How to recognize and cope with post-adoption depression.
What to Expect During Your Adoption Finalization
Adoption can’t be finalized until after marathon of post-placement visits and termination of parental rights. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after the hearing.
Ask AF: Bonding with a Newborn
My baby will already be two days old when I bring her home. Should I be concerned about bonding?
Surprising Post-Adoption Emotions
When you finally bring your child home, yes, you will feel elated. But many new adoptive moms and dads are surprised by the complex emotions that can sit on the outskirts of that joy.
“Getting Rid of ‘Gotcha Day'”
What do you call the day your adoptive child came home? In this personal essay, one mother explains why “Gotcha Day” can be offensive for some adoptees.
Breastfeeding Without Birthing
A lactation consultant and breastfeeding adoptive mom explains how to achieve a nursing relationship with your baby.
Ask AF: Comforting a Child During Temper Tantrums
Answers to your parenting questions.
The Adoption Transition Diet
Dana E. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., on introducing new foods and addressing feeding challenges in a newly adopted child.
“Real-World Lessons”: Adopting a Teenager from Foster Care
We adopted a teenager from foster care as veteran parents and thought we were prepared for what lay ahead—but our new son still taught us a thing or two.
Ask AF: Inappropriate Affection
Our seven-year-old daughter was adopted about nine months ago and is adjusting well. We wonder how to respond when she shows inappropriate affection to family members or friends.
Showered with Love
Whether you feel most comfortable holding it after completing your dossier, or when you receive your referral — an adoption shower is a wonderful way to celebrate your growing family.
“True Love, Times Two”
I used to wonder whether my love for my son would be more intense if I’d given birth to him. Having a biological child validated the depth of my feelings the first time around.
The Family Bed
Parents and experts talk about co-sleeping with an adopted child or infant.
“Negotiating a Workable Schedule After Adoption”
I assumed I’d be offered the same leave and benefits as moms who give birth. When I wasn’t, here’s how I negotiated with my employer.
The Dance of Attachment
Bonding with your baby is a process, so go with the flow.
When the New Brother or Sister Is Not a Baby
When a sibling arrives at an older age or with emotional challenges, everyone will benefit from realistic expectations — and patience.
“How Jesse Learned to Play”
There was no time for fun in the orphanage. But at home in America, four-year-old Jesse discovered water balloons, trampolines — and his inner Hercules.
“How I Was (Sort of) Able to Breastfeed”
If breastfeeding had been easy in the past, adoptive breastfeeding couldn’t be so different, or less rewarding, could it? More or less.
Domestic Adoption Showers
When their adoption date was uncertain, our readers took the opportunity to celebrate with their children in tow. Here, they share their experiences.
“Parenting a Child Who Was Terrified of Love”
When you adopt an older child who pushes you away in anger, you learn a different way to parent, to give love without immediately receiving it in return.