Adopting parents choose newborn adoption for different reasons. In the case of Michelle and Greg, it was a chance encounter that first led them to think about adopting a baby.
As the Long Island, New York couple explain in their parent profile on our Adoption Profiles page, “we are so lucky to have friends that know people that adopted and they introduced us. After only a few minutes speaking with one another, it became apparent that we were meant to build our family through adoption.”
Since that initial conversation, they’ve learned a lot about the newborn adoption process. In this interview, they share some of the highlights and what they’re doing to create a connection with expectant parents who are looking at adoption.
Tell me a little more about what led you to decide to adopt a newborn?
We tried for years to have a baby naturally and when the things the doctors offered no longer made sense, we took a break. When I was getting my hair done for a wedding, the hairdresser mentioned that she was a foster mom. We pursued that for about nine months, but soon realized that the system is broken and that if we wanted a forever family, adoption was the only way to go. Almost as if by fate, in the same salon, I met a new adoptive mom who referred me to her attorney. She told me about her experience and I just felt a hope that I had been missing for years. Here we are, it’s a year and a half later, but we are hopeful that our baby us around the corner!!
What was your original understanding of newborn adoption?
I had a pretty full understanding due to the referral and our attorney being so direct with us regarding the process. We are taking a little longer than most, but we have had a lot of contact and hope that one works out!
What was your biggest fear?
Not being chosen, not being able to adopt.
How did you get over it?
I haven’t yet.
What do you know about adopting a baby now that you wish you had known before?
That there is no one way to do it it one perfect path. I need a direct path and I am used to setting goals and accomplishing them. This is not like that!
What are you going to do differently this year to reach out to expectant parents considering adoption?
I will continue to use papers, online ads, websites and referral cards. I need new ideas!!! I have also used Google and Facebook ads. I think I’ve tried it all!!
If you were to boil down your message to prospective birthparents to one or two sentences, what would it be?
Your choice to place a baby for adoption is a demonstration of pure love. There is an amazing family out there waiting to adopt your baby.
What advice do you have for other hopeful parents who are considering newborn adoption?
This is an amazing journey with many bumps in the road. Join a support group, take time for yourself and with your partner and don’t quit!!!
What kind of relationship are you looking to have with your baby’s birthparents?
We are open to contact and hope more than anything that they are comfortable with choosing us as the lucky adoptive parents!
What do you think is the biggest misconception about adopting a newborn?
That the baby isn’t loved by the birthparents. Adoption is an act of love. These children have four parents that have thought more about their arrival to this world than most other births. These children are loved and will be cherished.
Are you trying to adopt a newborn? What experiences have you had with newborn adoption? What challenges have you had in adopting a baby and how have you handled them? Share your comments in the section below.
Are you a hopeful adoptive parent or have an open adoption story?
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