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We foster newborns. We have #2, #4, and #6 with us right now. They have come home anywhere from exactly 24hrs old to as old as 4 days. It is a wonderful experience, I love doing it. HOWEVER.... you have to be willing to experience a lot of heartache and rollercoaster rides! Notice that #1, #3, and #5 are missing from above. OUCH! Of the three we have now we are adopting #2, we've had him since he was 4 days old. He's 16 Months today. #4 we've had since she was 3 days old and she will be returning to Mom in April at 17 months old. #6 has been with us since she was exactly 24 hrs old and her fate remains to be decided. We'll know more at the end of the month. People think we're crazy when I roll into the grocery store with my 3... all 6 months apart. But there is something wonderful you get from knowing that you are giving these children the best start possible even if it's only for a short while.
One thing that I think people forget when they consider taking newborns is that just like all other children in foster care. These children are not your "typical" babies. Most have drug exposure... which requires a whole different method of care. Often there has been little to no prenatal care and you have little to no family history so you have to be hypervigilant in watching for health issues. Learn everything you can about Medically Fragile and Drug Effected infants before you begin. Even if you don't find the classes themselves helpful your connections to others will prove to be invaluable.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
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