Single Moms and Adoption

on January 13, 2009 at 6:32 AM

There are lots of ways to become a mama, and not all of them mean experiencing labor and delivery. The end result in any case is the same -- you've got a baby.

Adoption is an important topic around here, and, I have to say, moms are smart, well-informed, and supportive. It's wonderful!

I read a post by kristen78 recently in International Adoption about being single and interested in adopting internationally. Here's what some single moms who've done it or are in the process of adopting had to say about their experiences.

"I'm a single third grade teacher and I adopted my daughter from Brazil. She came to live with me on a medical visa (she needed eye surgery and tubes in her ears) when she was two, and we went to Brazil to finalize things and change her last name to mine when she was three. The process wasn't difficult." -- sljinga

"I'm in the process of adopting from Armenia and so far I've been happy with the agency and the process. I also know single moms can adopt from Russia, and I've heard that Bulgaria is opening again and will accept single moms." -- janinnc

"Guatemala is currently closed and it's not certain when they'll re-open, but Ethiopia is a good option that's very single-friendly." -- Guatmama

"I'm a single mom who adopted my son from China, but unfortunately they no longer accept singles. Now I'm working on adopting again from Russia." -- deliasmom2009

"Here's a great site to learn more about international adoption -- karensadoptionlinks.com. The woman who keeps the list is a single mom with two kids from Russia." -- Azure11111

"I've adopted twice as a single mom from Russia. My adoptions were both the most precious and the most stressful times of my life. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You can read more about my journey on my blog -- AdoptionOptionStories.blogspot.com." -- AdoptionOption

Of course there are all sorts of ways adoptive families are created -- through international adoption, domestic adoption, with single parents, or as a couple. To connect with other parents and to get info, check out:

And for insight from one happy mama who adopted, read Cafe Suzanne's wonderful chat with JayGirlsMom -- 5 Things Never to Say to an Adoptive Parent.

Are you thinking about adoption? Are you already an adoptive mama? Share your story here.

Filed Under: adoption

Comments (10)

babycakes254

on Jan 13, 2009 at 9:22 AM

My MIL adopted 4 kids as a single mother and did great! Good luck to all you ladies!

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Cafe Suzanne

on Jan 13, 2009 at 3:44 PM

I think about adoption a lot. I'm not single, but I think single moms can adopt from Ethiopia. I went through the entire adoption process and should have gotten a referral in December, but when the agency found out I had a 1-year-old baby, they kept our money and took us off the list and said we'd have to reapply, which is crazy to me. So if I ever do adopt, I won't be using that agency!

JayGirlsMom

on Jan 13, 2009 at 3:45 PM

I love hearing others stories about their road to adoptions! way to go! hope you all have your forever family together soon!
thanks for using the pic of my sweet girl! she was adopted domesticly at birth in 2007. we have an open adoption. any questions are welcome, please send me a PM if you want!

thanks for calling attention to a great way to build great families!

sneekapeek911

on Jan 14, 2009 at 1:14 PM

I think its wonderful!!!

Amy_Marie63

on Jan 14, 2009 at 2:58 PM

My daughter is pregnant for the second time and has just turned 18 - not in a committed relationship. I can't seem to convince her she NEEDS to use protection. I'm also trying deperately to convince her to carry full term and place the baby in an adoption service. Help?? Thoughts??

ameliasmama1026

on Jan 14, 2009 at 3:51 PM

Adoption is a wonderful way to build your family. We adopted our youngest daughter at birth and have a very open adoption with her birthmother. Cafe Suzanne was there anything in your contract about young children? If there wasn't you can file a complaint against them.

lexis1818

on Jan 15, 2009 at 10:04 AM

I have been thinking about adopting for a while and I am a single mother or a two year old. I would prefer to adopt soon than later. I notice that many more people are discussing international adoption? Is there a reason for that? I would prefer to adopt domestically are there more restrictions or red tape to get through to do this? Does anybody know or have experience with either or both and the financial costs associated with them? If so please send me a private message so we can discuss. I thank all of you for your comments and help!

dontknow423

on Jan 15, 2009 at 4:24 PM

i am currently 16 and going on my 2nd child i am confused and my mom wants me to abort this one wat should i do help please

tracebear14

on Mar 22, 2010 at 3:14 PM

Don'tknow423, I wouldn't abort. I'm sorry. I'm dead against it. I have a friend that's been thinking about adoption. She's a 30 year old single mom to a 4 1/2 year old. She received a devestating diagnosis in November and was told that her chances of conceiving naturally a second time are extremely slim. She would like to adopt domestically. If anyone's done this in New York state as a single mom, feel free to contact her: stull79@hotmail.com. She knows that I am doing this.

melriah30

on Apr 19, 2010 at 2:57 PM

I am very interested in adopting domestically. I have a 4 1/2 year old and was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome in November and told that my chances of conceiving a second baby naturally would be near impossible, but I don't want my daughter to be an only child. I would like to have another daughter. I also went for an ultrasound the other day and it looks like one of the cysts is getting ready to rupture.