Am I Ready To Adopt? A Guide For Those Struggling With Infertility
If you’ve ever thought about adoption, chances are you’ve asked yourself this big question: Am I ready?
It’s natural to wrestle with this, especially if your journey to parenthood has included grief, uncertainty, or unexpected twists. Adoption is a beautiful path, but it’s also a significant step that requires prayer, reflection, and preparation.
So how do you know if you’re ready to take that step? Here are a few things to consider:
Have You Had Time to Grieve?
If your path to adoption comes after infertility, miscarriage, or other losses, it’s important that you give yourself time to process those emotions. Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and it’s okay if your heart is still tender. Adoption isn’t a replacement for what’s been lost—it’s a new chapter entirely.Do You Feel at Peace About Adoption?
One of the clearest signs you’re ready is a sense of peace, even in the uncertainty. It doesn’t mean you won’t have questions or fears, but it does mean your heart is open to what’s ahead and you’re willing to trust God to guide your steps.Are You Willing to Learn?
Adoption is a lifelong journey of love, growth, and learning. Being ready doesn’t mean knowing everything upfront; it means being open to educating yourself about the process, the child’s needs, and supporting birth families.Are You United in This Decision?
If you’re married, it’s important to be on the same page with your spouse about adoption. Pray, discuss your hopes and fears, and seek clarity together. Unity creates a solid foundation for the journey ahead.Have You Prayed About It?
Take your questions to God. Ask Him to show you when the time is right. Trust that He will give you the wisdom and peace you need to move forward.
When couples learn of my own infertility and loss journey, they often ask, “How did you know when it was time to start the adoption process?” My answer is this: "Although I prayed for a burning bush sign on 'when it was time for us to start the adoption process,' God's answer came to us in His peace. We both had peace about it. That didn’t mean we weren’t sad about our infertility or loss anymore, but we had a peace from the Lord." I know that seems simple, but it’s true. Peace from the Lord is an answer, and it gave us exactly what we needed to move forward in faith.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
If you’re still unsure, that’s okay. Deciding to pursue adoption doesn’t happen overnight. Whether you’re ready to dive in or just starting to explore, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. If you’d like to explore adoption further you can email me at kelly@chrisitanadoptionconsultants.com and we can set-up a time to connect.