Adoption

An adoption journey is one of patience, perseverance and love. While there are thousands of international adoptions by United States citizens each year -- 17,438 in 2008 -- adoptive parents...

Baby showers are very common when a woman is pregnant, but baby showers are for adoptive mothers and fathers too. While planning your baby shower, you may want to plan it for after the baby has...

The decision to give a baby up for adoption isn't an easy one. Many different factors can contribute to the decision, including economics, age or having the baby at a difficult time. It is not...

Adoption is the act of raising a child you did not genetically parent. One may adopt a baby, older child or one with special needs. Some adoptions take place overseas, while others are arranged by...

Adopting a child may take months or even possibly years. From the start of the adoption application process to the time when the child is finally in your arms may be a longer process than...

In egg donation, the adoptive mother becomes pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using a donated ovum and and delivers her baby. The baby may or may not be conceived using her partner's...

Gifts for an adopted infant should not be very, if any, different than for a biological child. The best way to purchase a meaningful gift for the infant is to ask the parents what they need or...

Adoption is a wonderful way to grow your family, but it can be very expensive. There are grants and private loans available to cover some of the expenses, but it's a good idea to do some...

Opening your life to an adopted child can be one of the most beautiful things you'll ever do. The process of adopting, however, can be confusing and time-consuming, even more so if you aren't...

Are you a US citizen thinking about beginning an international adoption? We have been there/done that and now have a beautiful son through international adoption. Although it can be a frustrating...

If you have a friend or family member who is adopting a baby, you may want to throw them a baby shower. A baby-adoption shower is a little different than a traditional baby shower, and some of the...

Giving a child up for adoption is probably the hardest thing a person will have to do. And regardless of what they want, the decision to put a baby up for adoption is usually done out of love for...

Requirements to adopt a baby vary by state, country and adoption agency. There are many different requirements for prospective adoptive parents. The federal government, as well as each state,...

Agreeing to adopt a friend's baby is a wonderful act of love and self-giving. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few steps you will need to know to complete the process. It will...

Chinese adoption has become increasingly popular since the late 1990s in America, partially due to the large number of infant girls available. As a result, the wait for a healthy baby has gotten...

Many people are increasingly seeking to adopt babies from Africa. Typically, this process is structured and costly and can involve a long waiting period. Depending on the region, the potential of...

When a friend shares that she is adopting, whether this is her first child or an addition to her family, her choice to increase her family in this way is very personal. Her heart may be heavy with...

How do you explain a member of your family placing a baby for adoption to a small child? If you’re afraid your child will freak out or not understand keep in mind that small children are learning...

Fetal alcohol syndrome, also known as FAS, is the medical terminology that describes a baby born to a mother who abused alcohol while she was pregnant. Fetal exposure to excessive amounts of...

Being faced with an unplanned pregnancy can be a very difficult experience for a woman. In many instances, despite the fact that the child may be very much loved, it is not feasible for the birth...

If you are pregnant and considering your choices... I don't have to tell you that no matter what you choose, it will be difficult. If you decide to relinquish your baby for adoption, please...

When you have a biological child, you have nine months to get to know your child - before he makes his arrival. When you adopt a baby, the time you have with him begins after birth - either...

Do you want to announce to the whole neighborhood that you just adopted a newborn baby or a child so your neighbors can share your joy? Why not decorate your mailbox with pink, blue, or both. It...

Adopting a baby is a huge step and one many people are ready to take - but in what direction? Gone are the days of checking into a local orphanage and meeting the children there. There are many...

You want to adopt a baby but you are not sure how you can afford an adoption. Have you considered possible ways to finance your baby adoption? Easy monthly payments can make your adoption dreams...

The adoption experience is an amazing one but it can also be overwhelming, just like the birth of a baby or any other big life event. If your friend or relative has just adopted, they probably...

You have your current approved adoptive homestudy and you are waiting for the baby of your dreams. You have your newborn baby nursery set up and decorated. Your heart's desire is to adopt a...

Bringing home an adopted child is a time of joy for most families but with the excitement often comes jealousy from an older sibling who is struggling to adjust to a new rival for his...

More and more Americans are choosing to adopt each year but many are not ready for the anxiety causing waiting game of adoption. Here are 10 things that you can do while waiting for your little...

Adopting a newborn is exciting and down right thrilling. But unlike carrying a child for nine months, an adoptive mother doesn't have that built in time to bond with her baby before they are born.

One of the most difficult decisions to make during the adoption process is which health risks to consider. Some adoption applications provide a long list of possible health risks, from the...

Meeting a possible birth mother for the first time can be daunting. The hopeful adoptive couple has typically been waiting to become parents for a long time. The news that a possible birth mother...

While adopting a baby is an exciting event for you, it can be a traumatic experience for your baby. He cannot prepare for the changes he is about to experience including: a new language, new faces...

Packing everything you need for an international adoption trip is very important because things you forget may not be readily available at your destination. At the same time, you must be careful...

While meeting your adopted child for the first time may be exciting, it can also be an unnerving experience. Many babies and children act tenatively towards new people. Have a plan in advance so...

If you're adopting a baby, you may be surprised to find out it's possible to breastfeed that baby. Breastfeeding offers many benefits and should be encouraged whenever possible. Lactation is all...

Toddlers often struggle with attachment when they are adopted because of their stage of development combined with their inability to communicate with adults. Knowing how to help an adopted toddler...

Facilitating attachment of a new child is important, even when you're adopting a baby. While adopted babies may not truly remember their lives before adoption, there may be subtle impressions or...

Helping an adopted baby adjust to her new home is an important step in the adoption process. Even very young babies are aware of the change in environment and routine that come as a result of an...

Once you have decided to put your baby up for adoption, there are several ways to proceed.