The physician's responsibility in adoption, Part II: Caring for the adoptive family

Adoptive families have special needs throughout their family life cycles, including sensitive and attentive health care. Resolution of infertility grief, preparation for adoption, and emotional adjustments of the adoptive parents and child are all stressful aspects of this mode of family formation. Adoption is an ongoing part of the family's history that affects interpersonal relationships permanently. Understanding these dynamics gives the physician insight in helping adoptive families mature successfully.