- Category: Placing a Baby for Adoption
Placing a baby for adoption isn’t right for everyone. But for some women facing an unplanned pregnancy it’s the best option. There is no single reason why birthmothers choose adoption for their baby. But knowing your options and becoming educated about adoption is the best way to know for sure.
It’s never too late to choose adoption. Whether you just found out you are pregnant or just delivered the baby, AdoptList can help you create an adoption plan. If you’re still not sure if adoption is right for you, consider these questions.
Are you ready to parent?
Ask yourself if you are ready to devote your life to the responsibility of a child. Parenting is more than just a financial commitment. You need to be emotionally and physically stable and also have time to invest in caring for a child. Babies don’t stay small forever. They eventually grow into children, teenagers and then adults. Once you decide to parent, you are making a lifelong commitment.
Are you financially able?
Raising a child is expensive. It is estimated that a parent will spend over $240,000 on their child over the course of 18 years. Evaluate your current financial situation and ask yourself if you can afford to support another life. Consider immediate costs such as diapers, formula, daycare, medical expenses, food and clothing, etc.
Some women who choose to parent have financial support from the birthfather or their family. If this is the case, you still need to consider other factors that accompany raising a child. If you work or are in school, who will take care of the baby? Are you ready to care for a child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Are you prepared to put your the needs of your child above your own?
Is the birthfather involved?
Many women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy turn to adoption because they don’t have a relationship with the birthfather - or the birthfather does not have an interest in parenting. A woman can choose to parent without the birthfather, but single parenting is a difficult job. Additionally, it’s important to many birthmothers that their child is raised in a two parent household.
Do you have a support system?
Having the support of family, friends or the birthfather is important to most women facing an unplanned pregnancy. Should you choose to parent, do you have people in your life who will support you? This doesn’t just mean financially. Consider this: if you are living with your parents, will they let you stay with them after the baby is born? If you have work or school, will someone babysit? Should you fall ill or need time to rest, will someone step up and take care of your child?
As we mentioned, there is no sole reason why women choose to give a baby up for adoption. Every birthmother is unique and every adoption is because of different circumstances. If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, our adoption counselors will walk you through the adoption process and help you decide if adoption is right for you.
