“Sometimes I totally forget I was adopted!” my son Jake exclaimed as he grabbed his backpack for school. I had just reminded him that his birthday, falling on November 19th, is also National Adoption Day. “That’s awesome! We should do something special to celebrate both my birthday and my adoption!” To Jake, adoption feels as natural as everyday life. But anyone who has navigated the adoption process knows it can be a whirlwind of excitement, anxiety, and everything in between. With another woman carrying the baby who will become your child, worries inevitably creep in. What if she was drinking or using drugs? These concerns can lead to sleepless nights filled with anxiety. Believe me, I’ve been there.
November is National Adoption Month, making it the perfect time for me to reflect on my journey as Jake’s 14th birthday approaches, coincidentally on National Adoption Day. That period in my life was profound, and being part of an organization that understands these challenges made it easier for me to find the answers I needed.
My adoption story has shaped me into who I am today—a genetic counselor specializing in teratogen information, helping expecting parents understand exposures that could lead to birth defects. The organization I work for provides essential services across North America, and I feel fortunate that my journey allows me to support other families walking the same path. Recently, I spoke with a couple, Sam and Alex, who were exploring adoption. “We did a lot of research, but once we started working with an agency, we faced many questions about prenatal exposures and birth parent medical histories. Some of the info we found felt contradictory or even frightening,” they shared. My role allows me to have those crucial conversations, helping them feel more at ease with evidence-based information. “We were lucky that our agency suggested reaching out to you. After talking, we felt much more confident and informed.”
Looking back, I see how full circle my journey has come. MotherToBaby specialists are here to support you too! As a director from an adoption agency pointed out, many couples enter the adoption process with misconceptions about prenatal exposures and health concerns. The experts at MotherToBaby offer science-backed insights that empower prospective parents to make informed decisions about their future children.
Just before Jake dashed out the door for school, he paused and said, “Mom, adoption is so awesome because your birth parents gave you up so you could have a better life. Love you!” In that moment, all the worries and struggles from our adoption journey faded into distant memories. #TotallyWorthIt.
National Adoption Day has been celebrated in the U.S. for over twenty years, shining a light on children in foster care waiting for loving families. If you’re on your own adoption journey and have questions about prenatal exposures, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts.
For more insights on navigating challenges, check out this post on how combination feeding supported me as a new mom of twins. And if you’re interested in learning more about the journey of conception, visit this resource for couples. You can also find helpful information on pregnancy and home insemination here.
In summary, adoption is a unique adventure filled with love, challenges, and learning. Embracing this journey with informed support can make all the difference for families.