Reviews of Launching a Baby’s Adoption

Library Journal (February, 1997) “Adoption usually involves several different parties: The child, the birthparents, the adoptive parents, and the agency, social worker, or lawyer. Each has a unique perspective on the process….Johnston, an infertility and adoption educator as well as author, wants to educate adoptive parents and professionals about “child-centered” adoptions. With the emergence of open adoption she tries to quiet the fears of prospective adoptive parents by emphasizing the benefits of honesty and openness. Practical suggestions for welcoming an adoptive baby include discussion of the impact of past infertility, society’s and the family’s reaction to adoption, naming the baby, bonding, attachment, and birthparent relationships. Information on the baby’s past experience and conditions as well as future expectations are intended to ease a sometimes difficult transition. The well being of the child being of primary importance, Johnston encourages the involvement of all parties to provide for a smooth transition and healthy upbringing… excellent primer for birthparents and prospective adoptive parents. Highly recommended…”

Infertility Awareness from IAAC–Infertility Awareness Assn of Canada (March, 1997)…Anyone who has had the privilege of hearing Pat Johnston speak has experienced her enthusiasm, her passion and commitment to making adoption work as a permanent and loving way to build families. This book expands on some of the thoughts in her earlier
books, but takes them a step further, into the concrete….The author sets out to create an essential guide book, and succeeds. She offers practical ways of breaking news to family members, choosing a doctor for the new baby, discusses the possibilities of breast feeding, even advises parents to make sure that they are physically ready for a new baby–advice that this adoptive mother, who spent four months of physiotherapy repairing torn tendons after baby’s arrival, wished she had had. She also includes a wonderful section on how to cope when things don’t work out as planned… Her easy-to read style, interspersed with anecdotes from numerous parents who shared their stories with her, makes one feel that you were sitting across from her at the kitchen table, having a talk with a good friend. My son’s birthmother, who also read this book, said that she felt Ms Johnston was speaking directly to her. I felt the same way…

Midwest Library Review’s Bookwatch (Feb, 1997)… “Launching a Baby’s Adoption incorporates anecdotal material solicited from adoptive parents and professionals throughout North America. Launching… fills the need of single and couples parents seeking to adopt for information that can assist them in practical ways to bring a baby into
their families and into their lives…a valuable addition to the parenting collections of community libraries and must reading for anyone seeking adoption as a means to enhancing their family life.”

RESOLVE of Northern California newsletter… “This
summer, just weeks after my third miscarriage, I turned to Adopting after Infertility and found tremendous comfort… In Launching, Pat Johnston as again created a resource, this time for those who have already decided to build their families through adoption. She explores the emotional, psychological, philosophical and practical elements of adoption… gives adoptive parents the tools to make their baby’s transition as smooth as possible… The bottom line is that if all those touched by adoption make the baby the focal point of every adoption, both birthparents and adoptive parents will become better informed and thus feel confident and comfortable about their choices and adoption professionals will feel equally confident and comfortable about the services they provide…”

Adoptive Families magazine (Jan/Feb 97)… “Johnston has (again) made a major contribution to the adoption community by answering questions that every adoptive parent and prospective adopter ponders. After reading this book, you’ll feel confident that your new relationship with the infant you’ve adopted is on track and that your baby will have the best possible start in life. There is no question–this is a must read for every parent, or soon-to-be parent of an adopted infant.”

Single Mothers by Choice newsletter… “I wasn’t sure that Pat Johnston could write a better book than Adopting after Infertility, but she has. This book is thought provoking, contains terrific advice and Pat actually includes single adoptive parents throughout the book… but the greatest impact on me, and what makes this book unique, is the fact that this book is a guide to getting ready for the psychological pregnancy that will help me prepare a place in my heart and in my home for a child…”

Roots & Wings (Jan/Feb/Mar, 97)… “There are many pregnancy and infant care guides on the bookstore shelves; but what if the newest member of your family is coming to you via adoption? How do you psychologically prepare for your baby during a wait that may be nine months or nine days or even nine years?Launching a Baby’s Adoption... is a guide book to help you make the transition from an adult-only family to one that includes a baby. The book contains five sections: an examination of the issues of adoption, especially as they concern preparation for parenting; what happens while you’re waiting for your baby; how to integrate your child into the family and promote healthy
attachment; adoption and parenting issues during the crucial first year; and a section aimed mostly at professionals.

“As always, Johnston uses her personal and profession experience to provide a clear and insightful look at the many issues involved in adopting an infant or very young child. Written in the first person, this book has the feel of a ‘living room chat’. Anecdotes sprinkled throughout serve to bring out the message of ‘baby-centered adoptions,’ where the child’s needs come first. This book is a must read for anyone who is considering or has already adopted a baby under the age of one.”

RESOLVE of Kentucky, Spring, 1997… “…As a prospective adoptive parent I initially had a negative reaction to this focus (baby centered adoption.) As the author illustrated her points with research, advice from child developmental experts, personal experience,
and the personal experiences of others, I came to see the true importance of this focus. I now truly believe that a baby-centered adoption should be the goal of all parties involved…’I throughly enjoyed reading this book. It brought up many issues which I had not trhough of before and provided much needed education. I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in adoption but especially for individuals who have made the
decision to adopt.”

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