In the early hours of Dec 26th 2004 the Western world awoke to the unfolding horror that we came to know as the Asian Tsunami. Those of us still recovering from obscenely large amounts of food and drink from the previous day sat transfixed as we watched a horror story of biblical proportions unfold before our very eyes.
The United Nations estimated that the Asian Tsunami left more than five million people homeless, including about 1.5 million children most of whom became orphaned. The outpouring of emotion from around the world was of mixed benefit as far as the region was concerned in that yes we all dug deep into our pockets and yes we all lobbied our Politicians to something about it and yes bizarrely this tragedy may have had some knock on effect in the movement to alleviate Third World debt and poverty but the blessings were mixed as far as the people on the ground were concerned.
Since the disaster, adoption agencies around the world have been fielding phone calls from well-meaning families wanting to adopt a child from one of the countries hit.
Adoption experts say the best thing people can do is to donate money to causes that directly help the children. They say it's wrong to take a traumatized child away from the environment that they have grown up in.
"Adoptions, especially inter-country ones, are inappropriate during the emergency phase as children are better placed being cared for by their wider families and the communities they know," said the charity Save the Children in a statement released Jan. 6, 2005.
International Adoption needs to be well planned
"The last thing they need to do is be rushed away to some foreign land," said Cory Barron of Children's Hope International, an American adoption agency. "We have to think of the child first."
Adoption by some well meaning couple in the west flying half way round the world bearing large sums of money to whisk the child away to a life totally alien to everything it has known isn’t always what is in the best interests of the child.
It is worth bearing in mind the following facts after any tragedy like this:
• Children will be experiencing an immense sense of loss and grief.
• They will need to know what they feel is normal and that they're not going crazy.
• They need to be with people they know and to feel as safe as possible.
• They need to establish a daily routine as soon as possible to reduce their fears.
• They should play with other children to have time away from their fears and allowed to have creative expression such as materials to draw.
• Those separated from family members need to be registered as soon as possible and reunified quickly.
• Putting children in a temporary care facility or an orphanage should be the last resort.
Around 200 children were orphaned and many more lost one parent when the Tsunami struck the district of Nagappattinam in Tamil Nadu state, the worst-affected region in India.
The local administration has handled scores of queries from individuals and organisations wanting to adopt the children.
But fears of human trafficking have made the government tread with caution. The emphasis now is on rehabilitating these children in the local communities. Suryakala, a district social welfare officer in Nagappattinam, says many children they talked to preferred to remain here rather than move out of the area.
The local administration has asked those interested in adoption to send in applications. But they are in no hurry to move these children out.
Around 60 children have been put up in an orphanage run by the Zion Church in Nagappattinam.
Parvathi lost her parents but has returned to the school to take her examinations. She visits her relatives once a month and says she prefers to stay in Nagappattinam.
Local charities and social activists have lobbied hard with the government not to "give away" these children for adoption. Aftab, a young activist, says he learned a lot from the aftermath of the Gujarat earthquake in 2000.
He says that in the past two months there have been several instances of representatives of organisations trying to "forcibly" take away orphans. Nagappattinam was one of India's worst-hit areas" The local community objected and expressed its willingness to take care of such children," says Aftab. "None of these children want to be moved out," he says.
The local administration, Aftab says, is still not clear about what it wants to do with them.
He has met representatives of different villages who back the idea not to move them out.
"Why should these children be sent to orphanages and homes far from here?" he asks.
Efforts by individuals like Aftab seem to have had an impact.
The local administrator's office has decided against any hasty decision.
One official summed up the dilemma faced by the government: "The issue of children is a delicate matter in any community... one wrong step and we will invite the wrath of the people."
Adoption experts are hoping the outpouring of interest in adoptions from the tsunami disaster might translate into adoptions elsewhere. The real tragedy is that the tsunami doesn’t even dent the numbers of orphans worldwide, the real numbers are unfathomable. Most adoption specialists say the number of orphans globally may be somewhere in the range of 40 to 60 million—13 million in sub-Saharan Africa alone due to the AIDS crisis there, and many more in Russia, China and Latin America. Only a fraction of those children are in official adoption pools.
“We are hopeful that the tsunami-affected countries will eventually have an open mind to international adoption,” says Thomas Atwood, President of the US National Council for Adoption. “But we’re also hopeful that parents will look to adopt children in other parts of the world. There are thousands of children available for adoption right now. For those whose hearts have been tugged by the tsunami, perhaps this is a step in their journey towards another child.”
So perhaps even after the darkest and most terrible of tragedies there can be some positive long term benefits and these are that whilst a large number of people may ignore the need or desire to adopt from within their own communities in favour of adoption with an International dimension this raising of the Adoption Profile and the inherent potential problems may well bring some of those new to Adoption back to considering Adoption from within their communities. The other benefit that can be taken from this whole affair may be the overall increase in the awareness of the concept of Adoption itself. If this in turn leads to more children being partnered with Adoptive Families then that can only be considered good.
Stephen is the principal advisor for International Adoption Information, an independent advisory organisation in social and child welfare.
http://www.internationaladoptioninformation.com
Jumat, 30 Desember 2011
Baby -Infertility Counseling
Infertility counseling can help most couples that are going through fertility treatment programs. There are two types of counseling that an individual or couple may be looking at for fertility assistance; emotional counseling and physical pregnancy support. Both types of counseling are an essential part of successfully navigating the world of fertility.
Physical Pregnancy Help
This type of help is given from your doctor or specialist. They are the people that do all the tests and give all the shots to assist you in your infertility grant request. It is their job to help grant you the wish of having a baby. The doctor's knowledge of their specialty is an essential part of fertility support. Without the doctor and their ability to help couples with pregnancy aid, it would be impossible for some couples to get pregnant and have a baby.
Financial Help
The infertility doctor that you use will be able to offer you information on other forms of pregnancy assistance as well as their physical assistance. There are a variety of fertility grant and pregnancy grant programs available to both men and women who are suffering infertility. Through this financial support it may be possible for a women's fertility treatments to be less expensive and even free!
Emotional Help
Another important aspect of fertility programs is their ability to successfully offer infertility assistance on an emotional level. Both men and women that are going through infertility issues can benefit from the counseling of and individual therapist or a group therapy session.
Couples can visit a therapist to discuss their concerns and worrying regarding the process of infertility. Both people in the relationship may be getting discourage about the process. The emotional support that a counselor can give is a great way for couples to deal with their emotions and concerns.
Community Help
One of the easiest ways to get support while going through infertility is to seek an infertility group. These groups are a great way for infertile couples, and those having problems getting pregnant, to express their concerns and difficulties with the fertility treatment process. Everyone in the group is going through the same emotions and physical changes and are able to help each other work through this difficult time in their life.
Most fertility clinics will have information on a fertility support group in the area. Most clinics actually run their own support groups several times during the week. So it should not be a problem finding a support program that will fit your emotional needs as you go through the fertility process.
Going through infertility is a process that is both physically and emotionally draining. To make the process more enjoyable couples should utilize all the resources that are available to them, including: financial, emotional, and community support programs. The relief that they programs will give a couple might be just what they need to try their fertility program a little longer.
You don't have to suffer through infertility alone.... Using the resources available to you will increase your odds of having a successful pregnancy.
Physical Pregnancy Help
This type of help is given from your doctor or specialist. They are the people that do all the tests and give all the shots to assist you in your infertility grant request. It is their job to help grant you the wish of having a baby. The doctor's knowledge of their specialty is an essential part of fertility support. Without the doctor and their ability to help couples with pregnancy aid, it would be impossible for some couples to get pregnant and have a baby.
Financial Help
The infertility doctor that you use will be able to offer you information on other forms of pregnancy assistance as well as their physical assistance. There are a variety of fertility grant and pregnancy grant programs available to both men and women who are suffering infertility. Through this financial support it may be possible for a women's fertility treatments to be less expensive and even free!
Emotional Help
Another important aspect of fertility programs is their ability to successfully offer infertility assistance on an emotional level. Both men and women that are going through infertility issues can benefit from the counseling of and individual therapist or a group therapy session.
Couples can visit a therapist to discuss their concerns and worrying regarding the process of infertility. Both people in the relationship may be getting discourage about the process. The emotional support that a counselor can give is a great way for couples to deal with their emotions and concerns.
Community Help
One of the easiest ways to get support while going through infertility is to seek an infertility group. These groups are a great way for infertile couples, and those having problems getting pregnant, to express their concerns and difficulties with the fertility treatment process. Everyone in the group is going through the same emotions and physical changes and are able to help each other work through this difficult time in their life.
Most fertility clinics will have information on a fertility support group in the area. Most clinics actually run their own support groups several times during the week. So it should not be a problem finding a support program that will fit your emotional needs as you go through the fertility process.
Going through infertility is a process that is both physically and emotionally draining. To make the process more enjoyable couples should utilize all the resources that are available to them, including: financial, emotional, and community support programs. The relief that they programs will give a couple might be just what they need to try their fertility program a little longer.
You don't have to suffer through infertility alone.... Using the resources available to you will increase your odds of having a successful pregnancy.
Give Your Baby a Healthy Start
All parents want the best for their new baby. Good nutrition allows parents to give their baby a healthy head start.
Often, parents don't think about how they can influence their infant's health, including their infant's immune system development through nutrition. Below are a few tips for parents to help support the development of an infant's immune system during pregnancy and the first year.
* During pregnancy: A mom should remember that what she eats affects her child before and after birth. A good source of vitamins and minerals and proper hydration will help a mom-to-be stay healthy.
To support an infant's immune system development, experts recommend that pregnant women eat protein-rich foods such as soy, lean meats and legumes and foods rich in antioxidants like broccoli, red potatoes and blueberries.
* The first year: Before birth, a developing baby receives antibodies from its mother. Maternal antibodies provide initial immune protection to the developing infant, but rapidly decline after birth. A baby begins to develop its own antibodies as the mother's begin to wear off.
One reason why breast-feeding is recommended for at least the first year of life is because a mother's breast milk is the only way she can pass immune-protecting antibodies to her infant after birth.
"These antibodies help keep an infant healthy," said Bridget Swinney, dietitian, mother of two and author of "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids: A Practical and Tasty Guide to Your Child's Nutrition." "But if a mom chooses to feed infant formula or supplement, she should find an iron-fortified infant formula similar to breast milk, like Similac Advance."
Some infant formulas provide specific breast milk compounds called nucleotides. Clinical research shows that Similac Advance's patented blend of nucleotides helps support the development of a baby's immune system.
Often, parents don't think about how they can influence their infant's health, including their infant's immune system development through nutrition. Below are a few tips for parents to help support the development of an infant's immune system during pregnancy and the first year.
* During pregnancy: A mom should remember that what she eats affects her child before and after birth. A good source of vitamins and minerals and proper hydration will help a mom-to-be stay healthy.
To support an infant's immune system development, experts recommend that pregnant women eat protein-rich foods such as soy, lean meats and legumes and foods rich in antioxidants like broccoli, red potatoes and blueberries.
* The first year: Before birth, a developing baby receives antibodies from its mother. Maternal antibodies provide initial immune protection to the developing infant, but rapidly decline after birth. A baby begins to develop its own antibodies as the mother's begin to wear off.
One reason why breast-feeding is recommended for at least the first year of life is because a mother's breast milk is the only way she can pass immune-protecting antibodies to her infant after birth.
"These antibodies help keep an infant healthy," said Bridget Swinney, dietitian, mother of two and author of "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids: A Practical and Tasty Guide to Your Child's Nutrition." "But if a mom chooses to feed infant formula or supplement, she should find an iron-fortified infant formula similar to breast milk, like Similac Advance."
Some infant formulas provide specific breast milk compounds called nucleotides. Clinical research shows that Similac Advance's patented blend of nucleotides helps support the development of a baby's immune system.
ideas for a baby shower
A few guests can get together and get a big laundry basket. Place in it a long clothes line with outfits, diapers, bibs, etc. pinned to it. It can also be used as a room decoration. It has a bit of everything and something to carry it in!
Baby Quilt - here is a great gift from those that love to sew and quilt. Find an alphabet quilt pattern. Each square has a letter of the alphabet on it and a picture of an object that started with that letter. It can have numbers too. Each guest can be given/sent a square before the shower and can embroider, quilt, or embellish it according to her own taste. If the quilt is meant to be a wall hanging, guests can also attach little items like rattles and toys. Be sure that everyone signs their own block in some way and have the blocks returned by a certain date in order to have it put together. This can also be used as a decoration at the shower.
Make a scrapbook album. Take blank scrapbook pages and have everyone write down their well wishes (without Mom knowing it) for the new baby. This can be done at or before the shower and can be given at the shower or to Mom while she is in the hospital. If given after the shower, it can include photos taken there.
Pass out sheets of heavy paper decorated with baby related stamps, stickers, or pictures several lines drawn on. Have the guests write their name on the paper and then write down some baby/parenting advice. Once everyone is finished, collect them, add a cover, punch holes in it, and tie it together with some ribbon. Then hand it to Mom to read aloud. This will be entertaining as well as touching and is a nice keepsake. There is tons of room for creativity on this one.
Have each guest bring an extra gift (small item recommended) for Daddy-to-be and the host of the shower will then place them in large gift bag to present to him at the close of the party (usually after the main gifts are opened). He opens this with Mommy-to-be at home or in presence of close family or friends.
Diaper Shower--- For a second (or more) baby, consider a diaper shower. Ask each guest to bring only a package of diapers as a gift. Some guests may bring other gifts also, but Mom will end up with a mountain of diapers, something she will really need! Items could also include anything associated with diapering such as wipes, ointment, powder, etc.
Casserole Shower--- For the mother who has everything already, how about a Casserole Shower? Have each guest bring a casserole or other ready-to-cook meal that can be frozen or stored until after the baby is born. Be sure to have the containers clearly labeled with contents and any cooking instructions. How helpful that will be when Mom and Baby come home!
Book Party--- Have each guest purchase and give a copy of their favorite childhood book.
Baby Quilt - here is a great gift from those that love to sew and quilt. Find an alphabet quilt pattern. Each square has a letter of the alphabet on it and a picture of an object that started with that letter. It can have numbers too. Each guest can be given/sent a square before the shower and can embroider, quilt, or embellish it according to her own taste. If the quilt is meant to be a wall hanging, guests can also attach little items like rattles and toys. Be sure that everyone signs their own block in some way and have the blocks returned by a certain date in order to have it put together. This can also be used as a decoration at the shower.
Make a scrapbook album. Take blank scrapbook pages and have everyone write down their well wishes (without Mom knowing it) for the new baby. This can be done at or before the shower and can be given at the shower or to Mom while she is in the hospital. If given after the shower, it can include photos taken there.
Pass out sheets of heavy paper decorated with baby related stamps, stickers, or pictures several lines drawn on. Have the guests write their name on the paper and then write down some baby/parenting advice. Once everyone is finished, collect them, add a cover, punch holes in it, and tie it together with some ribbon. Then hand it to Mom to read aloud. This will be entertaining as well as touching and is a nice keepsake. There is tons of room for creativity on this one.
Have each guest bring an extra gift (small item recommended) for Daddy-to-be and the host of the shower will then place them in large gift bag to present to him at the close of the party (usually after the main gifts are opened). He opens this with Mommy-to-be at home or in presence of close family or friends.
Diaper Shower--- For a second (or more) baby, consider a diaper shower. Ask each guest to bring only a package of diapers as a gift. Some guests may bring other gifts also, but Mom will end up with a mountain of diapers, something she will really need! Items could also include anything associated with diapering such as wipes, ointment, powder, etc.
Casserole Shower--- For the mother who has everything already, how about a Casserole Shower? Have each guest bring a casserole or other ready-to-cook meal that can be frozen or stored until after the baby is born. Be sure to have the containers clearly labeled with contents and any cooking instructions. How helpful that will be when Mom and Baby come home!
Book Party--- Have each guest purchase and give a copy of their favorite childhood book.
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