[ryansbella]

How does the whole adoption travel thing work? When you get "the call" that PBM is in labor do you call the airline to get the next flight out or do you head straight to the airport to take the next flight out? Also, what do you pack? Our baby's not due until May but I find gathering this silly info helps the time go by a little eaiser.
Thanks!
____________________________
mommy to Mikayla-home grown
Matched-December 11, 2005
Baby Due-May 2006

[joskimo]

what we did was plan to go on airline miles and when we got the call we were able to get out in 3 hours, no late fees to worry about, no extreme costs because it was last minute. I'd researched where we wanted to stay and left it up to the airline mileage reservation desk on how to get me 2000 miles away. When we left that state after ICPC, same thing, called the airline and they figured out how to route me home.

[MMC66]

We were advized by the airline to buy a ticket around the time we expected to travel, then change it when we got "the call" and that that was much easier than trying to buy a ticket at the last minute.

I second the idea of scoping out a place to stay. Something like a Residence Inn or a suite is best since you may have to be there for a while. We checked with the hospital where Addy was born and they had apartments on the hospital campus that they rented to family members of patients and they let us stay for $50 a night. We had a full kitchen, bedroom, livingroom, bath, it was great. Lots of hospitals have similar set ups or if they don't lots of time, they have agreements with nearby hotels/suites where you can get special rates.

As far as what to bring. I think the stuff that's listed for what to have for a newborn is good and if you don't have a laundromat nearby - bring extras of everything plus tons of sweats and t-shirts for yourself since you'll be spit up on etc and having some sleepless nights.

Hope you have your baby in your arms soon!!!!

Martha

[LisaCA]

we were matched at the last minute so we didn't really have time to plan. I arrived about 30 hours after dd was born, having to travel cross country.

If I had it to do over again, I'd figure out how I planned to get there in advance. I'd also figure out where to stay, or at least options. Find out where the target is nearby (or whatever store you plan to buy goodies at), I'd have baby clothes packed, and an idea of what to bring. Think that you'll be there at least 7-10 days waiting for ICPC. you'll need a guide book to give you advice on stuff to do (seven days can be rather long when you really just want to go home, lol).

[ucme4dk]

I agree with Joskimo,
When Abby was born we were given about 12 hours notice, and were very lucky to be able to fly on frequent flyer miles. She was born Friday at 11pm and we arrived Sat at noon. Airline fees are absolutely astronomical if you try to book a last minute fare. Good luck with everything!

Edited to add that I packed lots of newborn clothing already washed, stroller, carseat, and bottles. I also had a diaper bag packed with wipes, dipers ect. There will be plenty of stores to buy formula, extra diapers ect. I did not want to pack too much although I packed a ton, just in case relinquishments were not signed and J parented. The hospital will have all supplies for the baby for the first few days and will most likely send you "home" with some as well. I know this is such an exciting time and to be honest May is just around the corner!

[Hopp]

I was wondering about this as well. We are in the same state so that will help. We are 5 hours away though. We have been toying with "do we fly or drive?" Any thoughts on pros or cons between flying or driving?

[mxf0068]

I got my call last wednesday at 1pm. I immediately called the airline to see what kind of rates I would have to pay (I was imaging a 4 digit ticket). Suprisingly my ticket was ~250 (one way) with less than 18 hours notice (and 3 days before Christmas no less!). It would have been nice to plan ahead, but I had no idea when or where in the US I would end up going.

Dianna...I guess it would depend on whether your placement was in our out of state. If in state, I would drive. I think airlines have restrictions on how young a child can be before flying (something like 7-10 days old) You wouldn't want to wait around if you could be at home (if not waiting on ICPC).

I am staying in a Residence Inn. I am really impressed. Full Kitchen, includes hot breakfast and light dinners (deli sandwiches, baked potatoes..etc) for approx 40/night (due to the length of my stay they discounted the nightly rate approx 50%)

Blessings

Mary

[traceyk]

We too flew out last minute as we were matched after Drihan was born. What I wasn't prepared for was that she was preemie and at 5 lbs., NOTHING I brought had fit her so we had to go buy all new clothes for her. If you are breastfeeding make sure you pack you pump and SNS (if you use one). We flew out during spring break so we paid a pretty penny to get there, but it was worth it. I agree with the suites. Ours had a kitchen that was stocked with all dishes, silverware and cookware as well as a stove, fridge, sink and dishwasher. We are vegan so we made sure we found out where all the healthfood stores were and that helped a lot.

[Hopp]

I just found a pediatrician today. When asked if we should fly or drive the 5 hours (in state by the way) she said don't fly with new baby unless absolutly necessary. That solved it for me.

BTW- I did fly Southwest last week and I was shocked at how cheep the flights were! We typically fly Delta, so I wasn't aware of the cost differences. Worth checking into for those of you who have to fly.

[ryansbella]

Diana,

What was her reasoning for not flying with baby unless neccessary? Just wondering. We live 18 hours from our PBM and my DH wants to drive and camp there in our 5th wheel. I think he's nuts! Anyone else with me?!?!?!?!

Michelle
____________________________
Mom 2 Mikayla-home grown 1998
Matched-December 11, 2005
Baby Due-May 2006

[joskimo]

I think some docs worry about the pressure on the ears and the germs in the plane. OUr ICPC was really quick so we flew home w/ our daughter at 5 days old. If you fly, try to get a physician's statement that baby is healthy enough to fly. Some airlines want one, ours didn't.

p.s. I cannot imagine camping with a newborn, but to each his own!

[aspenhall]

If the pbmom were less than a 12 hr drive away...we would drive....mainly to have our own car to drive and not rely on rental, public transport, shuttles etc.... I like to provide my own mobility. I also have experience in traveling the country on short notice for medium stays... Hubby had a job that would send him all over and we'd be there for 2 mo at a time. I'd find my "favorites" like target, a chinese buffet, a nice laundromat and then pick a hotel nearest to those "essentials". Plan to eat out a bit. If family wishes to contribute, then gift certs to national chains is a lifesaver! Applebees, mcdonalds etc...

Is there anyway to visit the city first and look around...maybe spend a weekend?

[ryansbella]

We live in WA and the PBM is in CA. We are actually going to Disneyland the first week of April. The PBM lives in Orange County so we will probably get together for lunch or dinner one of the days we are there. She is due in May so we have been researching a lot of hotels and RV parks. The RV parks we have found look really nice and are only 20-30 minutes from her and the hospital. I think my DH is crazy but he says it would be nice because for 1. it will save money...he figures almost 1/2 2. we will be in our comfort zone somewhat in a stressful situation 3. our camper has all the luxeries of home...just really small and 4. we'll have our own transportation and can come and go as we please. What do all think? At first I was totally against it but he does have some good points.


Michelle
_____________________________
Mommy to Mikayla-home grown (July 1998)
Matched-December 11, 2005
Baby Due-May 2006

[ryansbella]

Just wanted to send thank you's to all you wonderful ladies!

[redhedded]

Michelle, We had no notice when our daughter was born and were on a plane within 8 hours, after having two failed matches. Travel arrangements were last minute; we bought round trip tickets from west coast to deep south, 1500 mile drive. We, although not planned spent 40+ days in a corporate apartment due to a court snafu; it was only me, dh and our new daughter and was a wonderful, calm, bonding experience with no visitors and no distractions. We could watch her sleep, get up all together when she ate every hour and get to know one another.

We cancelled our return flight (used the voucher a different time) and drove back with my parents who made the 1500 mile drive on day 30 to meet us. Had they not come, we would have rented a car for a one way return trip. We took our time, making the drive a leisurely one, stayed in a hotel two nights and stopped every time dd ate.

I think your husband has a good plan. On the flight out, we checked the car seat; good thing because we needed it in the rental car during the 40 days away from home.

Best of luck whatever you decide.