What a Privilege it is To Be a (Foster) Mom

In utero trauma and maternal loss are real and have tangible effects on the babies we welcome through foster care.

When I’m caring for a (foster) baby, I know that what this baby needs most is a secure attachment figure, and I can be that now, until (biological) mom is able to be.

Responding to every cry, predictably meeting needs, routines & rhythms, skin to skin, eye contact, baby wearing, lots of healthy touch, and everything else I did with my babies born to me biologically will promote this crucial, developmentally formative relationship.

Being the stand-in mom for a baby during these critical attachment building months & years is one of the most important jobs on earth. I get to literally shape this baby’s brain & nervous system, color his view of the world, transform his ability to build relationships & trust—including, hopefully, eventually with his (biological) mom—forever.

What a privilege it is to be a (foster) mom.