[jlucas]

Hi, I am new to this topic but not new to adoption. My husband and I are in the process of doing an international adoption and have been for a couple of years. A few minutes ago, we received a phone call from a person that we know. She has an aquaintance that is due to give birth in 30 days and wants to put it up for adoption. Her and the father are in their forties and have already placed one baby up for adoption two years ago. I talked to the birth mother shortly but she is suppose to call me back. I know that I need to get more information from her but this is what she has said so far. She has a seizure disorder. She has not had prenatal care. I did not get the chance to ask her about drugs but I know that there is a strong possibility of drug use. I have spent two years researching issues associated with adopting an older (2 or 5 year old) child from an orphanage but I do not know alot about adopting a newborn and the issues there could be. I have made a list of questions to ask. I also know that alot of time the birthparents change there minds at the last minute. That is not a worry for me right now because this baby should be born 2 months before we are suppose to travel to adopt internationally. They are also not asking for money. We are more worried about the seizure disorder and possible drug use. Are there test that can be done. Has anyone had experience with this type of issue. Please share anything you can with us. I would be so tempted to just say no but I think about our nephew who was drug exposed. He is five now and so smart and cute. I have no idea how he turned out so great. Jennifer

[pwheatle]

I just saw your post today. Did things work themselves out? I know about prenatal exposure to antiseizure meds etc.
Curious to hear what happened. Sorry you did not get any other responses.
Tricia

[hoppiebarker]

Hello,
I do not have a wealth of knowledge but I do know that a child exposed to drugs in utero can have mild to sever delays along with numerous other med problems. When she used, and what type of drugs she was taking also differ in the possiblities and degrees of delays and withdrawls at birth. A baby born cocaine positive is very hard to sooth as with Meth babies that we are seeing a lot more. Statistics on Meth are still quit vauge as the "epidemic" has not been around that long to see the long term effects. Unlike alcohol (FAE/FAS). I also know they can be fine and not effected! As far as the epilepsy, my adopted sons B/Mom took meds during her pregnancy and he was not effected. But I don't know anything more than that. There's plenty of info out there as you know so research and then decide given the worst senario is this something you and your family would want to do. Also, adopting internationally doesn't come with any guarantees either.
Good Luck in whatever my come