[johnette93]

We are just starting to look into the possibility of domestic adoption due to both male and female fertility issues (hooray!). We are already worried that we will have a long wait because we have a bio child already. But then I noticed something in all the profiles I have seen of couples with bio or adopted kids- all of the moms stay at home. Unfortunately, I can't now. I have to work 4 days a week for us to survive. I probably would stop working if I had another child since that would make child care costs/pay a total wash for me.

Does having to work outside the home just add up to another strike against me? Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Erin

[mgmsrk]

I don’t think there are any firm rules and it will depend on what kind of agency you choose and the age of the child. From what I have discovered most will require at least one parent to be home for a “bonding period”, that can range anywhere between 4 months and a year.

[sarah16]

Hello! If you are working with a private agency the potential birthmother can choose. I work also and plan to continue working after we adopt our baby. I teach though and get the summers off.

[Kari]

I work full-time and we are adopting (would love to go part-time after we adopt if financially and logistically possibly). I plan on taking 2-3 months off work after the placement. There was one question on an adoption form that asked if we plan on using a daycare, but they never asked me directly if I'd be a SAHM. The expecting mom chooses couples based on many criteria - this is just one.

I did read that a couple states require one stay at home parent for foster adoption.

[rebecca0130]

Erin, if you are working with an agency, then the birthmother will select the couple/family that she wants. In my profile I never stated I would stay home, in fact I said I would go back to work. I didn't for 9 months and then blessedly only part-time, but our b-mom did not know this going in, nor did I
she chose us for a variety of other reasons.

Just focus in the positives you have to give this child and not the differences from the other families.
Good Luck.