- Category: Placing a Baby for Adoption
Embrace Your Emotions
Placing a baby for adoption is an emotional time. It is completely normal for birthmothers to feel stress, sadness, confusion, uncertainty and regret. Some birthmothers want to avoid these emotions, and will even block them like they aren't happening at all. Just keep in mind that during this time of adversity, there will also be moments of joy and affirmation. Deal with your emotions head on to ensure they are making the best decision. If you're having trouble sorting through your thoughts or struggling to decide if adoption is right for you, our birthmother coordinators are always available to talk.
Talk to Someone
Of course you can reach out to one of our birthmother coordinators any time for guidance as support, However, you might feel even more comfortable if you have a close family member or friend to talk to. As mentioned, our adoption counselors are available to talk anytime. You can even talk to other birthmothers. There are plenty of birthmother organizations designed to help women placing a baby for adoption or those who have already have. Talking through your thoughts about adoption can be extremely helpful to making your final decision.
Parenting or Adoption?
Consider all of your options before making the decision to place your baby for adoption. Is parenting an option? Is adoption your only choice? Every adoption comes from a unique situation. While placing a baby for adoption might be right for one birthmother, it may not be for another. Adoption and parenting each have their own rewards. Consider each carefully before choosing. In the meantime, check out this article about adoption vs. parenting.
Research Adoption Agencies
Every adoption facilitator is different. They offer different programs, different services and work with a number of adoptive families. We recommend speaking with 2-3 agencies before deciding who to work with. Most adoption agencies will offer financial benefits such as assistance with living expenses, medical bills and other pregnancy related costs. They will also refer you to an adoption attorney in your state, adoption social workers, and present you with adoptive family profiles. The most important part about choosing an agency is finding one that cares. AdoptList offers free counseling and education services to every birthmother we meet.
Search for an Adoptive Family
Every birthmother should ask herself what she sees for her child's future. Is it a two-parent household? A single male or female? A family who lives in a certain state or who has a specific profession? We work with adoptive families of all types, including traditional couples, single parents and the gay & lesbian couples. Each family has met the state licensing standards to adopt a baby and are ready to provide a loving home for a child. We make it easier than ever for birthmothers to find the right family via our online database of adoptive family profiles. Each profile includes a letter to you, the birthmother, detailed descriptions of their life, relationship, extended family, home and traditions along with photos and fun facts.
Choosing adoption isn't easy. Our goal is to educate birthmothers so they can be as comfortable and confident as possible. If you're pregnant and thinking about, it's time to start thinking about what's involved. Contact us any time for more information or just to talk. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
