Symptoms Of Post-Adoption Depression

It is common for new adoptive parents to suffer from depression after an adoption.

Symptoms of Post-Adoption Depression are:

• Feeling blue, tearful, irritable


• Weight loss or gain


• Inability to sleep or noticeably sleeping more


• Feeling restless, or a feeling of being slowed down


• Fatigue


• Loss of interest in activities that used to bring pleasure, or a diminished pleasure in those activities


• A feeling of worthlessness, or guilt


• Unable to concentrate


• Thoughts of suicide

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek counseling, and know that you are not alone.  Surround yourself with a support system of friends and family members who are understanding, and won't judge you.  In time, this will pass, be patient, and allow yourself adequate time to adjust to your new role as an adoptive parent.

Birth Mother’s Day: Gift Ideas

Birth Mother’s Day is celebrated the Saturday before Mother’s Day each year.  Many adoptive parents realize the gift and sacrifice that their adopted child’s birth mother made for them to be able to have their adopted child. 

Here are some ideas for honoring your child’s birth mother on her special day:

• Give her a mother’s ring, locket, or other piece of jewelry which holds a photo of the child she placed for adoption, the child’s birth stone, or other significant symbol.


• Video tape the child playing at the park, at the zoo, or other special place where the child is having fun, and give this as a special keepsake.


• Another idea is to video tape a normal day in the life of your child.  Your child’s birth mother will appreciate seeing what her child’s daily life is like, and it will confirm to her that her child is doing well and is happy.


• Make a plaster hand or foot print of your child.


• Write a letter of gratitude to your child’s birth mother.  Express your heart felt appreciation for her sacrifice and gift, and include photos of the child.


• Start a blog or webpage about your child, include lots of photos and details about daily life and special events.  To keep your private life private, many blogs have the capability of setting it private to all but invited users.

Post Adoption Support Systems

Setting up a good support system is an important part of the adoption process. Choose to surround yourself in the days and weeks following the adoption with friends and family members who are in agreement with your adoption plan, and will be supportive of you as you adjust to your new parenting role. Now is not the time to have frequent contact with those who are not supportive of your decision to adopt, or your adopted child. You need time to get acquainted with your child, and to get used to the changes within your new family. You and your spouse are going through some major life-changes, and being surrounded by a loving and positive support system will make coping with these changes much easier.

Another way to surround yourself with supportive people is to seek out an adoptive parent support group, or consider starting one in your area. Also, if you find yourself exhibiting the symptoms of Post-Adoption Depression, do not hesitate to seek counseling by an experienced adoption counselor.

Showing Appreciation to Your Child’s Birth Mother

If you have adopted privately, and are remaining in contact with your child’s birth mother, don’t forget to honor her on Birth Mother’s Day which is the Saturday before Mother’s Day.  Show her your appreciation by sending her a gift that she will treasure:  a locket with a smiling photo of your child, or a lock of his/her hair; a handwritten letter of gratitude, including a detailed description of your child’s day-to-day life, and a photo.  There are several adoption shops online that carry beautiful gifts designed especially with the birth mother in mind.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money to let your child’s birth mother know that you are thankful for the gift of your adopted child.

Birth Mother's Day

Birth Mother's Day is a holiday that is celebrated the Saturday before Mother's Day for adopting parents to commemorate the birth mothers in their lives. Some support groups may offer ceremonies to celebrate Birth Mother's Day. Other parents choose to celebrate the holiday by sending a card, a letter, or flowers to the birth mother.