[staple]

Hey all,

Just wanted to hear other peoples opinions on this... Me and my wife have been married for 5 years (as of 2 days ago). I'm not lieing when I say it has been the best thing that could of ever happend. I'm truly confident without a doubt we can weather anything together. We currently have no children, and had truly planned on waiting for another four years (until we had bought a house). Financially, we are stable, but remain so by spending frugaly. I am 24 and my lovely wife is 23.

Just wanted some other opinions on this....
My older sister-in-law is non married and now 2 months pregnant. She is a very nice hearted person but currently going through some serious health problems. She has been diagnosed with Post tramatic stress syndrome and Bi-Polar. She denied it most her life, but got pregnant months after she finally started recieving treatment. She does not believe in abortion, neither do we. Today she asked us if we would adopt her baby immediately after birth. It would be uneventful I'm sure (no risk of future lawsuits or drama like that) but I'm worried for the babies sake. How involved should we be during the pregnancy if we accept this? Also, for a truly healthy baby, how would you work breast feeding in? It seems awkward, however, I would much rather keep her child as mine than have it go to an unknown family. There's so many questions... Is there any material anyone knows of that deals with this particular type of situation?

Thanks for any advise and I do realise this is a true blessing.

Thanks so much!

al

[ccmccoy]

I do not have any personal experience with this (we are adopting inernationally). However, I have a friend that just adopted a new born and she and her husband were present for the the birth. They felt this was a wonderful experience and would not trade it for the world. I have also heard that an adopted mother can breast feed. This sounds impossible but our bodies our wonderful and misterious things. Check with La Leche League (I think they have a website) they would be very supportive.

God Bless you!!! Adoption is a blessed jounery.

Cheryl

[BABY GIRL J]

THAT WOULD BE, A PRIVATE MESSAGE I LEFT YOU. GO TO THE HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON PRIVATE MESSAGES AND YOU'LL GET MY POST FOR YOU! TAKE CARE~RACHEL

[Jody M]

Dear AL, Thanks so much for posting and sharing with us your journey. How wonderful that you have a lovely wife God has blessed you with. God is the author of relationships and family. He knew we would need each other. Regarding your sister-in-law and the baby that is a personal decision that you will need to pray about and discuss openly and honestly with your sister-in-law. Adoption among relatives is truly a beautiful choice and I believe very wonderful for the adoptee to stay connected to his/her birth family. But it also can produce stress and tension if parties do not agree on parenting or boundaries of who makes the decisions after the adoption are not clearly defined. Are you able to openly discuss this with your sister-in-law. It may be important to involve other trusted and loving family members or a church pastor in the plans and negotiating. An exciting time for you and a wonderful option for the baby and mother if parenting is not an option for her.
Lord, We ask that you be with Al and his wife and her sister at this time. Many decisions have to be made for this precious life that you have created. Walk before this family and clearly show them the way. May the stay intimately connected to you in prayer each step of this journey. And may they depend on your divine wisdom and guidance. We know you have wonderful plans for this baby and ask that you help Al and his wife discern whether they would be the parents if the sister-in-law is open and favorable to this plan. In Jesus name, Amen

Jody
adoption@wideopenwest.com
http:www.adoptionblessingsnewsletter.com