Hi adopters

[Chococlare]

Hi everyone, just popping by to say hello and ask for any words of wisdom or do's and don'ts with starting on our journey to adopting. I was diagnosed with infertility due to premature ovarian failure 2 years ago and to become pregnant via Ivf would have to use a donor egg. We are very close to top of the list for this but have decided to close the door on this option and proceed with adopting. I have always wanted to adopt but it was difficult to close the door on ivf as it meant accepting not only could I not use my own eggs but would never carry and give birth. But I do think those 9 months are probably a very small part of being a mum. Anyway I'm going on. Thanks for reading.

Yes it is similar in that sense, we have also found out lots more of our wider circle have either been adopted, adopted a child themselves or have a close friend who has

I too was delighted to close the door on IVF, and actually I'm pretty delighted that I don't have to go through pregnancy and birth, strange as that might sound.

Our two adopted boys are amazing, I couldn't love anything or anyone more. They are a joy to us every day and I think that we were meant to be their parents.

The process is long for a good reason. You need time to adapt in your own mind and get used to all the information.

Good luck and best wishes for your new family

Thanks girls, can't believe how good it feels to move forward so sure we've made the right decision. So pleased for you all.

Hi Choco, welcome to the world of adoption, you're in for a roller coaster of a journey, one which really only starts at placement! But it will hopefully be a very fulfilling one.
We had that annoying "non specified infertility" but decided after tons of soul searching not to go ahead with IVF treatment. Adoption was our chance of having a family that we really wanted.
Our application process from start to finish took about 18 months but it's much faster now from what I read on here and from the Adoption UK info. We were placed with a 15 month old little girl 16 months ago and she is utterly amazing. We love her to bits and wouldn't change anything but it's not been easy. She's generally a very happy go lucky little girl but there are attachment issues in that she is still very complacent about being overly friendly with friendly adults who are virtual strangers. She'll readily hold hands with people she barely knows. We're trying to get on top of things though with a lot of one to one time and we have accessed some post adoption support therapy. We love her so much (did I mention that ??!) and are so pleased we went down the adoption route because the thought of not having her in our lives is unthinkable.
Good luck and keep posting,x

Hi Copper13, thanks for the welcome. Aw so nice to hear you're so in love with your daughter. I hope your therapy works out well for you all. Funny you mention time span...we received an info pack in the post today and it was saying that they hope to have everything cleared in 6 months!!!! Does it seriously happen that quickly now, I was expecting 2 yrs give or take a few months?! I'm so excited about the prospects of completing my family. X

I did registration of interest to approval panel in 5 months, think being single was easier on some of the things that can cause delays like medicals and DBS etc.. One of the couples from my prep groups still hasn't had panel (will be 9+months) booked early march, and hold ups were medicals and DBS getting lost so yes it is much faster but at some point I think delays kick in! Deep breath and smile is the only thing to do! I expected 2 years when I started but it's more like a year these days xx

Hi

I believe everyone has a path in life and I truly believe I was not destined to give birth to my child. My husband and I are adopting and welcoming a 1 year old in May. It's a long but worthwhile process and important to remember that you are (importantly) giving a home to a child not necessarily bringing a child to your home.

Congratulation!!