There was a time when the stereotypical family consisted of a mom, a dad, and 2.5 kids. Today, families come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and structures, and it’s a wonderful thing. But in honor of World Infertility Awareness Month this June, we want to draw attention to the challenges that some face in creating their family. Specifically, when it comes to infertility, a condition around 48 million couples struggle with globally according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As many of these couples go on to consider other options, here are tips on growing your family through adoption.
The Facts on Infertility
Infertility is defined as a medical condition in which a couple struggles to get pregnant after engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse for 12+ months. Both women and men can be infertile and infertility can be primary (when a pregnancy has never been achieved) or secondary (when at least one prior pregnancy has been achieved).
Per the WHO, while assisted reproduction technologies (ART) have been available for more than three decades, with more than 5 million children born worldwide from ART interventions such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), these technologies are still largely unavailable, inaccessible, and unaffordable in many parts of the world.
Adoption is another option. In fact, the Adoption Network reports that one out of every 25 U.S. families with children have an adopted child and about half of these have both biological and adopted children.
Growing Your Family Through Adoption
If you are considering growing your family through adoption whether this would be your first child, or you want more children after being diagnosed with secondary infertility, consider these first steps.
1. Grieve Your Infertility
It certainly isn’t a decision that should be rushed or made in an emotional state. Before beginning the adoption process allow yourself and your partner to reach a place of acceptance first. You may want to consider professional counseling for this.
2. Get On the Same Page
It’s natural if one of you is more unsure about adoption than the other. It’s certainly a life-altering decision! But this must be something you want together for your sakes and for that of your future (and current) children. The best way to get on the same page is to openly and honestly communicate. This is not a situation where you should agree to make the other happy, you both need to be sure.
3. Reach Out to Other Adoptive Families
You can read every adoption resource you can get your hands on, but the best way to truly understand the adoption process is to talk to those who’ve been there. If you personally know people who have adopted, great! Otherwise, look for groups within the adoption community in which to ask questions and share your hopes as well as concerns.
4. Determine What Kind of Adoption
Not only do you need to determine whether you’re interested in domestic adoption, international adoption, or foster care adoption, but also if you want to adopt a baby, if you’re open to adopting an older child, or a child with special needs. Adoption requirements, as well as costs, can vary based on what you choose.
5. Contact Adoption Professionals
Once you’ve decided which path to pursue, begin researching the appropriate adoption professional in which to contact. This will be who guides you throughout the process so choose carefully. Ask questions including how they are licensed and trust your gut; you want someone with expertise, with whom you are comfortable and who your family’s best interests at heart.
