Many adoptive families have shared with us that the wait to be chosen by a birth mother is stressful. Lifetime Adoption encourages you to turn the waiting phase of your adoption journey into a constructive time. Many of our waiting adoptive families have asked us if there’s anything they can do to make their wait less difficult. The answer is definitely “yes!” So today, we’re sharing another installment in our series Before You Adopt, about a productive activity you can do during your adoption wait.
Research pediatricians in your town or area and select one before you bring your baby home. Choosing a pediatrician during your adoption wait checks one more item off your newborn “to-do” list now, and you won’t have to worry about it later! Ask your friends or family members in the area for recommendations on which doctors they like. The American Academy of Pediatrics keeps a list of board-certified pediatricians; just use their Find a Pediatrician tool. You could also do some research online by searching for reviews of pediatricians on websites like RateMDs, Healthgrades, or Angie’s List.
Call the pediatric offices you’re considering, and ask them if they have weekend hours. After all, children often get sick on a Friday, but it isn’t an obvious “get to the doctor now” sickness until Saturday morning. Also look into how long it takes to get an appointment and whether they accept your health insurance. Arrange to meet the pediatricians you’re considering in person. Is the doctor a friendly “people person” and are the office staff helpful?
Here are 7 questions you can ask the pediatricians you’re thinking about:
- How long have you been in practice?
- What is your childcare outlook? (e.g. about circumcision, vaccinations, and discipline issues.)
- Are you in a group practice? (if the pediatrician is in a solo practice, ask who covers when he’s away.)
- How long do check-ups usually last?
- What are your office hours?
- How does your office handle emergencies?
- Do you have a call-in policy? Who will answer my questions when I call?
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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