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Yes, That's My Baby! But Why Am I So Sad?
There's a name for what you're feeling. It's called Post Adoption Depression Syndrome, or PADS, and it's common.

In fact, it happens about half the time. Feeling depressed is a normal reaction to stress, and the whole adoption process provides plenty of that, and not just for parents. Adopted children often grieve over the loss of their caretakers. Bonding takes time. So don't expect perfection from yourself or the situation.

If either parent has to return to work quickly, make extra allowances there too. Juggling new parenthood with a job and not being there full time also ups the stress. Talking to other adoptive parents often helps. But if the sadness doesn't go away, see a healthcare professional.

Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg—or Dr. Jen—is RealAge's pediatric expert and the author of The Smart Parent's Guide to Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents and Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children. Get more of her advice at RealAge.com.

Are you a parent of an adopted child, or are you considering adoption? Share your comments below.

Keep Reading:
8 things you should never say to an adopted child
Inside an adoption of a Haitian orphan
The Locator's Troy Dunn reunites a mother and daughter
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

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