As of December 11, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer for emergency use. A second vaccine developed by Moderna was approved on December 18^th.

The authorization of these vaccines has brought about many questions and concerns, especially among pregnant women. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for me if I’m pregnant? Will the vaccine harm my unborn child?

These concerns are valid. In short, if you are a woman who is pregnant, you can receive the vaccine.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, while pregnant women were excluded from the vaccine clinical trials, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are an mRNA which does not contain a live or whole virus. This means it’s highly unlikely to harm women who are pregnant or their unborn baby, and have historically been proven to be safe.

While not much is yet known about how the vaccine interacts with pregnancy, pregnant women are at a greater risk of contracting severe cases of COVID-19, which could result in a high risk pregnancy.

If you are a woman who is pregnant and you want the vaccine, talk to your adoption professional and healthcare provider to determine if receiving the vaccine is the right choice for you.

3 Facts to Know When Considering the COVID-19 Vaccine

A few things you should know if you’re pregnant and thinking about get the COVID vaccine:

1. There are two COVID-19 vaccines.

• Pfizer. This vaccine requires 2 separate injections 21 days apart. Data shows that it starts working soon after the first dose and has an efficacy rate of 95% after the second dose.
• Moderna. This vaccine requires to injections 28 days apart and has an efficacy rate of 94.1% after the second dose.

2. The vaccine is an mRNA.

Both vaccines are mRNA vaccines and do not contain a live virus. These vaccines work by using genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA) that gives your cells instructions on how to make a protein similar to that found in coronavirus.  Your immune system recognizes the foreign protein as a threat and starts building an immune response.

3. Pregnancy is a risk factor for COVID-19.

Many side effects of pregnancy such as hypertension and weight gain increase the chance of contracting COVID-19. Researchers recommend that healthcare providers do not withhold the vaccine from women who are pregnant.

3 Busted Myths about the COVID-19 Vaccine

You’ve likely heard some myths about the vaccine, including:

Myth 1: The COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility.

One of the most common unfounded rumors surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine is that it can result in infertility. There is no scientific backing to support this, whatsoever. Since the vaccine is an mRNA, it does not contain the live virus and does not interact with genetic material.  Other mRNA vaccines have not resulted in infertility in the past.

Myth 2: The COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe because it was developed so rapidly.

The urgency of the pandemic spurred many pharmaceutical companies to invest in a vast amount of resources so that a COVID-19 vaccine could be developed as quickly as possible. Though the development of the vaccine was quick, this does not mean any corners were cut.  The development of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine followed safety protocols and have been approved by the FDA.

Myth 3: There are severe side effects.

There have only been reports of mild reactions such as soreness at the site of injection, and half of recipients reporting headaches, fatigue, or fever that typically resolves in a day or two. These side effects are a result of your body’s immune system responding to the vaccine, and have been observed with other vaccines.

If you are pregnant woman and worried about COVID-19, you can get the vaccine. If you still have reservations or questions about the vaccine’s side effects or how it might affect your pregnancy, talk to your doctor and adoption professional.

The post Should You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine If You’re Pregnant? first appeared on Considering Adoption.

However, adoption professionals, birth parents, adoptive families and adoptees all faced these challenges head on, and adapted. Let’s look back at the obstacles we’ve faced and will continue to surmount. 

Here’s what happened this year:

International Adoptions Were Halted

As the world struggled to slow the deadly spread of COVID-19, countries were forced to close their borders, and travel bans were enacted. For families in the midst of an international adoption process, this was devastating. Hopeful parents and children awaiting adoption became separated by national borders and oceans.

International adoptions have been on a consistent decline in recent years as countries encourage adoptive families to consider the many children waiting for a family within their own communities. COVID-19 may signal the end of international adoptions as we know it.

Fortunately, domestic adoption remains an option, even in the midst of an ongoing pandemic.

Domestic Adoptions Continued, Sometimes at a Distance

Unlike international adoptions, domestic adoption was largely unaffected by COVID-19. The primary differences were new social distancing precautions. For birth and adoptive families, this meant fewer in-person meetings and more virtual talks. Many adoptions were even finalized virtually!

Although adoptive families still need to exercise reasonable caution when traveling within the U.S., domestic adoptions have been able to continue safely — a blessing in the chaos for the many families who grew through adoption in 2020.

Faith-Based Adoption Agencies’ Ability to Turn Away Same-Sex Couples Was Upheld

In a blow for waiting foster youth, more states have granted foster adoption agencies the ability to turn away prospective adoptive parents based on sexual orientation. Data consistenty supports the benefits that LGBTQ adoptive parents provide to the foster care system. Removing these families’ ability to foster or adopt through foster care only serves to harm the waiting children in foster care.

Same-sex couples and LGBTQ individuals are now turning to private infant adoption agencies in the hopes of growing a family, especially the national non-denominational professionals. So, although LGBTQ families will still be able to pursue adoption through agencies, there are now more children in foster care who have been denied a family due to these laws.

Families Continued to Grow through Adoption

Despite the many challenges that 2020 brought, adoption professionals, birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees persevered. 

Pregnant women still sought out loving adoptive families for their children, adoptive parents continued to welcome children through adoption and children continued to find loving, permanent homes. Adoption professionals continued to work from home to help support pregnant women and adoptive families. Even at a distance, birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees all continue to grow and strengthen their triads.

Many pregnant women considering adoption as well as would-be-parents who are considering adopting are worried that the uncertainties of 2020 mean adoption is no longer an option for them. This couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Adoptions continued in 2020, and will continue in 2021. Not even a global pandemic can stop the love that goes into each adoption placement, or the desire to give beloved children the best life possible.

If you’re considering adoption, 2021 may be your year. Reach out to a licensed adoption agency to learn more, and to take your first steps.

The post A Very Strange Year in Review first appeared on Considering Adoption.

As 2021 approaches, you may be wondering if this is the year you welcome a child into your family through adoption. To help yourself decide if you should adopt in 2021, ask yourself these 5 questions:

1. Will the continuing struggle with COVID-19 affect your adoption process?

This is a concern for many would-be parents. But, you’ll be glad to know that unless you are hoping to adopt internationally, the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t likely to affect your adoption process much. Here’s why…

2. Are you planning on pursuing a domestic adoption?

Domestic adoptions, whether through foster care or through adoption agencies, have largely been unaffected by COVID-19. International adoptions, however, were massively affected and have virtually ceased.

We were all hoping that there would be a widely-available vaccine at this point, and that the world would be able to return to “normal.” However, it’s not likely to happen for quite some time. So, for now, international adoptions are not recommended in 2021.

However, this might be the year for you if you’re adopting domestically. One important thing hasn’t changed: There are still women who are currently (or will be) facing unplanned pregnancy and want to find a loving adoptive family for their child.

3. Are you financially stable enough to pursue adoption right now?

Adoption is always a costly endeavor (unless you’re pursuing a foster care adoption), but right now, you might be a bit more worried about finances. Many families suffered financial losses as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If you were similarly affected, you may want to put a temporary hold on your adoption plans while you build your savings back up, so that you can be financially prepared for the needs of a new family member.

4. Are you physically ready for adoption?

This is always a consideration for adoptive families. Are you physically ready to care for a newborn and growing child? Do you have a safe and ready home? If so, 2021 might be the year for you to adopt.

5. Are you emotionally ready for adoption?

Again, this is something that any hopeful parent must ask themselves and carefully consider. The adoption process is always an emotional experience, but 2020 was an exceptionally tough and emotional year. 

Do you feel emotionally ready to start the adoption process? Do you understand the emotional process for the birth parents and adoptees, as well? If so, then you’re probably ready to take the next steps!

If You’re Ready, You Can Begin the Process Now

Truly, no matter how prepared you might be, no one is ever 100% ready to become a parent, whether biologically or through adoption. But, if you think that you’re physically, financially and emotionally ready to take on the adoption process, 2021 is the time to do it. 

There are still countless waiting children in foster care and pregnant women who are making adoption plans for their unborn babies. These children will need loving, safe and permanent families. If you think that could be you, reach out to a licensed adoption professional now to take the first steps!

The post Should You Adopt in 2021? first appeared on Considering Adoption.

The hospital stay is one of the most important moments when placing a child for adoption. But, with COVID-19 taking away many of options for in-person visits, many prospective birth parents are worried about what to expect. If you can’t meet each other at the hospital or in person, how will you know you’ve found the perfect fit?

The first thing you should know while reading this article is that each hospital will have its own policies about who will be allowed in. But just because there are a few obstacles doesn’t mean that you won’t have other options for face-to-face interactions. You just have to be creative.

To help you understand how you can still spend time together if you’re not able to meet at the hospital, we’ve created this comprehensive guide. Check out more information below.

One more thing to consider: We recommend that you stay updated with recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because the situation regarding the pandemic is changing so fast, what you read here might not be applicable in the next few weeks. You can check out the CDC’s website for the most recent updates.

Can I Meet the Adoptive Family at the Hospital?

It really depends. Every hospital will have different policies about who can be in the room with an expectant mother during COVID-19. For adoption, that means it might just be the prospective birth mother and her partner/loved one, but every situation is different.

While the adoptive family will do everything they can to be with you at the hospital, that’s not always a possibility. There are some situations in which an adoptive family cannot come to the hospital at or, or they can only have one family member join you. But like we mentioned earlier, every case is different. Your adoption specialist will keep you updated if anything changes and what to expect before the adoptive family arrives.

We know that this can be frustrating and disappointing. Meeting the adoptive family is one of the biggest moments in an adoption, and not having them there to support you will be challenging. But there are other options available. Reach out to them through phone calls, emails and video chats. If you can, try to meet them ahead of time. And remember, if you need someone to talk to who can help you work through your feelings, your adoption specialist is always there to listen.

Check with your medical provider to stay updated on what their policies might mean for your hospital plan. If you end up not being able to meet the adoptive family in person, below is some in-depth information about your alternatives.

Start with Pre-Placement Contact

Before you can get ready for an in-person visit at the hospital, you’ll usually get to know the adoptive family from a distance.

Normally, your first interaction with one another will be over the phone. Your adoption professional will mediate your first phone call, and then it’s up to you to keep the ball rolling with some of your own questions. On top of that, you also have the option of sending emails to one another and keeping in touch via messaging apps before the hospital stay. While the best way to get to know each other will be through in-person visits, phone calls and emails can be a great alternative until you get to experience that first meeting.

Try to Meet In Person Ahead of Time

Meeting face-to-face is the best way to get to know someone. Even if you can’t meet up at the hospital, the adoptive family will still be headed your way as soon as it is safe to do so. Depending on the adoptive family’s location, they might decide to fly or drive, so keep that distance in mind.

Many adoptive parents choose to come out before the due date, so they can get to know you better, too! Once they arrive, there are plenty of ways that you can have a great time together. You might spend the day at the park and plan a picnic six feet away. You can also head to the drive-in theater and enjoy a movie while chatting from the comfort of your cars. And, if you’re hungry, swing by a drive-thru and tailgate in your car.

Remember that, when possible, the adoptive family will do everything they can to meet you. They are just as excited to meet you as you are to meet them, so even if you can’t meet at the hospital, there are still plenty of ways to get to know each other in person. If you’re looking for more ideas and suggestions on how to spend time together before the hospital stay, reach out to your adoption professional for advice.

Turn to Digital Meetings

With most of us staying inside over the last few months, we’ve all had to get creative about how we stay connected. One option is to have video calls over Zoom, Facetime, and other video platforms, if you’re not able to meet the adoptive family at the hospital. If you’d like, you can even video-call the adoptive family from the delivery room. That way, you can feel like they’re right there with you.

We’ve got a few tips that should make your virtual visit a little easier:

• Prepare a few questions: We all know video calls can be little awkward. There might be some uncomfortable pauses, or you could be unsure of what to say. Before you start your call, it might be helpful to pick out a few icebreakers for your call.
• Make a plan: You might not know for sure how long you’ll be on the phone for, and it’s usually awkward to be the first one to hang up.It might be a good idea to map out a schedule for how you expect your call to go.
• Get creative: There are plenty of ways to have fun even when you’re apart. Plan a dinner party, head to a virtual museum, or make your own movie marathon.

Remember, you can still talk to the adoptive parents before, during and after the hospital visit. Even if you’re separated, there are plenty of ways to stay in touch. Even if they won’t be in the room with you, a digital meeting can be a great way to keep everyone involved.

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As tough as this can be, it’s important to be flexible. This is an unprecedented situation for everyone, and your adoption professional will do the best they can to make sure you feel supported and heard during your adoption journey.

Remember that you can always reach out to them if you have any questions about your hospital stay, meeting the adoptive parents or other steps in your adoption process.

The post Can I Still Meet the Adoptive Parents at the Hospital? first appeared on Considering Adoption.

COVID-19 has put a serious dent in most everyone’s wallet. With the high rate of unemployment, many adoptive parents have been affected by this uncertain economic situation. If you’ve fallen into this category, or if you’re worried about your job security in the coming months, you’re probably feeling stuck and unsure of how it will affect your plans for adoption. You’re not alone.

For this blog, we’ll break our advice into two sections: what to do if you haven’t started your adoption journey, and what to expect if you’re just getting started. We’ll also offer some tips for saving money for adoption during COVID-19.

If You Haven’t Started Your Adoption Journey

If you’re waiting to start your adoption or if you’re not quite an active waiting family, you still have some time to prepare if you’re worried about your finances.

Before you begin, take a good look at your finances. Start by evaluating your adoption budget and try to work in a time to speak with a financial advisor. From there, you can get an idea of where you can save and what to cut out.

If you’re unsure about your financial situation, it’s okay to delay your journey. Don’t put pressure on yourself to move forward if you’re not comfortable doing so. There’s nothing wrong with waiting until the time is right.

During this period, it’s a good idea to still prepare for moving forward. You can review your adoption preferences, complete your adoption profile and, depending on timing, even start your home study. But, of course, you should always hold off until you’re financially ready to move forward in the process. There’s no telling when an opportunity will present itself. The last thing you want is to have to turn down your dreams because you weren’t financially ready.

You may decide that it’s time to delay your adoption process, at least until you’re more financially stable. If so, talk to your adoption professional about your options.

During these uncertain times, try to plan ahead financially as much as possible. Openly communicate with your spouse (if applicable) and your adoption professional. If you’re worried or feel like there is something that will impact your adoption plans emotionally, physically or financially, don’t be afraid to speak up.

If You’re in the Thick of Things:

If you’re already in the middle of your family-building journey, then you need to keep your adoption professional up to date about what’s going on. If you’ve experienced a job loss or if you feel like you need to put your plans on hold, they’ll want to know as soon as possible. Some professionals will allow you to take a temporary break and come back when you are ready.

If you’re feeling financially unstable due to COVID-19, we encourage you to pause your adoption until you’re able to get back on your feet. Adopting a child is expensive, and you don’t want to completely drain your savings.

Just reme/adopting/adoption-costs/how-much-does-it-cost-to-adopt-a-childmber that your adoption professional will want to help you as much as possible. If you have any questions or if you’re unsure about your situation, reach out to them for help.

3 Tips for Saving Money During COVID-19

Even if you haven’t experienced a job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, it never hurts to be prepared. Here are just a few tips to make your money last — and save up for your adoption — during this global health crisis.

1. Stretch Your Dollars

You’re probably already saving as much as you can in this uncertain climate. So, stick with what you’ve been doing over the last few months. Try to make every grocery trip count. Take a look at your pantry. Odds are, you already have some extras in the back that you might have forgotten about. Take stock of what you have before you head out.

We know that it’s hard, but right now, try to stick to your list and only grab the essentials. This doesn’t mean you should eat less by any means, but just try to shop smarter. Take a look at the weekly ads, or shop at low-cost alternatives. Target might have everything you need, but consider the prices on all of their products before you make it your weekly stop.

Make a plan before you head out, and you’ll be less likely to overspend.

2. Cut the Extras

Now that we’re all stuck inside, very few of us are making trips out and about. Of course, that may mean the last thing you want to cut is your streaming service. But if it’s been a few months since you watched the last episode of “Mad Men,” or if you only had HBO Go to watch “Game of Thrones,” maybe it’s time to pull the plug.

The good news is that, even if you don’t have these streaming services, there are plenty of ways to get your movie night on. Libraries across the country actually offer e-rental services that you can use. You can rent digital movies, TV shows, and e-books or audio books. If your library has already started to open up, you might be able to pop in for a quick browsing session (just adhere to CDC safety recommendations). And, if you don’t feel comfortable leaving your car, you can get your holds delivered curbside.

If you don’t have a library card, don’t worry. You can easily make an e-card from the comfort of your home. Before you know it, you’ll be able to stream your favorite show in just a few minutes!

When you cut out extras like streaming platforms, gym memberships and subscription services, more money can go toward your adoption savings.

3. Look at Alternative Financial Options

If you’re out of work because of the pandemic, try to find out what relief programs are available. While many of us have received our stimulus checks, you should also check and see if your auto loan, student loans or credit cards offer relief programs.

Knowing where your money is going is the key to financial fitness. Before you do anything else, make sure that you’ve created a budget for your adoption plans. Some people like to use the 50/30/20 rule, but you can stick to whatever works best for you. If you’re putting your money toward anything non-essential, considering cutting some of it out for the time being so that you can focus on your adoption plans.

If possible, you might also think about starting your own fundraiser to help cover some of your adoption costs.

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We’re all a little bit scared right now. The coronavirus has left a huge impact on people’s savings and financial plans for 2020. If you have any fears about how the coronavirus will affect your wallet, you’re not alone.

But adoptions have happened before a pandemic, and they’ll happen long after. No matter what happens, your family-building dreams can still come true. If you have any other questions or concerns about your finances and adoption, reach out to your adoption professional.

The post What if COVID-19 Impacted Your Adoption Savings? first appeared on Considering Adoption.

It’s been a few long months since stay-at-home orders were issued in the United States. If you’re anything like us, you’re itching to see your loved ones in person. But, with that option off the table for now, how are you supposed to maintain a strong connection to your child’s birth family?

With virtual birth parent visits.

The coronavirus might be taking center stage right now, but there are plenty of ways to stay in touch while we’re apart. Whether you’re using Zoom, FaceTime or another video chat platform, check out these seven tips to make your virtual birth parent visit fun for everyone:

1. Start with some icebreakers.

Video calls be pretty awkward, even when there’s not a global pandemic. Add kids who don’t really understand how video calls work to the mix, and you might have a difficult time getting everyone to sit still.

If you’re worried about uncomfortable silences, it helps to have a few questions prepared ahead of time to get the ball rolling. A phone call is a two-way street, so make sure that you give a birth parent time to ask their own questions. If it goes well, you might be talking for longer than you expected!

2. Plan ahead.

No one likes to be the first one to hang up. Before you start the call, try to set a schedule for how long you plan to be on the phone with one another. Make sure you’ve also got set activities in mind. This can help alleviate some anticipation and anxiety.

Don’t forget to ask the birth parents if they have anything they’d like to do, too.

3. Catch a flick.

We’ve got a little bit of time before movies theaters open back up. While you’re waiting for the summer blockbuster, plan your own film festival at home. If you use Chrome, you can download the Netflix Party browser extension. Once it’s finished, pressed the big red “N” in the right-hand corner, pick your movie or TV show, and then share the link with your party. Super simple! Just don’t forget the popcorn.

There’s plenty to watch that’s entertaining for kids of all ages and adults. Start with “Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Incorporated,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender” or “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.” The possibilities are endless.

Whatever you decide to watch, you’re sure to have a great time.

4. Make it a family game night.

You might not be able to gather around the table, but you can still have a great family game night even when you’re apart. There are plenty of fun games that are sure to keep the kids entertained. One of our favorites is Skribblio, a virtual version of Pictionary. You can make your own private room and then share the ID with everyone in the video call. You can even add your own words if you want to make it extra fun. A few more options are Taboo, Scattergories and Quick Draw.

5. Enjoy a meal together.

Food always tastes better when you eat it with great people. If you have a favorite recipe, now’s the time to share it. Set up a day when you can make dinner together in the kitchen over video chat. You can also share tips as you make your meal together step-by-step. Dress up a little and make it a real dinner party.

Check out some recipes that are easy to make with kids so that they stay involved, too.

6. Think outside the box.

Now that everyone’s stuck inside, we’ve all had to think of creative ways to stay in touch and keep ourselves busy. But thankfully, we’ve had plenty of time to think of some great ideas.

A lot of people have been taking their vacations virtually! Zoos, aquariums and museums have had to get creative to keep visitors entertained. While you’re inside, take advantage of everything they’re offering. A few places that you can visit from the comfort of your home are:

• The Louvre
• The San Diego Zoo
• The Georgia Aquarium
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art

You can also use this time to get creative with your hands! Make an arts and craft project together, write a story, or stretch your creative muscles with a game like Mad Libs.

7. Set the stage!

A talent show, show-and-tell or comedy show is a great way for the kids to participate in the call. You can ask them to come prepared ahead of time or let them make it up on the spot!

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We know that settling for a video call isn’t ideal. If you’ve been planning your get-together for a while, it’s disappointing to have to put your plans on the back burner. But just know that you’re not alone. We’re all hanging in there together.

For more suggestions on how to make a memorable virtual birth parent visit, reach out to your adoption professional.

The post 7 Tips for Virtual Visits with Birth Parents first appeared on Considering Adoption.

Meeting your child’s future adoptive family, whether at the hospital or before the big day, is an exciting and nerve-wracking occasion for any prospective birth parent. But, with COVID-19 putting in-person gatherings on hold for the moment, it’s understandable to worry about what that means for your adoption plans.

You’re probably asking: What happens if I won’t see the adoptive parents at the hospital? What if they don’t arrive by the time the baby gets here? What if I don’t enough time to get to know them?

It’s scary to think about not meeting the family before they get to the hospital. While your pre-placement contact will often include phone calls and emails, meeting a family in person is often the best way to know if they’re right for you and your baby.

But you don’t have to worry. There are plenty of ways for you to meet and get to know the adoptive family ahead of time. Choosing the adoptive family for your baby is one of the biggest decisions that you’ll make, and you shouldn’t have to wait just because of an unexpected situation.

Learn everything you need to know about meeting the adoptive family ahead of time right here.

Going Virtual

There are plenty of ways to get to know the family you’ve chosen for your baby. But, we know that what you’re really looking for is an in-person connection. After all, how can you really get to know your child’s family from just a few pictures and a phone call?

While you’re waiting for the chance to safely meet the adoptive family in person, you might think about turning to virtual visits. Thanks to the pandemic, we’ve all had to get a little creative about how we connect with one another. Zoom, FaceTime, and other video call platforms are all at your disposal. We know that virtual calls can be a little awkward, but there are tons of ways that you and the adoptive family can still have a good time during your virtual visit.

Start your own movie party, take a virtual tour of a museum or an aquarium, cook together or have your own arts and crafts party. You can have as many virtual calls before and after the delivery as you want, so you’ll be able to get to know them as well as you desire.

With a virtual visit, you are still in control from start to finish. Your adoption professional can help you set up these video calls, if you need assistance and support.

How Can We Spend Time Together in Person?

Once the adoptive family arrives, you’re probably worried about ways you can spend time together. Although we’re crawling toward a hot summer, there are still a lot of ways to spend time together. Visit your local drive-thru, order your favorite meal, and then tailgate in the parking lot. If it’s not too hot, you can head to the park and then hang out from a safe distance. Another great idea is the drive-in movie theater. Everyone can catch a movie while you chat and hang out together from your separate cars.

While many states still have stay-at-home orders in place, others are starting to slowly open back up. Because the rules are rapidly changing, it’s a good idea to stay updated on health department recommendations before you meet up.

What Should I Do to Stay Busy?

We know waiting for meeting the adoptive family and for delivery will be hard. Right now, all you want to do is make sure that you’ve found the perfect family for your baby — and it’s frustrating to have to wait because of a situation that’s completely out of your control.

If you’re anxious about your open adoption relationship, keep these tips in mind:

• Use social media and messaging apps: Staying connected online is a great way to stay in touch with the adoptive family. Check in with each other through GroupMe, WhatsApp or other platforms so that everyone stays in the loop.
• Keep them updated: There are plenty of ways to show someone you’re thinking of them. If you’d like, keep the adoptive family updated on the baby’s development and any other important milestones. Consider sending thes updates via mail or digitally.Even if they’re far away, the adoptive family would love to see how you and the baby are doing.
• Spend time with friends and family: Waiting for the adoptive family to arrive will be hard, but try to your best to stay positive. In the meantime, friends and family who are supportive of your adoption will love the opportunity to spend time with you.

It might be helpful to check out some other tips for managing long-distance adoptions, too.

Remember, the adoptive family wants to meet you just as much you want to meet them. They’re not going to let a global pandemic stop them if they can help it. If you have any questions or concerns about what to do in the meantime, remember that your adoption professional can help.

For all other questions about meeting the adoptive family ahead of time or other steps in the adoption process, please reach out to an adoption professional near you.

The post Can I Still Meet the Adoptive Family During COVID-19? first appeared on Considering Adoption.

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have rippled throughout the world. Although many of us have started to get used to our new normal, if you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you’re probably feeling an extra layer of stress right about now.

As a prospective birth mother, it’s normal to feel anxious about labor and delivery. But, when you throw in a curveball like a global pandemic, it’s understandable to feel more nervous than normal.

We know that the coronavirus has thrown a wrinkle into everyone’s plans, especially those considering placing babies for adoption. But, adoptions have happened in all kinds of situations, and COVID-19 doesn’t have to stop your plans.

Below, find some helpful information about what to expect from your prenatal appointments and your hospital stay during COVID-19. If you have any other questions, please reach out to your adoption professional or doctor for more information.

Is Prenatal Care Still Available Face-to-Face?

Policies on in-person prenatal care vary by medical professional. The most important thing is to keep everyone safe, and each doctor will have their own rules for doing so.

Right now, medical professionals and hospitals are trying to limit in-person contact as much as possible. A lot of professionals are switching to virtual prenatal care for smaller check-ups. But you may still need to attend in-person appointments for sonograms and other procedures.

When you do, you’ll have to adhere to certain safety policies and requirements. Depending on the professional’s policies, you may need to:

• Wear a mask
• Have your temperature taken
• Sanitize your hands before and after leaving the office/clinic
• Attend by yourself
• Wait in your car until the doctor is ready

Call your doctor ahead of your appointments to find out what policies are in place at their office. Even in this uncertain time, remember that your health should always come first. Attending your prenatal appointments should always be a priority, even in this uncertain time. There might be a few obstacles but getting the right care will ensure that you and your baby are staying safe and as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.

What is the Hospital Experience Like for Prospective Birth Mothers?

The first thing you should know is that every hospital is going to have their own policies. Talk with your doctor and your adoption professional ahead of time to find out how your hospital plan will be affected.

Some situations adoption professionals have recently seen?

• A prospective birth mother has to deliver alone.
• A prospective birth mother can have one member of their support system in the room.
• A prospective birth mother can have the adoptive family in the delivery room.
• The adoptive family cannot come to the hospital at all.
• Only one member of the adoptive family can come to the hospital.
• Once the adoptive family comes to the hospital, they cannot leave until discharge.
• The adoptive family can come and go as they please.

When you’re at the hospital, expect the doctors and nurses to be wearing protective gear, like masks, gloves and covers. You might also be discharged early. Many locations are trying to move people in and out as quickly as possible, so you might only be in the hospital for a day or two.

While you can give birth at home, experts agree that the hospital is still the safest place to give birth. The chances of you getting COVID-19 in the hospital from the maternity ward are slim.

Many prospective birth mothers also wonder if they need to be tested for COVID-19 at the hospital. It really depends on hospital policies, so check with your doctor ahead of time.

Please remember that medical professionals are there to support you during this scary situation. Don’t hesitate to ask your health care provider before you arrive about what to expect.

Know any other women who have given birth over the last few months? It might be helpful to reach out to them and ask about their experience. It can be a relief to talk to someone who knows what you’re going through if you’re feeling lonely, stressed or overwhelmed.

Always remember that your adoption professional will be there to support you through every unknown in the coming months. No matter what you’re feeling, remember that you’re not alone and that you’ll always have someone in your corner.

What Happens if Adoptive Parents Can’t Be There?

The adoptive family will do everything they can to be there with you in person, but it may not always be possible. Some hospitals only allow one visitor, which may be your friend or family member. Remember: You are always in charge of your hospital plan, and you get to choose who will accompany you in the delivery room.

Remember that the adoptive family is as excited to meet you as you are to meet them. They’re not going to let a global pandemic get in the way if they can help it. If the adoptive family is not allowed in the hospital, they will work with you and your adoption professional to make a plan for meeting upon discharge.

During this uncertain time, we know that you’re probably overwhelmed and disappointed at the idea of not being able to see the adoptive family. But, no matter what happens, remember that the adoptive family will always be there to support you — even if you can’t see them face to face. You can always utilize phone calls, video chats and more to make social distancing feel a little less distant.

What are the Effects of COVID-19 on a Pregnant Woman and Her Baby?

In addition to worrying about your adoption plan, you’re probably also worried about how COVID-19 will affect you and your baby. Fortunately, there are no reports that pregnant women are more susceptible to or have worse symptoms from COVID-19 than anyone else. There is also no evidence that the virus can be passed in utero from mother to baby.

While your risks may not be higher than anyone else’s, you should still take the same precautions as the rest of the population. Keep washing your hands, wearing a mask when you go out, and maintaining your distance from others.

Your adoption professional will do everything they can to honor your delivery plan. They will keep you informed of any changing policies and requirements and help you prepare as much as possible. If you have any other questions about what to expect during your hospital stay, reach out to them at any time.

The post How COVID-19 May Impact Your Prenatal Visits and Hospital Plan first appeared on Considering Adoption.