At some point, couples experiencing infertility who want to move forward towards having a family will have to bridge the gap from infertility to adoption by acknowledging and accepting infertility. Couples will have to confront the grief and loss associated with infertility. Resolution prior to adoption is necessary. It provides a strong foundation for couples to become emotionally and physically healthier and ready to bond and attach to a child.
That may not be an easy process, and will necessitate a change in the thinking process: moving from the means to an end. This requires couples to move away from the idea of having a biological child as the way to become parents to focusing on the end result; which is still being a parent, but by the use of a different means: by adoption.
Indicators that a couple may be ready to move forward with adoption:
Have exhausted viable, medical options without success.
No longer have the desire to pursue medical assistance.
Feelings of relief when discontinuing or thinking about stopping attempts to conceive.
The realization that actually being a parent is more important than how they became parents.
Spending more time talking about adoption.
Noticing more or seeking out adoptive families.
The belief that God is calling them to adopt.
Labels: Adoption 101, Babies, bonding, Domestic Adoption, Domestic verus International, Family, Infertility, Mom's, Parenting, Positive Words, Pre-adoption Education, While you Wait