Post- Placement and Post-Adoption Depression and Anxiety

Although it's not as well documented as postpartum depression, Post-Adoption Depression (PADS) is not uncommon: In a 2012 study from Purdue University, between 18 and 26 percent of adoptive mothers (depending on the screening scale) reported depressive symptoms within the first year of bringing home a new baby or child. (Rates for the small number of adoptive fathers also surveyed were similar.)" Read more.

Resources

Organizations/Agencies that offer support groups:

PACT Adoption Alliance

Adoption Connection

TLC Child and Family Services

North American Council of Adoptable Children: How to Find a Parent Group
Where to Find Adoption Support Groups
ILoveAdoption Facebook Page
National Adoption Awareness
Birth Mom Buds: Facebook Page
Birth Mom Buds – Website
Adoption Birth Mothers – Adoption Support
Adoption. Org – Adoption Support Group

Find additional parent support groups, here.

Specialized support for birth moms of adoption

The California Association of Adoption Agencies (CAAA) is a nonprofit, professional organization of over 70 licensed public and private adoption agencies. Our members:

Books for Adoptive parents/Prospective Adoptive parents:

Real Parents, Real Children: Parenting the Adopted Child Holly Van Gulden, Lisa M. Bartels-Rabb

Inside Transracial Adoption: Strength-based, Culture-sensitizing Parenting Strategies for Inter-country or Domestic Adoptive Families That Don't "Match

When Friends Ask About Adoption: Question & Answer Guide for Non-Adoptive Parents and Other Caring Adults Bothun, Linda

In On It: What Adoptive Parents Would Like You To Know About Adoption. A Guide for Relatives and Friends. (Mom's Choice Award Winner) Elisabeth O'Toole

Talking with Young Children about Adoption Watkins, Mary, Fisher M.D., Dr. Susan Fisher, M.D.