A Recent Adoption

I recently worked on an adoption at a local hospital. I would like to share some thoughts about it with you.

In the beginning, I met with the birth mother to talk about her pregnancy and reasons for considering adoption. She was in her 20s, married and pregnant with her third child. She explained that one of her children has severe medical issues, and she did not think they could properly parent another child at this time. She asked about different types of adoption and thought that she and her husband would be happy with a semi-open adoption (where they would choose the adoptive family -- after reading non-identifying information about them --and would receive photos and updates from the adoption agency thereafter). Once the birth mother was certain that this was the best decision, she filled out paperwork ... and more paperwork.

Next, the birth mother was presented with letters (known as profiles) from prospective adoptive parents. The profiles provided her with a glimpse into the world of each potential parent -- with pictures of themselves, their extended families, their homes. In the profiles, the potential parents provided information (non-identifying) about their lives, their beliefs, their dreams of parenthood, etc .... After spending time reading all the profiles, the birth mother selected a potential family.

At that point, we contacted the family and advised them that they were selected. Within 12 hours, the adoptive parents were waiting in the hospital to meet the birth mother and child (such a meeting between adoptive parents and birth parents does not always occur, it depends on everyone's wishes). First, the birth mother met the potential parents. They all had a nice meeting, and felt very comfortable with one another. The birth mother confirmed that this was the family she wanted to adopt the child. With this approval, the adoptive parents met the baby. I left the hospital room to give them some privacy. When I peeked my head back into the room, they smiled. All was well. They were already in love with this little baby.

The birth mother was discharged from the hospital later that day. The baby went home with his new adoptive parents. The agency remains available to speak with the birth mother.

Today, everyone is doing well. The birth mother receives updates from the adoption agency, and the baby is thriving in his new home.

What are your thoughts on this adoption experience? Do you have an experience to share?