Preparing to Adopt a Child — Some Things You Need to Consider

If you are planning or considering adoption as a way of starting or building a family, here are some things you’ll want to factor into your decision, especially if you’ve never had a child before.

• There’s a lot to learn—Raising a child involves a whole lot more than sitting back and watching them grow. You’ll want to know about developmental landmarks, such as walking and talking, and you’ll want to know as much as you can about proper nutrition, sleep habits and toilet training. Most expectant mothers attend childbirth classes, and similar programs are available for adoptive parents. It’s a good idea to participate in one.
• You will likely have to bottle-feed your child—You may be able to take hormones that allow you to breast feed, but adoptive mothers, as a general rule, have a more difficult time producing breast milk.
• Be prepared to celebrate two special days every year—You may choose to celebrate your child’s birthday and your child’s adoption day. In reality, this is more for the adoptive parents than the child.
• Be prepared for lots of questions—Because adoption is not the traditional way that people build a family, it can stimulate curiosity in those who have never done it. You may be subjected to odd or even inappropriate questions, such as how much your adoption cost or even details about the child’s biological family. One family that adopted an infant from China was bemused when a well-meaning relative asked if the 10-month-old girl “had a Chinese accent.”

Contact Our Office

To set up an appointment, call us in Haddonfield at 856-429-5005 or in Woodbury at 856-845-2555. We can also be reached in Philadelphia at 215-563-2150 or by e-mail. For clients with personal injury or workers’ compensation claims, we offer a free initial consultation, and will represent you on a contingency basis, only charging attorney fees if we recover compensation for you.

Our offices are open weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Weekend and evening appointments may be arranged upon request. We will also come to your home or the hospital, if necessary.