The birth of an open adoption

September 25, 12:03 PMOpen Adoption ExaminerLori Holden

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Image: Life From Here

How does an open adoption begin? Here's one case study.

Though she didn't take prenatal vitamins or undergo gestational glucose screening, Luna did quite a bit to prepare for a very special birth of a lifestyle. Luna and the others joined in love for Baby J have created an open adoption that shows signs of long-term wellness.

Just as a healthy pregnancy has milestones, so does a healthy open adoption. Here are some of them, as described by new adoptive mom Luna.

• Fully grieving infertility so that the baby is not expected to cure it.
• Educating friends and family on what open adoption is
• Opening their hearts and working through fears
• Enjoying the first connection with an expectant mother, K, who considered Luna and her husband to be adoptive parents for her child
• Resolving more inner anguish
• Anticipating yet not placing expectations; staying present
• Creating metaphors with K
• Rejoicing at new life
• Establishing a relationship with extended birthfamily members
• Affirming openness
• Contemplating the concepts of "owning" and "claiming" another person
• Cultivating a dynamic relationship with Baby J's firstmom