If you are adopting internationally, you will have some special needs, particularly if you make the trip to another country to receive your child.

 

1.      Plan for someone to pick you up at the airport. You will be exhausted from the flight and you’ll want help with the luggage and you’ll probably want to close your eyes and relax.

2.      Ask someone to put some groceries in your refrigerator. If you’ve been gone for two weeks, you’ll need milk, fruits and vegetables, etc.

3.      Although it’s generally best to ask people to do things other than childcare so you can spend your time bonding, with international adoption you will need some breaks. Both you and your child will be suffering from jet lag and, depending on where your child comes from, her sleep-wake cycle may be totally upset. (Think China and a twelve hour difference.)  You will need breaks from childcare to catch up on rest and recover in general. People will be lined up to take care of your child for you!

 

No matter what else you do, we know that you will be welcoming your new child into your family and feeling surrounded by love. Congratulations!