[Braxton04]

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to introduce myself as a new member of your board and share my story.
My husband and I are now officially "in the books" and waiting to be matched! We live in PA and are going through Adoptions From the Heart. We struggled with infertility for years before finally, with the help of fertility drugs, got pregnant with our son Braxton. After overcoming such a hurdle to get pregnant, I never thought I'd be dealt another blow and be unable to carry my son to term. At just 23 weeks along, I went into preterm labor and delivered my little preemie (just 1lb 3oz, 12" long). He was a little fighter and hung in there for 11 days. Now he's my angel in Heaven.
I was just curious how many of you have experienced the loss of a child and what your adoption experience was like in light of that. It is weird because I feel like I can understand what these birthmom's are going through since essentially, I am also a mom without my baby. I also know what it feels like to leave the hospital empty handed.
Anyway, I am so excited to be on this adoption journey and just can't wait till we get "the call". Just the thought of being parents again and yet, in a way, for the first time, is so amazing. I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming months as this board looks like a wonderfully supportive place as we go on this journey.

[Lovebug]

Hi Rachel,

Welcome to the forum! I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope that your wait is short and sweet and you have a child in your arms again soon. There is a lot of info and support here so feel free to ask away! Good luck!

--Renee

[mumofone]

Welcome to the board.

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I can only imagine how hard that must have been for your family.

Good luck with your adoption journey.

Take care.

[baby2luv]

Hello Rachel!

I went through almost the exact situation that you did. I went into preterm labor at 19 weeks and my little boy lived just for an hour. So I know exactly what you are saying. By the time that we started the adoption process I was more than ready and felt that this was the way I was going to have a family.
I have a little girl through adoption. We decided to go the domestic infant route since we had lost a baby already and we wanted to experience that stage. The bmom that we matched with wanted us to go to the remaining dr. visits and wanted us to be in the hospital room during labor and delivery if we wanted to. We did all that and it was amazing. We have a deep connection with the bmom because we spent a lot of time getting to know each other before our daugher was born. We are starting the process again and I hope that we can have a similar experience with the next bmom.
Good luck to you!!
Kathy

[faithnhim]

Welcome,

I'm also a mother of an angel. Like you, I had many years of infertility before a spontaneous pregnancy that ended with the premature birth of my daughter at 25 weeks. Jasmine was 1lb 12oz and 12 inches long. She only lived for a few hours.

We're adopting domestically, but through the foster system (up to age 3). We're taking this route partly because we feel led to do so, but also because of what you stated in your post about knowing what birthmothers go through. Although I doubt if I feel this way forever, I can't at this time imagine being on the joyous receiving end of a birthmother's pain and emptiness. Just thinking about the ultimate sacrifice that birthmothers make, take me back to the day when I had to hand over my own precious baby girl.

I'm certain your experience will allow you to empathize with a birth family and allow you to form a special bond.

Good luck to you and I luck forward to following your posts.

[missyB77]

I haven't faced this kind of loss but I have felt the loss of a failed adoption. It was heart wrenching and I didn't even meet my baby at that point. I feel for you and I am just here to lend support and a shoulder. I will pray for you and thank you for telling your story.

[Luv]

Rachel,

Thank you for sharing your story w/us. I just wanted to welcome you to the forum you are going to LOVE the folks on here w/o them I dont think I could get through some days w/sanity.

Take care,

Luv