Have any of you considered adopting? If so, do you know how the process even starts? I've heard it can take years. That makes me wonder if I should start the process now so I can possibly have a baby in like 3 years.

I just keep thinking about this every time I get a . Tell me I'm not alone, please.

I always thought about adopting but if i ever do, it probably wont be for a long while.

Don't get yourself down though, hun! You will get a BFP I know it will happen for you!!!!

I think it can be a long process....and well if it is something you would concider, it does not hurt to get on the list.

We've considered getting on the list, but I know of couples that rec. a baby only about 6 months after starting the process, so thats the reason we've held off. I mean I still have IUI and IVF to try if we can't get there naturally

I used to work in a fostering / adoption department who did the first stage of assessment. The waiting list is longer for people wanting to adopt a baby because that's what most people considering adoption want. But if you're more open about the age range you'd consider, if you'd take a child with a disability or would consider a sibling group things tend to move faster (this was a few years ago) - think there is also a variation depending on your ethnicity as babies are placed with parents of the same ethnicity.

The first stage involved making a phone call and giving your details followed by attending an information meeting then a home visit from a social worker.

I would love to be a foster carer in the future but would like to get my own family sorted (hopefully!) first. I would definately consider adoption in the future too but think I would have to exhaust all posibilities in terms of having my own baby first. If I was considering adoption I think I would want concentrate solely on the adoption process, don't think I'd have the emotional strength to do them both at the same time and would want it to be a positive step not a second best thing (which it would be for me personally at the moment and that wouldn't be good psychologically for the whole adoption thing for me anyway!!!).

Sorry if I've waffled a bit there!

I have thought of adopting....my gyno says a lot of her patients who adopted then conceived naturally as the stress etc of a baby was lifted and they were happier

I will try IUI & IVF first though ... I have no idea what the adoption process is where you are so cannot help on that front..sorry

My BIL and SIL just got 3 kids after about 18 months-ish wait. They said you are more likely to get kids if you will take on more than one. Their kiddies are 3, 2 and 1 yr old- I can't imagine having to look after 3 tinies at the same time!

we have talked about it too. Sorry I don't know anything about it really. But I am sure like many have already said that adopting older children would be a faster process. I know everyone wants to start fresh with a baby, but the older ones are the ones who need families more.

Like most people I would consider it but after I'd exhausted all possibilities of having my own. Also have to think of OHs feelings and I'm not going to even mention this option for a good while yet!

Me and my DH have spoken about this alot- going to actively try for our own for 1 year, then if nothing happens, put our name down on the adoption list.