Launching a Baby's Adoption:
Practical Strategies for Parents and
Professionals by Patricia
Irwin Johnston
Adoption usually
involves several different parties: the
child, the birthparents, the adoptive
parents, and the agency, social worker,
or lawyer. Each has a unique perspective
on the process. In Pregnant? Adoption Is
an Option, Lindsay?a former teen parent,
educator, and author?focuses on today's
adoption process (closed adoptions are no
longer the rule) and the rights of
birthparents. Here, 39 birthparents share
their experiences and the emotional
implications of their decisions. The
topics discussed include the role of the
birthfather, the child's extended family,
the importance of counseling, selection
of the adoptive parents, birth, grieving,
and planning ahead. Lindsay provides the
informational tools necessary to develop
an "adoption plan," which gives
the birthparents a sense of control. This
book provides the basic education and
empowerment essential for birthparents to
make the right decision for their baby.
Johnston, an infertility and adoption
educator as well as author, wants to
educate adoptive parents and
professionals about
"child-centered" adoptions.
With the emergence of "open
adoption," she tries to quiet the
fears of perspective adoptive parents by
emphasizing the benefits of honesty and
openness. Practical suggestions for
welcoming an adoptive baby include
discussion of the impact of past
infertility, society's and the family's
reaction to adoption, naming the baby,
bonding, attachment, and birthparent
relationships. Information on the baby's
past experiences and conditions as well
as future expectations are intended to
ease a sometimes difficult transition.
The well-being of the child being of
primary importance, Johnston encourages
the involvement of all parties to provide
for a smooth transition and healthy
upbringing. Both books are excellent
primers for birthparents and perspective
adoptive parents.