Annette Craddock launched the Down's syndrome baby and toddler group three months ago at Broadmayne Children's Centre in Dorchester, Dorset, which is one of 17 children's centres run by charity Barnardo's.
Ms Craddock said she felt that she had already benefited from other services at the centre, including a positive parenting course, a dads' group and childcare for her son, and approached it about starting another group that she would co-ordinate.
She said, 'Living in a rural area like Dorchester it's vital to have a networking group like ours. It's nice to be able to speak to other mums with Down's children face to face and to share any worries.
'It's not the end of the word having a Down's syndrome child. They can still do normal things that other children do. Their development may be slower, but they still enjoy life and deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.'
Six parents attend the group, with some coming from the neighbouring areas of Bridport, Weymouth and Wimbourne.
They meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, when they have exclusive access to the children's centre creche and resources.
The parents are also arranging for speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and health workers to come to the group and provide professional help and support.
Ms Craddock said she hopes that in future the Down's syndrome baby and toddler group will lead to similar networks being set up for parents of children with other conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy.
