Embryo adoption can sometimes feel like riding a bike. You learn a little bit about it and learn some more, but by the end of your journey, you will be zooming on by. There is a lot to learn, but is there anything unexpected you should know about?
Here are five things you will learn when pursuing embryo adoption:
#1: The Science of Embryo Adoption
Your first exposure to embryo adoption is probably the science of it all.
Can you really transfer a frozen embryo and have it result in pregnancy?
How long are they frozen for?
How do frozen embryos survive and turn into healthy babies?
Embryos are created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). As of now, there is no shelf-life to how long an embryo can survive while frozen. (The oldest embryo to be born was frozen for 27 years!) They can be frozen between day two to day six in their development, and babies have been born from all stages as well!
Once the embryo is thawed (which only takes a minute or two) it can be transferred. After two weeks, you will learn whether or not the transfer resulted in pregnancy. Only nine months left until your beautiful baby!
#2: What Adoption Entails
Adoption is truly a gift for both the adopting parents and the child. The hardships often come from a lack of education, but there are thousands of resources to equip you on how to parent an adopted child.
Embryo adoption is the most affordable and quickest form of adoption outside of fostering. You will be required to complete a home study in order to ensure that the child is entering a stable home. Home studies require references, background checks, and many verifications to make sure that the child is safe.
You will discover the blessing of raising a child and navigating the joys and difficulties as any parent learns.
#3: Working with Fertility Clinics
Many fertility clinics are ready and willing to do your frozen embryo transfer (FET). Your doctor will help prepare you for the procedure and prescribe you all the required medication. It is always great to ask questions and learn more about their process as you go along. Ask them about their process, fees, and services.
#4: More About Yourself
At the end of the day, what you will truly discover is more about yourself. As you prepare to parent, you will learn about your own desires and values and how you would like to raise your child. You will discover your strengths and weaknesses and how this may affect raising kids or even your overall adoption journey.
Are you a more structured person that likes checklists? Then you will probably enjoy checking off the items as you go through the application documents. Are you someone that likes to talk decisions over, or process feelings? Reach out to your adoption coordinator for help.
It is important to recognize your strengths and weaknesses so you can find the proper support or encouragement during this process.
#5: More About Your Partner
If you are with a partner, you will also learn more about them. Their strengths, weaknesses, desires, and values. How do I support my partner? How can we be a team?
As you decide your vision for your family, it is great to self-reflect. Also, affirm one another, and support each other as hard times occur. Being a team is the most important part of loving your future adopted child.
Perhaps you have learned a thing or two about embryo adoption. Spread the word! There are plenty of embryos waiting for their forever home. To learn more about embryo adoption or donation, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.
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