I’m raising three wonderful kids, none of whom I carried myself. They came to me through adoption, a choice I made for various reasons, including concerns about passing on my autoimmune condition to biological children. And you know what? Skipping pregnancy has its benefits!
- No Strangers Touching My Belly
It’s nice not having weird strangers trying to rub my non-existent baby bump. Although, I do have to deal with folks wanting to touch my kids’ hairstyles, but that’s a different story. - No Costly Doctor Visits for Check-ups
No more paying for vaginal exams, belly measurements, or bi-weekly weigh-ins. That’s a win in my book! - Avoiding Twin Questions
While we were open to adopting twins, I’m grateful I didn’t have to endure the “Are you having twins?” comments from random people. - No Birthing Classes to Attend
I did attend a lengthy workshop on preparing for adoption, which included a rather awkward slideshow about diaper rash. Lucky me. - No Concerns About Passing on Traits
I don’t have to worry about my sticking-out ear or my anxious tendencies being inherited, though my kids do share some of my quirks – genes or not! - No Pressure to Have More Kids
Adoption is unpredictable, with timelines completely unrelated to any romantic activities in the bedroom. - No Dietary Restrictions
I can still enjoy salami, big lattes, tuna sandwiches, and yes, wine is definitely a food! - No Awkward Baby Shower Games
I’ve been spared from humiliating games like “guess the size of the mom’s belly” or “smell the candy bar in the diaper,” although I did have a couple of lovely baby showers without the games. - No Pressure to Reveal Baby’s Sex or Name
With adoption, we had the thrill of not knowing when our child would arrive, and we even co-named our kids with their birth families. - No Sagging Breasts
I’m happy to report that I still have a perky figure, although I did earn some stretch marks after hitting puberty and growing six inches in high school. - No Maternity Wardrobe Expenses
Why do basic maternity tees cost an extra $15 just because they’re labeled as such? It’s baffling!
Adoption has certainly come with its challenges, including paperwork, interviews, and yes, expenses. But I relished the moments of clinking margarita glasses during the waiting period for our baby. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination options, check out this excellent resource or explore this informative post on our blog. And if you’re considering a home insemination kit, Make a Mom has some great options available!
In sum, choosing not to experience pregnancy while embracing adoption has its unique perks and joys, allowing me to enjoy motherhood without the physical challenges of carrying a child.