Today Troy and I had a chance to meet with an International Adoption Doctor (IAD) to ask some general questions and get a feel for whether or not we were comfortable sending a medical report and photos to him for review while we are in Russia. The doctor put us right at ease and answered most of our questions without us even asking them. We were very pleased. Some things we learned were that:
- The very best photo to send to a doctor of the child is a head-on, straight view of the child’s face when they are not smiling (relaxed facial features);
- Profile shots are helpful as they can look at the shape and development of the head;
- Pay attention to their muscles. Many times they will be limper than expected due to their lack of stimulation. However, if they are stiff or tight, this can be because of an underlying issue; and
- Pay attention to their hands. A child who is 6 months should have open hands and be able to transfer an object from one hand to the other. A 12 month old child who keeps their hands in a fist may have underlying issues.
We also talked about taking toys and watching them and noting as much as possible. He said not to be shy when we email and even if we think something we observed may not be that important we should email it anyway as it could raise a red flag to a doctor. He also gave us permission to call him anytime day or night while we are there if there is an issue that just can’t wait. He also had no problem writing a letter for court and prescribing some medications before the second trip of items to take with us in need be (general children’s antibiotic, cream for scabies and such).
All in all, we are very happy we went and hope that some of this information benefits others.
In saying all this we have reached what Becky coined a “Baby Milestone” during our waiting. Each time we reach a baby milestone more of the waiting has passed and we are closer to bringing our son home!! Our next baby milestone is the local pediatrician appointment on September 7th. We are now looking forward to that one!!
16 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing this info! I can't wait for our IAD appt on the 15th. And thanks for giving me something to look at this afternoon - that website should be very helpful! One milestone down and lots more to come!
Sounds like you found a wonderful doctor who is able to help during the adoption and referral process.
I like the baby milestones too. An easy way to keep you busy while you wait and before you know it, you will be traveling to meet your little one.
He sounds like someone you can count on which is very important! Hopefully you won't have to wait too much longer.
Thanks for posting this info! We haven't decided whether we are going to use an IAD yet or not and this info is very helpful.
Thank you for the info you posted. I've seen your blog a few times but finally got the courage to leave a comment. We are adopting with CHI as well but we are still in the home study phase. I would love to add you to my favorites and check in on you to cheer y'all on if you don't mind. Susan
Great info Rachel! Thanks for sharing...that's a lot more than we were told - what a great find!
Thanks for sharing about your visit to the IAD. Thanks for the suggestions, too! Good information!
That is great information. Sounds like you have a wonderful doctor. And it is great that you are preparing for this beforehand because it can be soooo stressful when you are there and trying to figure out what to look for. Thanks for sharing!
thanks for sharing all of this info on IA doctors. I haven't started looking into that area yet and this has been really helpful.
It is great that you have found a good doctor. Thinking about you guys!
Hi! We too are adopting from Vlad with CHI. We are next up for our courtdate. Hopefully we will hear one next week.
I like the Karaoke blog. Howling dog accompaniment? Yeah, I think I've been there. :)
Thanks for your comments on our blog - we have added yours to our favorites.
Sounds like your appt went great! Your doctor's advice was right on with what ours said too.
I hope he can review some info for you verrrrry soon! :)
Read your post on our blog. We were sad to see Mareda leave. We sent her an e-mail (through our new co-ordinator) to wish her well.
Hello, I am just in the home study phase of our adoption. This is the second time I have read about an IAD appointment. How did you find this type of doctor? I am glad that you got such good information. It really sounds like the doctor who you ment with was really informative. I hope you do not mind if I follow your blog while you wait.
Joy
Rachel,
Thanks for the information on an IAD appointment. I will start a search for one in my area.
Joy
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