Adopting! The Podcast

Over the last few episodes, we’ve focused on openness in adoption – both in the immediate time of placement, shortly thereafter, and longer term. Today, we’re going to return to one element of the adoption process itself, and that’s the ICPC, which stand...

"Expect your plans to change. You don't know what your open adoption is going to look like for a lifetime. Don't worry about making plans for a year, or two years, or three. Just worry about the next three visits instead." - Linda Sexton, Open Adoption Pio...

A critical element of open adoption relationships - and one you may not have previously considered - is the power differential in the birth parent / adoptive parent relationship. This power differential is one that fluctuates over time and it can have a...

Social media has changed just about every aspect of our lives. Adoption is no exception. We talked on a previous episode about using social media for outreach to expectant moms with the goal of finding a match. Today, we’re going to talk about some other...

Open adoption refers to the level of contact and relationships between the adoptive family and the birth family. Having some form of contact is where many adoptions will end up. Whether it is via text, phone calls, or even some social media, a relationsh...

Transracial Adoption can make some people uncomfortable. There are wide-ranging views on the topic: from “love is enough and you shouldn't have to worry about anything else,” to “You're not doing enough if you don't relocate and live a lifestyle in whi...

Have you ever wondered how an adoption match gets made? In this illuminating conversation with Steffany Aye, Founder & Executive Director of Adoption & Beyond, one of the most mysterious aspects of the adopting process - the adoption match - is explain...

Adoptive Breastfeeding is an incredible experience that allows mothers who have adopted babies to nourish them directly from their own bodies—just like any other mother would do after giving birth naturally. Adoptive Breastfeeding requires early preparatio...

After you’ve adopted, everyone expects it to be an incredibly joyous time. And it is! But adoptive parents aren’t immune to the vast array of emotions that all parents feel. Post-Adoption Depression is very real - just as real as postpartum depression. Aft...

Your family and friends may have outdated beliefs about adoption. They may not even support your decision to adopt! Be sure to share this podcast with them. In this episode, we’re going to talk about the adoption basics, including what your family and frie...

Learn how to tell your family and friends that you intend to adopt. While they will often be excited and want what is best for you, family and friends may not fully understand the adoption process. And their reaction may not always be what you were hoping...

Much of the adoption process is focused on the expectant mom (birth mom). In many cases, the birth father is unknown, unidentified, or his whereabouts are unknown. But there are times where he is present and actively involved in the process. So addressing...

Single parent, same-sex, older couples, and other non-traditional adoptive families are the focus of this adoption podcast. Today's podcast discusses recent trends such as the growing number of same-sex parents and single women who are adopting. As these...

Adoption is a stressful, life-altering and life-changing experience. It is unrealistic to think that you and your partner will always be in agreement about every part of your adoption. But the relationship with your partner during the adoption process must...

Do you believe that it is too expensive to adopt a child from foster care? Or that you aren't qualified? Every five years, the Dave Thomas Foundation commissions The Adoption Attitudes Survey, which concerns contemporary attitudes toward adopting older chi...

Adoption Medicine, the information and resources you may need for medical situations related to your adoption, is the focus of this podcast. If you are working with an adoption agency or attorney you may be asked to obtain medical information on the birth...

One of the greatest fears of adoptive parents is an adoption match falling through. This happens when an expectant mother chooses to parent instead of placing her child for adoption. Very few adoptive parents will ever begrudge a woman for making the decis...

For adoptive parents, obtaining a home study can be one of those most daunting and difficult parts of the adoption process. Demystifying the adoption home study is the goal of this podcast. Join host Nicole Witt and her special guest, Lori Fraas (Executive...

What is Adoption Outreach? Adoption outreach includes all the activities adoptive parents perform in order to meet potential birth parents. This includes word of mouth, internet advertising, social media, and other useful DIY techniques. Over the last deca...

Adoptions scams occur when a person with no intention of placing her child for adoption deceives adoptive parents into financial or emotional support. This podcast explores how you can protect yourself from adoption scam situations. Contrary to what you ma...

In this episode we are jumping ahead a little to tackle important questions adoptive parents will have about parenting their adopted child. Questions like, Will I bond with my adopted baby? Will I know how to take care of the baby to meet his or her needs?...

Today’s episode focuses on an aspect of the adoption journey that is often overlooked: self care. Activities like yoga, meditation, and acupuncture are considered routine remedies for many physical and health issues in our daily lives. But have you ever co...

How do families find the resources they need to build a family? Most people find it necessary to cobble together their funds through a variety of different methods. This episode covers some of the many different ways to fund your adoption, including: Savin...

This episode explores the three main types of adoption: 1. Domestic newborn adoption: The most common path to adopting an infant (includes agency, attorney, and independent adoption). 2. Foster Adoption: Adopting a child from foster care. 3. Internatio...

Subtly or explicitly, your words matter. Whether or not you realize it, children and others hear your expressions and form real opinions and feelings based upon them. As you move forward with adopting, spend a little time considering the language and termi...