It feels like the national conversation, or buzz, seems to focus on adoption more often now than in previous years. While it could be I notice it more now because I’m an adoptive mom, I feel it’s also because of the celebrity baby boom.

Photos and stories of celebrity parents and their kids are plastered in magazines, web sites and TV shows. Heck, I’ve even caught the fever and busted myself checking out Rebel Dad and Celebrity Baby Blog to see who was pushing what brand of stroller. (I haven’t seen a star pushing a Graco in Blueberry yet – but I’m holding out.)

I’ve mentally noted how cute Gwen Stephani, Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner and Brooke Shields looked while slinging their babies.

How is this latest star baby craze related to adoption? Well, not only did entertainment publications shine the spotlight on what designer outfit Violet Affleck was wearing, the paparazzi also followed her parents from suspected pregnancy until now. It’s no secret that Courtney Cox had fertility help and that people questioned Tom Cruise’s ability to get Katie Holmes pregnant. (And fanned the fire that Suri must look like an alien since her parents didn’t immediately dangle her for show-n-tell in front of the photogs.)

How celebrities became parents is also open to public scrutiny. Many actors and actresses have adopted, are adopting or are thinking about adoption. Angelina Jolie made huge headlines with her adoption of Maddox and then Zahara – and then again when Brad Pitt filed to adopt the same children. Not long ago Meg Ryan was featured on Oprah. She talked the international adoption of her daughter Daisy. Way back in the memory banks I remember reading about Rosie O’Donnell and Calista Flockhart adopting children. More recently in the news were stories about Sharon Stone adopting again and Bruce Willis considering adopting (and being an advocate for foster/adopt).

Does the bright light on celebrity adoption make it seem like a fad to those not involved in adoption?

About.com is hosting a poll asking a similar question in their adoption/foster section, “Do you think celebrities have it easy when it comes to adoption?” They offer three answers to choose from. You can cast your vote here.

I, for one, don’t think they have it easy. Well, maybe the financing part of it is easier to come by – but don’t they still have to go through the same background checks and home studies like the rest of us? I imagine it must be an emotional rollercoaster regardless of who you are. I believe Meg Ryan talked about her adoption taking close to two years. (I could be wrong, going off of memory here) Which sounds pretty average as adoption timelines go.

I wonder though, with all this focus on adoption in the media – is it helping society in general be more open about adoption? Is it helping to shed light on the positive and negative aspects of adoption? Or are people quickly jumping from that information and scanning pictures to see if Jolie’s little girl is wearing pink princess Robeez?

What are your thoughts?