The Waiting Period

• Author: Jeffrey Kasky; Robert Andrew Kasky
• Pages: 63-66

63

CHAPTER

11

The Waiting Period

The waiting period is the period of time between the acceptance of a match by both the birth parent(s)

and the prospective adoptive family and the delivery of the baby. No doubt this period is filled with

anxiety, excitement, doubt, joy, and many other emotions. We typically refer to this period of time as a

“roller-coaster ride” as there are days when the news and emotions are high and others when the news

and emotions are low. Yes, there are undramatic adoptions, but the prospective adoptive family should

be prepared for the drama and roller coaster of emotions during this period. Attention to detail, frequent

communication, and excellence in the delivery of professional services to the birth parents may go a long

way to reduce the drama, but no matter what level of service is provided, anything can happen.

Obviously, the duration of the waiting period is based on the dates when the match is made and the

date when the birth mother delivers. Some women begin the adoption process immediately upon learning

of their pregnancy, and others begin after they complete the decision-making process and conclude that

adoption is in the best interests of the child as well as themselves. Whatever the time period is, it seems to

last forever for both the birth parent(s) and the prospective adoptive family.

During this waiting period, the family should expect the agency to provide them with medical reports

of each visit to the OB or any other health-care provider and the family is encouraged to take such re-

ports to their personal physician for an independent and impartial review. The reports will, of course, be

redacted to remove the birth mother’s name to maintain her privacy and confidentiality.

When the birth mother is being compliant and going to all of her doctor, laboratory, ultrasound, and

other appointments, the process appears to be efficient and perhaps the stress level is more manageable.

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