One aspect of being a foundling which is not often considered is the total lack of knowledge of one's background. I know a woman who as a baby was found on a church doorstep, and was brought up as an adoptee. She was very well cared for, but whenever she visited a doctor ( especially in pregnancy) she was asked " is there any ------ in the family ?" " Did your parents or grandparents ever suffer from ------ ?" whereupon she had to admit her unknown origins. Very embarrassing to have to tell people you were a foundling, rejected by those who are supposed to love you most .