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How do you know if adoption is the right next step for your family? For some couples, the consideration of adoption comes after infertility, loss, disappointment, or grieving the family they thought they would have. At some point, the desire to become parents may become bigger than the specific way they originally imagined becoming parents. In this episode, we talk about what it can look like to learn, pray, discern, and consider whether adoption may be the next step for your family. In This Episode, We Talk About: When the desire to become a parent becomes bigger than the method Recognizing that your vision for your family may look different than you originally imagined What adoption actually requires The lack of control that can come with adoption and why it often requires surrender Learning about open adoption before deciding how you feel about it Why researching adoption is an important part of making an informed decision Listening to adoption podcasts such as Let’s Talk Adoption and Infant Adoption Guide Talking with adoption agencies and adoptive parents who have experienced the process firsthand Guidance for spiritual discernment as a couple Giving each spouse intentional time to pray, seek the Lord, and quietly contemplate adoption individually What a “call to adoption” might actually look like Why you don’t have to have everything figured out before taking the next step

“How much did your baby cost?” “Did her birth mother use drugs?” “Do you love her as much as you would your own child?” Yes, adoptive families really do get asked questions like these! People are naturally curious about adoption, and most aren’t trying to be rude or insensitive. But sometimes curiosity crosses a line, especially when the question involves personal details that belong to the adopted child. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King and Heather Featherston tackle some of the nosiest questions people ask adoptive families. Some are funny. Some are awkward. And some give us a great opportunity to clear up common misconceptions about modern adoption. In this episode, we talk about questions like: How much did your baby cost?Did the birth mother use drugs?Why did her “real” mother give her away?What’s wrong with the birth mother?Was the birth mother a teenager?Do you know who the father is?Did the birth mother get paid?Can the birth mother come back and take the baby?Do you love an adopted child as much as a biological child?Couldn’t you have children of your own?Why didn’t you just adopt from foster care?Did you get to pick the baby?Did you change the baby’s name?Does the child know they’re adopted?Aren’t you afraid they’ll want their “real” family someday? Along the way, we talk about the difference between curiosity and privacy, why the words we use around adoption matter, and why some parts of an adoption story simply aren’t ours to share. Most importantly, remember that an adopted child’s medical history, prenatal exposure, birth family circumstances, and other personal details are part of their story. They may choose to share those details someday, or they may not. Have you heard a nosy adoption question we missed? Send it to us…We may need a “Part Two”!

Who gets to name the baby when there’s an adoption plan? Does the expectant mother choose the name? Do the adoptive parents? And what happens to the baby’s name after the adoption is finalized?In this quick bonus episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim and Heather answer a surprisingly common adoption question and explain how first names, last names, birth certificates, and name changes can work in adoption. You’ll hear about: Who has the right to name the baby at birthWhether an expectant mother and adoptive parents can choose a name togetherWhat happens with the baby’s last nameHow the name may change after adoptionWhy communication and respect matter when a name has special meaning Every adoption is different, but understanding the process can help both expectant mothers and adoptive families know what to expect.

We’ve covered a lot of ground in our recent episodes, from what happens at the hospital and preparing to travel to health insurance, ICPC, home studies, and employer adoption benefits. And sometimes, answering one question just leads to another! So today, we’re doing another listener Q&A and tackling five of those practical “Okay, but what happens if…?” questions that we haven’t really covered yet:   “What happens if we get the call about a baby and our home study has expired or is about to expire?”“If we travel for an adoption and the expectant mother changes her mind, who pays for our travel and hotel expenses?”“Can an adoptive family ever leave the hospital with the baby before the birth mother is discharged?”“What happens if the baby needs to go to the NICU but the adoptive parents have to leave the state because of work or other children at home?”“If we’re matched with an expectant mother, can we add the baby to our health insurance before the baby is actually born?”

In this episode of Let's Talk Adoption, we're walking through an adoption journey from pregnancy through bringing baby home and explaining how medical bills and health insurance typically work along the way.

Adoptive dad Tim Elder returns to share lessons, practical advice, and encouragement for families pursuing domestic infant adoption.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim welcomes back Tim Elder, a three-time adoptive dad and founder of the Infant Adoption Guide Podcast and Community. After experiencing the infant adoption process three times, Tim has gained a unique perspective on what it takes to navigate adoption as an adoptive parent.

In this episode, Kim King and Heather Featherston discuss what it's like adopting when you already have kids. They answer common questions about whether having children affects your chances of being chosen by an expectant mother, what to expect during your home study, whether your children should travel with you for an out-of-state adoption, and how to prepare your entire family for the exciting transition ahead.

Growing your family through adoption is exciting, but if you’re already parenting a child, you may be wondering how to prepare them for this life-changing journey.Whether you’ve experienced secondary infertility, always hoped to adopt, or recently felt called to grow your family through adoption, one question often comes up: “How do I explain adoption to my child and help them welcome a new sibling?”  In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King and Heather Featherston discuss practical, age-appropriate ways to prepare your children for adoption.

When you receive the call that an adoption opportunity is available, things can move quickly. Some families have hours to prepare, while others have a day or two. Being ready ahead of time can make an already emotional experience much less stressful. In this episode, we’re sharing practical ways to prepare before your phone rings, including: Creating an adoption “go bag”Packing the essentials for both you and your babyPlanning ahead for children and pets at homePreparing your finances and travel plansGetting your home ready for your returnWhat to expect if you need to stay out of state for ICPCSimple steps you can take now to feel more confident when the time comes A little preparation today can help you focus on what matters most when your adoption journey begins.

In this episode, Kim welcomes back three-time adoptive mom and life coach Tammy Young to talk about the emotional side of adoption and helping adopted children navigate life’s challenges. Tammy shares lessons from her international adoption journey, the importance of communication, and how storytelling can help children process difficult experiences. She also shares practical tips for adoptive parents, including using sign language with young children. Tammy’s son, adopted from Kazakhstan, is now 26, thriving in his career, traveling the world, and enjoying life in Washington, D.C.

One of the biggest concerns expectant mothers have when considering adoption is simple: “How do I know my baby will be safe?” The good news is that adoptive families don’t simply sign up and start adopting. Before a family can ever be presented to an expectant mother, they complete a thorough screening process designed to ensure they are prepared to provide a safe, stable, and loving home. In this episode, Heather and Kim walk through what really happens behind the scenes during the approval process.

Adoption is surrounded by myths, half-truths, and misconceptions. In this fun, game-style episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim put some of the most common adoption statements to the test.   Is it fact…or is it fiction?   From open adoption and home studies to foster care, international adoption, birth father rights, and financial assistance during pregnancy, you’ll learn what’s true, what’s false, and where the answer depends on the situation.   Whether you’re an expectant parent considering adoption, hoping to adopt, or simply curious about how adoption really works, this episode will clear up some of the biggest misunderstandings.    In This Episode: Can you ever see your child again after choosing adoption?How are adoptive families really screened?Are most birth mothers teenagers?Is foster care adoption the same as domestic infant adoption?Who actually chooses the adoptive family?What does open adoption really mean?Is international adoption faster?Do you have to be wealthy to adopt?Can an expectant mother receive financial assistance?Are adoption laws the same in every state?What rights does a birth father have?When does a baby receive the adoptive family’s last name?Why are children waiting in foster care?Do you have to own a home to adopt? If this episode helped answer some questions about adoption, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from hearing the facts.

Could your employer help pay for your adoption? Many hopeful adoptive parents spend months researching adoption grants, fundraising ideas, savings plans, and loans but overlook one of the most accessible potential sources of financial assistance: their own employer. In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Heather and Kim explain how employer adoption reimbursement works, how much assistance some companies provide, and the questions every hopeful adoptive parent should ask Human Resources.

How can we help adoptees develop confidence, resilience, and a healthy mindset throughout every stage of life? In this episode of Let’s Talk Adoption, Kim King is joined by educator, Certified WISDOM Coach®, and adoptive mom Tammy Young. Drawing from more than 20 years of teaching and her personal experience raising three adopted children, Tammy shares practical ways parents can help children recognize unhealthy thought patterns, build self-esteem, and develop resilience rooted in truth and God’s love. Together, Kim and Tammy discuss: Why the “unspoken thoughts” adoptees experience matter—and how parents can create a safe space for honest conversations.Common questions adoptees may wrestle with as they grow.Helping children find their identity in Christ and remember they have never been alone.How our thoughts shape our emotions and behaviors.Practical ways families can strengthen healthy thought patterns and build resilience together.Encouragement for parents who want to support their children through every season of their adoption journey.