domestic adoption travel tips

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Domestic Adoption Travel Tips One of the most exciting times during an infant domestic adoption is when you travel to meet your new baby. While the trip is not typically as long distance, or as costly, as the travel required by an international adoption, it still has the potential to be both expensive and stressful if you do not plan properly. In addition, the trip sometimes occurs at the last minute (e.g. if your match occurs late in the pregnancy or the birth mother goes into labor suddenly). Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make your trip smoother. Prepare ahead of time.

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Page 1: Domestic Adoption Travel Tips

Domestic Adoption Travel Tips One of the most exciting times during an infant domestic adoption is when you travel to meet your new baby. While the trip is not typically as long distance, or as costly, as the travel required by an international adoption, it still has the potential to be both expensive and stressful if you do not plan properly. In addition, the trip sometimes occurs at the last minute (e.g. if your match occurs late in the pregnancy or the birth mother goes into labor suddenly). Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make your trip smoother.

Prepare ahead of time.

Page 2: Domestic Adoption Travel Tips

Often, you will find that you must suddenly travel in the process of your infant domestic adoption. Sometimes, matches take place just days or weeks before the baby is born. Even if you have been matched early on with the birth mother, you may need to travel at any moment when she goes into labor. However, if you have the time, there are certain things you can accomplish ahead of time that will make the trip easier. For instance, it may be wise to arrange time off with your employer before you find yourself needing to leave. Typically, you will need one to two weeks off, though you may need to stay longer. You may not be able to tell your employer exactly which dates you will be gone, but you can alert them to your impending travel. In addition, you can consult your adoption agency or do other research ahead of time to determine the quickest and most inexpensive ways to travel. Other practical steps you can take ahead of time are to find a doctor for the baby and to make and freeze meals so you have something to eat when you come home. With as many details as possible arranged beforehand, you can more easily focus on the actual travel when the time comes. Build flexibility into your travel plans. There are many factors that can impact the length and timing of your trip. For instance, getting clearance to take your child home to another state (called ICPC) can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In addition, different states have different laws regarding how much time a birth mother has to

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decide to relinquish custody of her child. Because of these variables, it is wise to build flexibility into your travel plans. For instance, alerting your employer to the fact that your trip may be somewhat open ended can avoid stress later if your trip is extended. If you purchase a plane ticket, you should either purchase a one-way ticket or purchase from an airline with low fees in case you need to change your return date. By allowing for changes in your travel schedule, you can prevent stress and better focus on your baby. Choose a spacious place to stay. Another step to take in order to prepare for your domestic adoption travel is to choose a place to stay that will be comfortable for you and your baby. At the minimum, this means choosing a place that has a kitchen or kitchenette where you can heat water for bottles, wash dishes, and cook when necessary. In addition, the place you stay should have laundry facilities. Extended-stay hotels and hotel suites are both good choices for places that will be comfortable for a longer stay. Some adoptive families are fortunate enough to find a place to stay with friends, family, or other connections who live in the area where they are meeting their baby. Asking around among your own connections may similarly yield accommodations that might be both comfortable and less expensive than a hotel room or suite.

Page 4: Domestic Adoption Travel Tips

Have a support person in place. All new parents, whether biological or adoptive, need the support and advice of parents who have gone before them. During your travel for your infant domestic adoption, you will be spending days or weeks in a strange location caring for a brand new baby. As a result, it is important that you have someone prepared to help you handle the ins and outs of caring for a new baby. Whether it be a family member or a friend, choose someone who can provide you with the gentle support and sound advice you need to successfully navigate the first few weeks of parenting. Being able to call this person at any time of the day or night can be a lifesaver for moments when you feel lonely, confused, or stressed about the adjustment to caring for a newborn in a new location. Pack the essentials for you and the baby. Finally, no adoption travel is complete without packing the essentials for you and the baby. You will require a number of items to successfully care for yourself and your new baby while you are away from home. You can find infant domestic adoption packing lists through your adoption agency or online that will give you an idea of what to bring with you. Some of the basics include changes of clothing for you and the baby, burp cloths, bottles, car seats, camera, adoption paperwork, cell phone and charger, computer, and cash and credit cards. Many of these essential items can be picked up once you

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reach your destination, so do not panic if you do not have time to purchase and pack them before your trip. However, being able to pack ahead of time so you can simply pick up and go when the time comes can greatly relieve your stress and help you to have more time to focus on your baby once you get to your destination. Traveling for your infant domestic adoption will be one of the most memorable trips of your life. Being ready for the phone call that tells you it is time to go can be an important element in enjoying rather than stressing over the trip. By doing what you can ahead of time, building flexibility into your travel plans, choosing a spacious place to stay, having a support person in place, and packing the essentials for you and your baby, you can enjoy a smooth and joyful trip to welcome your child into your family.