society. This resource is available digitally and in print at no cost, and is available in English, Spanish, and Icelandic.
A promising future together: a guide for new and expectant parents
- This NDSS guide was written especially for new and expectant parents and includes information about healthy starts, early intervention therapies, finding support, and looking ahead to your child’s future.
National Down syndrome congress: what is down syndrome?
- This educational resource from the National Down Syndrome Congress explains Down syndrome in a clear and factual way.
National Down syndrome congress: Birth to 2 resources
- This NDSC resource page includes information for families with babies and young children with Down syndrome.
Health care information for families
- The American Academy of Pediatrics provides health care guidance for families of children with Down syndrome. This can help parents understand recommended medical care and questions to ask their child’s doctor.
You are welcome here
Whether you received a prenatal screening result, a confirmed diagnosis, or a diagnosis after birth, KDSN is here for you.
Your child is more than a diagnosis.
Your family belongs here.
And you do not have to walk this road alone.
For medical providers & community partners
Families deserve accurate, current, and compassionate information at the time of diagnosis.
Kern Down Syndrome Network encourages medical providers, clinics, hospitals, and community partners to share trusted resources from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, and American Academy of Pediatrics.
KDSN is also working to make printed resources available for local families and medical providers in the coming weeks.
For local support referrals or resource requests, please contact Kern Down Syndrome Network.