International adoptions are stressful. The adoption process in general, whether domestic or international, is stressful but there's often added stress in the international process.

"A prime example of severe adoption stress was created for families when Romania closed its doors to international adoptions. When this occurred, hundreds of families were caught in the pipeline, and their children were condemned to living in an institutional care environment despite the fact that there was a loving family somewhere in the world that had already developed a bond with them."

Home studies, adoption referrals, physician's visits, and travel to and from the child's home country can all begin to add stress upon stress. Husbands and wives need to be honest with each other, and seek counseling if they’re beginning to feel overwhelmed. Be prepared to experience stress before, during, and after the adoption process. But be prepared not to handle it alone.

Read more at International.Adoption.com.

Labels: adoption_procedures, international, stress