Has anyone adopted an infant with Down Syndrome

amother

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 10:12 pm

I infrequently see messages going around about babies with down syndrome that need homes and I've thought about reaching out and possibly adopting. I'd love to hear from other mothers that adopted special needs children. What was the process like, what is it like as the child grows older etc, how has it been for your other children etc?

Please don't discuss why these children are not able to be cared for by their birth families. That is not the point of this post.

Thank you

amother

Burlywood

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 10:16 pm

If you reach out to hamaspik they can probably connect you with some adoptive mothers. I know some but would not be comfortable giving info out on this forum.
There are probably also differences between communities.
That being said, a child with down syndrome is a huge huge gift and brings so much to life in so many ways. Mine is a miracle that I would not trade for anything

amother

Cerise

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 10:22 pm

You didnt say where you live but You should get in touch with baila teitelbaum and Brenda katina if your in NY area

amother

Birch

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 10:32 pm

amother OP wrote:

These are frum babies that are being given away by their birth families?

amother

DarkMagenta

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 10:34 pm

upside_of_goni on IG adopted a kid with downs syndrome, maybe message her

amother

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 10:51 pm

Thank you for all the responses. If anyone is comfortable posting I would love to hear what its like as the child grows older, what it's like for your other children etc.

amother

Salmon

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 10:58 pm

Yael Braun (the divorce specialist on insta) adopted a baby with Down syndrome about a year ago.

amother

Winterberry

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 11:15 pm

Yes I have! Adopted when she was a few weeks old. My kids (2 teenagers) are obsessed with her!

amother

Bluebell

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 11:17 pm

amother Birch wrote:

These are frum babies that are being given away by their birth families?

Please honor OP's request by not bringing this up.

amother

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 11:21 pm

amother Winterberry wrote:

Yes I have! Adopted when she was a few weeks old. My kids (2 teenagers) are obsessed with her!

Thank you for this. How old is she now? Still a baby?

amother

Winterberry

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 11:39 pm

Shes 2 and brings us so much love and happiness! We all love her so much!

amother

Vanilla

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 11:42 pm

amother OP wrote:

Following, I've considered it
I have a family member with ds very easy kid
Where do you see the messages? Is there no number ?

amother

Oatmeal

Mon, Jan 29 2024, 11:45 pm

I don't have any experience, but I just had to say, I think if you have the time, and energy to put in, that's so beautiful. 🥰

I hope you find answers.

amother

Tue, Jan 30 2024, 12:01 am

amother Vanilla wrote:

Following, I've considered it
I have a family member with ds very easy kid
Where do you see the messages? Is there no number ?

There is contact info for someone that helps with these adoptions but I wanted to hear more from the perspective of the adoptive mother.

amother

DarkPurple

Tue, Jan 30 2024, 12:04 am

I have!! Best decision we ever made.

Kids love love love him and he's my husband's pride and joy! He loves taking him to shul and showing off his latest antics.

Is definitely a huge decision and will change the family dynamics. There tons involved what with therapy and special needs services, medically- not always but often (mine needed feeding tube when he was younger) but they are the biggest blessing and my children are growing up better people because of him.

amother

Tue, Jan 30 2024, 12:20 am

amother DarkPurple wrote:

Thank you this is helpful. Do you have children close in age to him? How old is he now?

amother

Cantaloupe

Tue, Jan 30 2024, 3:58 am

This blogger has

I think her adopted DS son is 6 now, and she has an older biological DS son, and just fostered twins (not DS)

She writes a lot about the experience

http://avivahwerner.com/blog/

amother

Stone

Tue, Jan 30 2024, 4:10 am

My parents did almost 40 years ago.
I'd imagine experiences also range based on location due to different opportunities, resources available, etc.
Where are you located (even roughly)?