Our Blog
Embryo Adoption and the Adoption Tax Credit
April 15th is Tax Day!* Filing your taxes can be a stressful time of the year. But understanding what you can credit or deduct can help make the process a bit smoother. There are many ways you may be able to reduce your tax burden—charitable donations, interest...
The Link Between Stress and Infertility
Did you know April is Stress Awareness Month? The link between stress levels and it’s affects on an individual’s fertility has been debated for years. It's no secret that infertility can cause depression and stress (in fact, depression levels in patients with...
Fertility Isn’t Funny: How Pregnancy Jokes Can Hurt
Every year, on April 1st, there is a popular joke people like to play on their friends and family members. You know the one, right? It is usually done over social media. The one where it shows an ultrasound photo of an unborn baby, or that positive pregnancy test...
The Logistics of Shipping Frozen Embryos
There are people all over the United States with remaining embryos in frozen storage. They will not be using them for their own family building purposes. Some of them may use one of the many social media platforms or online databases to “self-match” with a recipient...
Six FAQs About the Embryo Adoption Home Study
We spoke with Beth Button, a social worker with Nightlight Christian Adoptions, and asked what were the most commonly asked questions she gets about the embryo adoption specific home study, or Snowflakes Family Evaluation. Here are her answers to six questions she...
It’s 2020. Why Are We Terrified of Adoption Telling?
This blog was originally published on LavenderLuz.com. How do I tell my child he’s adopted? And when? Rant: I’m frustrated that these questions still come up (and surprised because my readers are adoption-savvy, so I start thinking everyone is). Who is preparing...
Valentine’s Day in the Midst of Infertility
Infertility can be one of the most stressful situations couples can face. There are many highs and lows, hormone medications, and doctor visits. Many couples are confronted with feelings of disappointment, anger, and frustration at various points throughout the...
Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
February is Prenatal Infection Prevention Month. It’s recognized as a time to promote health observance for prevention of infection during pregnancy. Organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Child Health and...
Is it Too Late to Tell?
Telling your child he is adopted through embryo adoption or donation can be daunting to parents. Will their child feel shock, unloved, maybe rejection? Embryo adoption is still fairly unknown, so obviously, he will have questions. How will you answer them? Even more...
How to Prepare for Adoption Costs
Adopting embryos can be an enormous undertaking. In addition to stress, excitement, and the unknown—there's also paperwork (A LOT of it), many doctor clinics, shipping logistics, and financial obligations. The financial component of an embryo adoption can take people...
Embryo Adoption: Is It Legitimate?
Adoption professionals correctly point out that in traditional adoption there are seven core issues: loss, rejection, guilt/shame, grief, identity, intimacy, and control. Do these issues apply to the adoption triad [child/placing parent/adopting parent] only when the...
Is This Your Year to Donate Embryos?
The turn of a new year tends to bring about themes of renewal, fresh starts, decision making, and conquering goals. For those of you who have found yourself at the end of your IVF journey, you may have come face to face with the decision this past year of what is to...
The Gift of Openness
When we first began our embryo adoption journey, the idea of having an open relationship with the biological family seemed daunting. However, after researching best practices in adoption, we were confident the best thing for our adopted child was openness. Even with...
Thoughtful Gifts for Those Struggling with Infertility
Infertility can feel like a lonely, isolating journey. Especially throughout the holiday season. Mixed emotions can make it difficult to get into the holiday spirit. If one of your dear friends, sisters, cousins, etc. is struggling with infertility, here are a few...
12 Ways to Raise Awareness; Be the Voice for Embryo Donation and Adoption
For the past twelve years, I have been working for Nightlight Christian Adoptions. All of my focus has been on raising awareness and participation in embryo donation and adoption. The most discouraging words I hear on any given day are, “I’ve never heard about this...