First-Time Parents? How to Prepare for a Baby

by | Jul 23, 2015 | Adoptive Families Blog

Happy new parents pose for a photo with their sleeping babyMany couples who are waiting to adopt will be parents for the first time through adoption. They want to educate themselves and prepare for a newborn. But, the parenting classes given at hospitals may make them too sad, since they’re filled with expecting couples.

Instead of attending a class like that, here are a few other options:

  • Attend a class given specifically for adoptive couples
  • Go to a class that’s designed as a “refresher” course for grandparents
  • Talk with women in your family or group of friends who have recently become moms.
  • Consult a woman who’s been a daycare provider. They can be great advisors.
  • Purchase a book to get ready for your baby, such as What to Expect the First Year

In most adoptions that Lifetime sees, your baby will be released at the hospital directly to you, the adoptive couple. If your adoption goes this way, you’ll be a part of the discharge at the hospital. This means that their nurses will go over baby basics such as formula, bathing, cord care and any other info that you’ll want to know. It’s a good idea to ask them questions during that time. Another great thing that you can do is to find a pediatrician you feel comfortable with. Ask local friends with children for referrals to who they liked. Pediatricians can provide you with tons of information you need in your baby’s early weeks, and later as your baby grows.

It’s very typical to feel apprehensive about becoming a parent for the first time. Please get in touch with your Adoption Coordinator at Lifetime if you have any questions about first-time adoptive parenting or preparing for a baby.

Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P.

Written by Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P.

Founder of Lifetime Adoption, adoptive mom, adoption expert, and Certified Open Adoption Practitioner (C.O.A.P).

Since 1986, adoption expert Mardie Caldwell has been dedicated to bringing couples and birth parents together in order to fulfill their dreams.

“Many years ago, I was also searching for a child to adopt. We didn’t know where or how to get started. Through research, determination, and a prayer, our dream of a family became reality. I started with a plan, a notebook, assistance from a caring adoption consultant and a lot of hard work; this was my family I was building. We had a few heartaches along the way, but the pain of not having children was worse!

Within weeks we had three different birth mothers choose us. We were overwhelmed and delighted. Many unsettling events would take place before our adoption would be finalized, many months later. Little did I know that God was training and aligning me for the adoption work I now do today. It is my goal to share with our families the methods and plans which succeed and do not succeed. I believe adoption should be affordable and can be a wonderful “pregnancy” for the adoptive couple.

I have also been on both sides of infertility with the loss of seven pregnancies and then conceiving by new technology, giving birth to a healthy daughter. I have experienced first-hand the emotional pain of infertility and believe my experience allows me to serve your needs better.

It is my hope that for you, the prospective parents, your desire for a child will be fulfilled soon.”

Read More About Mardie Caldwell

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