Life Stages – Newborns

Giving birth to a baby with a facial difference can be an overwhelming experience of both joy and anxiety. Since 1985, AboutFace has helped thousands of new parents cope with the news that their child has a facial difference. Parent support remains one of our cornerstone programs. Networking new parents with those who have similar experiences can make all the difference in the world.

Regardless of whether it is a birthmark or a complex craniofacial syndrome, new parents may be consumed with concerns about their child’s future, their emotional, physical and mental development, and even their own ability to manage the new situation. At AboutFace, we can provide information to help you understand some of the medical and social issues that you and your child will face. Most importantly, we hope to empower and encourage you to embrace your new baby and together you can overcome the challenges and enjoy the rewards of having a special child.

This section provides a list of personal stories to help parents understand that they are not alone in their feelings and emotional anxieties.

Key Introductory Resources:

AboutFace has various booklets that are not available to be downloaded, but are essential reading for new parents, family and friends. Such as:

• My Baby Has a Facial Difference: A Guide for Parents
• You and The Craniofacial Team: A Guide for Parents

These booklets are also available in French.

To receive a free copy of these booklets, click here.

Articles of Interest:

• G is for Great!, As told by Susan Haiplik
• Katherine, by Sylvie Pauze
• Evan – Completing Our Family, As told by Donna Bantis