Follow up with article on stillbirth by Jane Brody in NY Times

Wouldn't ya know that right after I published my post in Psychology Today (Rewriting Cinderella: From Infertility to Adoption | Psychology Today, found in my previous post in this blog), about my experience with infertility and adoption, there was an article by Jane Brody in the NY Times about the devastating experience of Stillbirths in the US!
Here's the link:

 Personal Health:  In Decline, Stillbirths Continue to Devastate 

It speaks to the same issues I raise in my post, but focuses on the stillbirth portion.  Way more women go through a stillbirth than anyone realizes.  In my experience, it is common to raise the subject and hear that in fact, the person to whom I am speaking either has gone through it herself, or knows someone who did.   One of the points that Ms. Brody speaks about is the prevalence and the taboo that remains with raising the topic and how it serves to exaggerate the trauma and loneliness.  My point is to bring it out into the open, so that those who are going through the experience, have an opportunity to put voice to their feelings and work through the wounds so that moving forward is possible.  It is only then that couples can see that it is possible to grow families after such a disruption; it is possible to try again, or even... adopt.

Rewriting Cinderella: From Infertility to Adoption | Psychology Today

Just posted a piece on the Psychology Today blog: Psychoanalysis 3.0.  It's a piece which I wrote about  weathering the transition from infertility to adoption.  While the process of adoption can be tough, sometimes the emotional journey to reach the point of readiness is even harder than finding a child who needs a family.  Staying connected to feelings and connected to each other is paramount for couples.  I shared our journey and I hope you take a look and read it.  It's something I wrote from my heart.

Rewriting Cinderella: From Infertility to Adoption | Psychology Today

Let's Talk Adoption Conference

New Jersey's 30th Annual "Let's Talk Adoption" Conference
will be held this year on a new date: October 1. 2011, from 8:30-4:00.  It is held in Piscataway, at the Busch Campus Center of Rutgers University.  The Keynote Address, "Commitment vs. Consumer Mentality: Dealing with Expectations in Adoption" will be given by Tito Del Pilar.

This is a wonderful annual event that brings together people in the adoption field, adoptees, adoptive parents, birthparents....it truly has something for everyone.  It's a must attend, if you have any interest in learning and growing in this field.

Should Adoption Be a Reproductive Right?

More attention needs to be focused on the experience of birthmothers and families. Interesting article. Check it out and register a comment!

Should Adoption Be a Reproductive Right?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cristina-page/should-adoption-be-a-repr_b_858404.html.

Just like women who choose abortion, women who make an adoption plan are subject to shame, coercion, misinformation, unfavorable laws, and the politicization of their choice. It is here that the reproductive rights movement may recognize a role for itself.

CHILDREN'S INSTITUTIONALIZATION LINKED TO GREATER INCIDENCE OF ADHD

Interesting article about ADHD and adopted children.  The symptoms of this condition also have much to do with Sensory Integration issues.  How to treat it is often a challenge.  Any thought or comments?

CHILDREN'S INSTITUTIONALIZATION LINKED TO GREATER INCIDENCE OF ADHD

"Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms of Post-institutionalized Children in Middle Childhood," by Kristen Wiik, Michelle Loman, Mark Van Ryzin, Jeffrey Armstrong, Marilyn Essex, Seth Pollak, and Megan Gunnar, is in the January issue of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (Volume 52, Issue 1). This study assessed child functioning in three groups of children, ages 8-11: ones adopted internationally from institutions, ones adopted internationally from foster care, and those living with their birth families. While adopted children had significantly more parent-reported externalizing and internalizing problems than their non-adopted peers, the differences between children coming from orphanages and those coming from foster care were primarily related to increased ADHD symptoms – 23% of post-institutionalized children met the clinical cutoff, as compared to 6% of those adopted from foster care and 3% of non-adopted children. To access an abstract, go to: http://bit.ly/dG4frX.

Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt “Talk Very Openly” About Adoption With Their Kids - OK! Magazine - The First for Celebrity News

This is an interesting interview with the stars of Kung Fu Panda 2. I have not seen the film, but would be curious about what people think of the way they present adoption. Apparently, there are many different views of this portrayal. Do you think it's a good film to educate the public; do you think it's a good film for adopted children to see?Comments anyone?

Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt “Talk Very Openly” About Adoption With Their Kids - OK! Magazine - The First for Celebrity News

Upcoming Workshop Dec. 5

Come join us at Adoption Support Associates on December 5th, 2010 for a workshop at our offices in West Orange, NJ. We will be discussing issues on the various characteristics, challenges, joys and woes common in adoptive families. We will offer support, information and comradery.  Click on the link below for details and registration!

Parenting the Adopted Child, When Love is Not Enough