Is Adoption Right for Me?
Having a child is a major step for many couples ready to move into a new stage in their lives. For some of these couples, adoption seems like an appealing choice. There are many reasons a couple may take an interest in adoption. Some may have medical or ethical considerations. Others may not feel that the burden of pregnancy fits their situation. In homes where the desire to nurture a child’s development is strong, many choose adoption. But it is a choice that parents must make after careful consideration. If you’re thinking about adopting, ask these questions to see if it would be a good fit for you and a child in need of a home.
Why Do You Want to Consider Adoption?
While the simple answer may be something as basic as “I want a child,” there’s more to it than that. As we mentioned before, there may be medical reasons to adopt. Parents who cannot conceive may have tried fertility treatments and have no other option. Other families are a mixture of both biological and adopted children. You don’t need to have a medical reason to want to adopt, but that is certainly one of the reasons people do. If you want to adopt because you love children and want to be a parent, adoption may be a good choice for you.
Are You Okay With Biological Parent Contact?
As a parent, your life changes focus. You are no longer concerned solely with your well-being. Your life is now about what is in the child’s best interest. The idea of open adoption is growing in popularity, allowing children to have a connection to “where they come from.” Children can enjoy the benefits of having answers to those questions, and as a parent, you have to know where you stand on this issue. It’s a complicated one that differs in every case, but it’s a consideration you must be able to make.
Do You Have Support?
Every parent hopes things will be perfect from day one. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Even adoptive parents can experience something like postpartum depression when the child arrives. Some relationships are slow to develop, and some parents may be slow to adjust to their new life. This is normal. You should know what could happen ahead of time and be sure you have people to support you.
Are You Okay With This?
When casually considering adoption, you may have nothing but positive feelings. But, like the previous point illustrates, this is a complicated thing. Feelings may arise about not being biologically connected to your child. Is the connection through blood important to you? What if it becomes important? Have you given yourself proper time to heal if you have a medical reason to adopt? Grieving the loss of your first child, or discovering news of infertility, are hard. They’re long processes. Will you be able to bond with your child without going through the journey of pregnancy? Will you be able to see the child as yours? You should consider these difficult questions ahead of time and be ready to address them.
If you can answer these questions with confidence, adoption might be the right answer for you. If you’re able to support a child, check our articles about who qualifies for adoption to learn more.