Late-in-Life Motherhood: By Adoption

The paths to late-in-life motherhood are varied. Some women to choose to wait to have children until they are older. Some are surprised by an unexpected pregnancy.

If you are over 35 and are considering adopting a child, let me recommend Laura Christentian's book The Adoption Decision: 15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting, which helps prospective adoptive parents work through insecurities and questions about adoption and adoptive parenting.

Laura specializes in writing and speaking about adoption-related issues. An adoptive mom since 1992, Laura is the founder and coordinator of Heartbeat Ministries. Based in Seattle’s University Presbyterian Church, Heartbeat Ministries offers support, encouragement, and resources for infertile couples, pre- and post-adoptive families.

Among the topics covered in this “how-to for the heart”:

• Creative ways to announce your decision to adopt
  


• Understanding the critical role birth parents play


• Working through the emotions of a failed adoption
  


• Unpacking the “baggage” an older child brings into an adoptive family
  


• Processing culture shock after international adoption
  


• Managing your child’s behavioral challenges


• Expressing unconditional love to your child

Laura also has a blog called Exploring Adoption that is a wonderful resource for adoptive parents too.