There’s a lot to expect when you’re expecting – especially when it involves an adoption! While hundreds of adoption websites, blogs and forums articulate the ins and outs, ups and downs of the adoption process, you never really know what to expect until you’re experiencing it in real time. Angel Adoption wants to help each of its adoptive parents by informing them as much as possible from beginning to end. Whether you are hoping to adopt or have already started your adoption journey, here are some things to expect during the adoption process.
Lengthy Wait Times
Adoption doesn’t happen overnight, and it can often times take longer than we expect. The time it takes to adopt also varies from case to case. While some people are able to adopt in just a few months, for others it can take a year or more. The it takes to complete an adoption is dependent on a variety of factors, included but not limited to connecting with a birthmother, completing the home study, the race or sex of child you are interested in adopting, completing paperwork and forms and much, much more.
An Emotional Birthmother
Infant adoption can be an emotional roller coaster – for the adoptive parents and the birthmother. While adoptive parents are experiencing emotions like joy and excitement, the birthmother is feeling a whole different set of emotions, which can often times include grief, guilt, sadness and regret. Even when a birthmother knows she is acting out of love when placing her baby for adoption, it is still a tremendous battle emotionally. During the adoption process, be sensitive to the emotions of your birthmother. Additionally, understand that her emotions might change form day to day. As mentioned, newborn adoption is an emotional roller coaster with ups, downs, loops and straightaways.
An Emotional YOU
Adoption is forever. It is a lifelong commitment that is not to be taken lightly. It is also a remarkable experience that can bring out thoughts and emotions you never even knew you had. By now you have probably already rationalized your emotions and figured out that adoption is 100% a path you want to pursue. While times may be tough, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Expect nothing less than a bumpy terrain of emotions throughout the entire adoption process. There will be times when you are overwhelmed with happiness (such as while preparing a nursery or picking out baby names) and times where you will feel discouraged or frustrated.
Adoption Fall Through
Some adoptive parents meet or speak with several birthmothers before finding a connection. Don’t get discouraged if the first, second or even third connection don’t come through. There is a birthmother (and a baby) out there for you and it will happen when the time is right.
If you have more questions about what to expect before or during your infant adoption process, our caring, knowledgable and professional staff is here to help. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
