Parents who Utilize Private Infant Adoption: An Ethnographic Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the feelings and perceptions of parents undergoing the process of private infant adoption in Western society. Ten individuals were interviewed and, through ethnographic analysis, categories and themes were derived. Participants moved sequentially through seven phases, from the choice to adopt to receiving the legal birth certificate. Adoptive parents described the phases as laden with fears and anxieties. The participants considered themselves to be risk-takers. Major themes that emerged from this study were uncertainty, unpreparedness, and commitment to an unguaranteed investment. Additional themes were isolation, competition, judgment, and ostracism from a variety of sources. Health professionals can support these parents by assisting them in establishing coping strategies and through educating them during each phase of the process.

Transition and Adaptation to Adoptive Motherhood

“…This period may last for months or even many years. Researchers found that the work of the woman waiting to adopt encompassed a range of emotions, including stress, uncertainty, anticipation, risk taking, isolation, investment, bonding, joy, and love (Levy‐Shiff, Bar, & Har‐Even, 1990; Lobar & Phillips, 1996; Sandelowski, Harris, & Holditch‐Davis, 1993; Solchany, 1998). Sandelowski et al (1993) stated, “the preadoption waiting period for the respondent couples was a dynamic interlude in which they actively worked to get what was biologically and culturally denied them and to transform disadvantage into advantage” (p. 482).…”

“…Lobar and Phillips (1996) identified seven phases, four of which involved the preadoption period. The first phase was making the decision to adopt, wherein physical factors of infertility and psychosocial factors of role models, social supports, and the couple’s preconceived ideas about adoption influenced their decisions.…”

“…Lobar and Phillips (1996) described three final phases of adoption that took place in the postadoptive period. In the phase of the birth and receipt of the infant, joy was the most prevalent emotion, but fear and uncertainty remained that the birth mother could change her mind or the nurses and hospital staff could undermine the adoption process.…”

Perceptions of parental bonding, adult attachment, and marital adjustment in prospective adoptive parents. An empirical study in the pre-adoptive period

“…This period extends from the time a parental figure decides to adopt until the placement of a child, and it can last for months or even many years. For this reason, the pre-adoptive period has been metaphorically termed as "a pregnancy without a due date" (Sandelowski, Harris, & Holditch-Davis, 1991) or as "pregnancy waiting" (Lobar & Phillips, 1996), and it is considered a very emotionally demanding time for the aspiring adoptive couples. Indeed, there are unique issues confronting adoptive parents at this stage of the family life cycle.…”

Legal Issues in Nonrelated Infant Adoption: Nursing Implications

“…During that time, the biological parent(s) can (and occasionally do) contest the adoption. Until the final court hearing, adoptive parents may feel that the infant is not lmly theirs (Lobar & Phillips, 1996).…”