In this personal essay, the author reflects on the surprising fierceness of feeling like a mom.
Back to Work?
New adoptive parents have special concerns when it comes to child-care choices. Here’s how to make an informed decision.
“The Blank Spaces” – Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Effects
I am angry at the price my son has to pay for his birth mother’s decision to drink while pregnant — but I can’t be angry at her.
“How Do You Define Motherhood?”
To many people, sharing DNA and giving birth are the prerequisites to being a “real” mom. As my children’s mommy, I know better.
Parenting to Promote Attachment
What’s the best way to facilitate attachment with our newly adopted baby?
Establishing a Routine
When it comes to easing your baby’s transition to your home, consistency is key.
“What the Books Didn’t Tell Me”
When Christopher joined our family at age three, I had to set aside my tried and true parenting methods in favor of the sort of nurturing he’d never known.
More Than Just the Blues
How to recognize and cope with post-adoption depression.
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.
Breastfeeding Without Birthing
A lactation consultant and breastfeeding adoptive mom explains how to achieve a nursing relationship with your baby.
The Dance of Attachment
Bonding with your baby is a process, so go with the flow.
“More Than Skin Deep”
My attachment is so fierce, it takes my breath away.
“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.
“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.
Establishing a Healthy Sleep Routine
Help your child sleep through the night while promoting her attachment to you.
“What We Wish We Had Known” – Older Child Adoption
A mom and her daughter share lessons learned about older child adoption.
Winning Your Child’s Trust Around the Dinner Table
In an excerpt from her guide to enjoying family meals, our childhood feeding specialist explains how to show your foster or adopted children love through food.
“Getting Past Working-Mom Guilt”
A new mother learns that she can go back to work and still retain the title of “Mom.”
“Two Very Different Paths to Attachment”
Our kids both came to us at 20 months old, but bonding with each child required very different tactics.