Many children in foster care have delays in conscience development. A few have no conscience. It is important that parents understand conscience development and identify ways to facilitate growth in this area.
News Brief: WHO Set to Broaden Definition of “Infertile” to Include Singles and Same-Sex Couples
Under the World Health Organization’s previous definition, infertility was failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Its expanded version will apply to more families.
News Brief: Children in Foster Care More Likely to Have Health Problems
For the first time, a study compared the health of children who spent time in foster care with those who hadn’t, and it found higher risk levels on several fronts.
[Book Review] When the Brain Can’t Hear: Unraveling the Mystery of Auditory Processing Disorder
Dr. Teri James Bellis, author of When the Brain Can’t Hear, is an audiologist who herself developed APD following an automobile accident. She clearly knows APD from the inside out.
When Should My Child Be Vaccinated?
The truth about vaccinations for infants, and how to protect your child.
When Should You Schedule Surgery?
You may want to postpone elective surgery until your child has been home for four to six months.
Ask AF: What Adoptive Parents Need to Know About Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that can be passed from a mother to a baby at or around the time of birth. It can also be passed from one child to another in an orphanage, through blood or body fluids.
Misunderstanding Mongolian Spots
It’s a good idea to ask your pediatrician to make a note of your child’s Mongolian spots.
List of Recommended Post-Arrival Medical Evaluations
Adapted from an article by Deborah Borchers, M.D.
Ask AF: Explaining Very Difficult Details
“How do we disclose a lifelong medical condition to our child, and talk with her about lacking any information about her birth parents?”
Learning to Be Mother and Son
“A lot of people didn’t believe,” Ms. Horton said. “But I believe in my child. And his therapist believed.”
News Brief: Higher Rates of Adoption Documented in Transgender Youth
Doctors at a gender management clinic have found that 8.2 percent of the 184 transgender youth they’ve seen between 2007 and 2015 were adopted. The overall rate in their state is 2.3 percent.
Questioning Medical Myths About Adoption
Make sure your infant or toddler is getting the care he needs.
Ask the Doctor: How Do I Feed My Newborn?
Everything you need to know about bonding with and nourishing your child during feeding times, from an adoption medicine expert.
Ask the Doctor: Pre-Adoption Medical Assessment
What kind of referral information will I receive about a child available for adoption, and how do I assess it?
Ask AF: Building a Good Relationship with Your Pediatrician
How can I work with my child’s health care provider to make sure my child gets the best possible care?
Ask the Doctor: Asthma
Our child’s referral says he has asthma. How will this affect him? What can we do to optimize his care?
Nourishing Beyond Growth Charts
How to assess a newly adopted child’s nutritional status and get a malnourished child’s growth on track.
Feed Me! Formula Facts
Formulas, nutrition, and feeding — everything you need to know about filling your child’s tummy.
Easing the Post-Adoption Adjustment
We’re about to adopt a toddler. How can we ease his adjustment during our first weeks as a family?