From Infertility to Parenthood: Embracing the Realities of Adoption
In the adoption world, there are many reasons as to why a family may take that specific route when deciding to start their family. However, some of those reasons often begin with a harsh reality that isn't talked about enough--and that reality is infertility.
According to data, 11% of women of the reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems. There's an emotional turmoil for a mother when she finds out that she's infertile. There's a feeling of hurt, grief, sadness and depression.
While the mother is impacted the most by the news of infertility, it ultimately affects the whole family as well. This feeling of knowing that you won't be able to birth your own child; it's a feeling that's unimaginable, especially for those who can understand.
Families who have experienced infertility turn to adoption as their way to start their own family. However, there are also emotional challenges when adopting as well. Not only are the adoptive parents faced with mourning the loss of biological parenthood, they are also navigating the emotional high of welcoming their adopted child in their lives.
This emotional challenge is at the heart of discussions among adoptive families, often shedding light on the struggles within the adoption process.
Experiencing waves of guilt, even after welcoming adopted children into their homes, is a normal thing for families who have experienced infertility. Managing these challenging emotions for some adoptive families will be an ongoing process of self-discovery and acceptance.
Adoption after infertility is very unspoken discussion in the adoption community. Whether there are families out who turned to adoption after experiencing infertility, there aren't many stories out there to tell--there aren't many families out there who are willing to share their story and journey.
It's important to seek out other families within the adoption community who also experienced adoption after infertility. It's important to embrace their unique narratives and seek support from others in their communities. Even when someone thinks that they are alone in their journey of adoption after infertility--they are not. While everyone's story is different, there will always be someone out there willing to listen.