Naming the Baby

When There's Disagreement, What's the Solution?

By Mardie Caldwell, COAP

If your child is older, he or she can be part of the decision. One 10-year-old girl was re-adopted and wanted a new name. She looked forward to a new start with her new family, and because of bad memories, she didn't want to keep her birth name from her native country. She and her family researched first names and found a new name that meant "beauty." They had a special ceremony to change her name and initiate her new start in life. She has blossomed with her new start and name!

You see, you have many options. Remember, the most important part of the decision is the child's well-being. If you have other reasons for withdrawing from an adoption plan, be honest, but don't let the birth mother's decision to name the baby be your reason. The baby will not be born with their name tattooed on their sweet little bottom. Relax and enjoy the journey, and know that the right child for your family is out there. Don't let the little things – especially things that can be changed – get in the way of your success.

Well-known adoption professional, award-winning author and speaker Mardie Caldwell, COAP has been helping women from 11 to 45 with personalized adoption planning since 1986. Caldwell is the founder of a highly respected adoption center, Lifetime Adoption Center. Listen online to her popular weekly radio talk show Let's Talk Adoption. To contact Caldwell or for free information on adoption, visit www.LifetimeAdoption.com or call the birth parent answer line, open 24 hours a day, at 1-800-923-6784 or 530-432-7373.