Soak up the newborn cuddles!

 This might be the most important advice in this entire roadmap: please, please soak up every single cuddle with your precious baby. Right now, in this moment, your little one needs nothing more than to be held, loved, and cherished by you.

Whatever emotions you're experiencing—whether this diagnosis was expected or came as a surprise—every feeling you have is completely valid. But please don't let those feelings steal these irreplaceable newborn moments from you. Your baby is perfect exactly as they are, and these early days of snuggles and quiet bonding are pure magic.

Consider keeping a journal during this time. Write down your worries, your hopes, your questions, and yes, even your grief for the plans you had imagined. Someday, when your child is older and thriving, you'll look back at these early entries and be amazed at how far you've both traveled together.

There will be moments when you're tempted to focus on timelines, developmental charts, or comparisons with other children. I'm here to tell you gently: let that go for now. Your baby will surprise you in the most wonderful ways when you give them the chance. Focus on the beautiful similarities you share and celebrate the unique qualities that make your child exactly who they're meant to be. These cuddles won't last forever, but the love you're building right now will be the foundation for everything beautiful that's coming.