Preparing for adoption after IVF
IVF treatment can be an emotionally challenging experience, filled with hopes, disappointments, and grief. Adoption agencies in the UK often ask potential adopters about their history with In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between IVF treatment, grieving and loss, and the emotional readiness of potential adopters.
Why will I be asked about IVF during the adoption process?
We understand that fertility treatment can be a demanding process and can put an immense strain on your emotional and mental health and it is crucial for you to have adequately processed your feelings and come to terms with your fertility struggles before embarking on the adoption process. We want to ensure that potential adopters are emotionally ready to provide a stable and loving home for a child.
How long after IVF can you adopt?
Like most adoption agencies in the UK, we require at least a six-month gap between the end of your last IVF treatment and the start of the adoption process. This may increase to 12 months depending on your circumstances. This gap is to ensure that you have had time to come to terms with any grief or loss you may have experienced during your fertility journey.
What will I be asked during my Initial Meeting?
An Initial Meeting is where someone from our team will contact you to visit you in your home or meet virtually to talk more about the process and gives you the opportunity to ask more questions. During this meeting you will be asked about your IVF journey, how you have dealt with any loss or grief, and how you feel about moving forward with adoption. We understand that coping with grief and loss can be a difficult and emotional journey, and we want to ensure that you have taken enough time to heal before committing to the adoption process
Getting the right support before adopting
Going through IVF treatment can be a challenging experience, and it is important to have access to support and resources. Several organisations in the UK provide support and information to those struggling with fertility issues, such as Fertility Network UK. Most fertility clinics will offer counselling, and some also offer support groups or opportunities to chat with other patients who are undergoing similar treatment.
You can talk to your GP about getting counselling on the NHS or if you’d prefer to go private, The British Infertility Counselling Association has a directory of accredited therapists.
If you have any questions about your journey from IVF to adoption, contact us.