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Open Adoption Blog

03/28/07

Your New Addition

Posted by : Coley S. in Open Adoption Blog at 09:09 pm , 372 words, 114 views
Categories: Open Adoption Concerns, Emotions, For Birthmoms

Yesterday I wrote about dealing with new additions to your child’s adoptive family and then my co-blogger Deb wrote about the reaction of her daughter’s birth family when they added

another child to their family. But how do you deal with new additions to your own family? How can you have a baby and parent that baby yet still make your birthchild feel loved.

I have a few suggestions and tips for you. Please note though that these tips will vary dependent on your child’s current age.

Depending on your child’s age, call (or go see depending on the circumstances) and tell your child yourself instead of letting someone else tell him or her. Hearing the news from you will make your child feel loved as you are taking the time to tell him/her yourself. Let your child be one of the first people you call to share the news and let he or she know this. Also, let your child be one of the first people you call from the hospital after the baby is born.

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Involve your child as much as possible. (Again depending on his/her age.) Give your child his or her very own copy of your ultrasound, his/her first picture of his/her new sibling.

Consider making your child a part of the naming process by letting him or her suggest names or by giving him or her “veto power.”

Reassure your child through out your pregnancy as needed.

If possible, invite your child to your baby shower.

Spend some special time with your child during your pregnancy as things may become hectic once the baby is born as you adjust to the schedule and needs of a newborn.