When a child joins a family with his own history, his own culture—his own name—parents may want to look beyond the pages of a baby names book.
“Writing, Then Re-Writing, Our ‘Dear Expectant Mother’ Letter”
What do you write when the merchandise on offer is your heart?
“We Wanted to Adopt White Children”
I chose our route because I didn’t feel comfortable adopting outside our race. Six bittersweet years of motherhood have taught me to look beyond appearances.
Adopting a Premature Infant
While they may appear fragile, premature infants are surprisingly resilient. Here’s what you need to know about premature baby adoption and care.
“The Stages of Waiting”
Are all the bewildering ups and downs I’ve experienced during our wait typical of the international adoption process?
“When Will an Expectant Mother Pick Us?”
During the long wait for an adoption match, friends and family may be sympathetic, but they don’t understand the anxiety that leads you to question every aspect of your adoption profile — and yourself.
Your Child’s Medical History
The information you need to know, and how to track it down.
“Our Agonizing Decision to Decline a Referral”
We thought accepting a referral would be the easy part. It wasn’t.
Prenatal Drug Exposure — What Parents Need to Know
If there’s a possibility that the baby you are planning to adopt was exposed to drugs in utero, what should you be prepared for?
“How I Finally Got Into Club Mom”
The cruelest parts of infertility? Having to attend baby showers, coo over ultrasound pictures, and being told it’s “God’s will” that you’re still childless.
The Adoption Transition Diet
Dana E. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., on introducing new foods and addressing feeding challenges in a newly adopted child.
“Intimate Strangers”
She was going to have a child but couldn’t keep it, I wanted a child desperately but couldn’t have one. She was the mother at birth; I was the mother right after. It sounds simple, but it wasn’t.
Why You Need Your Child’s Medical History
A little information about your child’s medical history goes a long way for finding and preventing risks.
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: Surviving the Wait
In hindsight, these veteran adoptive moms would have done some things differently during the wait — but not others.
“Guarding My Heart During the Wait”
After years of grappling with infertility, I could only focus on what might go wrong during our (in hindsight) perfect match and my daughter’s birth.
Announcing Your Decision to Adopt
A letter can deliver the news to loved ones in efficiently and affectionately. The key is to communicate how thrilled you are about adopting.
“Lessons Learned from a Failed Adoption Match”
When friends asked, I’d always assured them I wasn’t sad that I hadn’t given birth to my sons. A heartbreaking false start helped me see that I was truly at peace with that fact.
The Reluctant Family
You’re ready to adopt, but your spouse is reluctant. How can you get your “other half” (and family members) on board?
“I Want the Same Hubbub That Surrounds Pregnancy!”
When I announced our adoption plans, I hoped for the same kind of excitement that pregnant women get. After all, the happiness we’re expecting is the same.
Post-Adoption Check-Ups
When you bring your child for their first post-adoption check-up, what should the doctor be looking for?