Adoption Terms: What Are The Terms Expectant Mother, Birth Mother, and Adoptive Mother? 

By Rose O’Connor

When you are putting a child up for adoption, it can be an emotional and overwhelming time. You may be wondering where to start with the adoption process. That is why Adoption Choices of Kansas is here to help you every step of the way! We offer many resources available to you and additional assistance as well! 

If you need adoption help now, please call us at 877-903-4488, text us at 316-391-4904, or visit us at Adoption Choices of Kansas.

The Difference Between an Expectant Mother, Birth Mother, and Adoptive Mother

During your adoption journey, it is important to know these different terms. We understand if you feel overwhelmed during the process. That is why we are here to help you further understand each step and each role. Here are the significant terms to understand before going through the adoption process. 

• Expectant Mother: An expectant mother is a woman who is going through pregnancy but is not considering adoption at the moment. Moreover, she may have thought about adoption but may look into other pregnancy options. 
• Birth Mother: A birth mother is a woman who is pregnant and is ready for adoption. Therefore, she is ready to begin her adoption journey. Even after looking at the other pregnancy options, she is set on choosing adoption. 
• Adoptive Mother: Adoptive parents are either going through the process of adoption or have already adopted. Additionally, there is the term adoptive family, which lies under both adoptive parents and adoptive mothers.

The Roles In The Adoption Process That Each Term Plays 

When going through the adoption process, the expectant mother, birth mother, and adoptive mother all play a role. It all comes down to each step, and when in the process, they start to come in. Here is the step-by-step guide to the adoption process and how each term plays. 

Step 1: Contact Adoption Choices of Kansas 

You can contact us by phone, video call, or in person. Choose whichever setting makes you feel the most comfortable! This is where the expectant mother role plays. Since the expectant mother is not considering adoption at the moment but is still deciding, contacting us would be the best choice for her. We offer assistance in making decisions when facing an unplanned pregnancy. 

Step 2: Schedule a Meeting With Adoption Choices of Kansas 

This is where the birth mother role comes in! As a birth mother, you are ready to choose adoption for your child. You can meet us in a setting that is the most comfortable for you. Our Adoption Specialist can come to you, or we can have you contact us in other ways!

Step 3: It’s Time to Create Your Adoption Plan 

Your Adoption Specialist will assist you with the important paperwork to create your adoption plan. This outlines the roles of both the birth mother and the adoptive mother. Additionally, your adoption plan will include making your decisions regarding adoption and a financial budget for your specific needs. These decisions also include choosing the level of openness between you and the adoptive family. Here are the three levels of adoption: 

• Open Adoption: This is where personal information is exchanged. This includes names, phone numbers, and contact info. Additionally, birth parents and adoptive families will most likely meet face-to-face and stay in contact throughout the whole adoption journey. 
• Closed Adoption: this is the type of adoption where the adoptive family and the birth mother never meet. Moreover, they know very little to nothing about each other. Additionally, with this adoption, Adoption Choices of Kansas will usually choose the adoptive family for the child. 
• Semi-Open Adoption: is between open and closed adoption. Furthermore, it means that non-identifying information is exchanged. But, it consists of the exchange of photos, letters, phone, emails, or other connections that are not direct. Additionally, there can be contact exchanged through our adoption agencies or ChildConnect.  

Step 4: Choosing an Adoptive Family 

This is another step in which both the birth mother and adoptive mother come into play. As the birth mother, you will choose the best adoptive daily for your child. We will make sure that each profile matches you and your child’s needs. For the adoptive mother, there is a term called HAP. This is an acronym for Hopeful Adoptive Parents. This indicates a person who is waiting to be matched or has been matched. 

An important factor to consider is to ask yourself, as the birth mother, which family will meet those needs. Moreover, think about the factors such as Family Composition, lifestyle, parenting style, racial and cultural background, and location. 

Once you have matched, you will begin receiving financial assistance. In addition, you can meet with the adoptive family, depending on the level of openness.  

When choosing your family, know that they are carefully screened by our agencies. When you search for adoption agencies near me, you will be met with a professional agency that will always assist you. 

In adoption in Wichita, there will be a process called a Home Study. This is where the upcoming adoptive parents are informed about adoption and are screened to see if they are the right fit to adopt a child. 

Step 5: Your Adoptive Hostpri Plan and Due Date 

In this step, as the birth mother, you will outline a birth hospital plan before your delivery date. This indicates the decisions about who will be holding and naming the baby, who will be at the hospital, and your personal care. Your Adoption Specialist will be there to guide you at the hospital. The baby will then leave with the adoptive family, and you will also give your final consent.

Step 6: Post-Placement Support from Adoption Choices of Kansas 

When you and the adoptive family have agreed to post-placement communication, your expenses will continue to be advocated for 6 weeks post-delivery. In addition, emotional and counseling support will be there for you as needed. 

Why These Terms Are Used Separately And Their Importance In Adoption 

Some names that are used to refer to birth mothers or biological moms can actually have a negative impact on them or the adoptive families. Such words as “real parents” or “real mom” implies that the adoptive family is not a real family. Therefore, it is important to use the correct terms effectively. Furthermore, it is significant to use the terms separately as well. This not only indicates the respected term for each role but it further helps someone understand the process. 

By using the correct terms to refer to people, we can also avoid making someone feel left out. This makes each role feel like they are important and that they are making a positive impact in their journey. 

Adoption Choices of Kansas is Here to Guide You Through Your Adoption Journey

At Adoption Choices of Kansas, we are here to advocate for you and your child’s needs. We make sure that you are provided with all of the additional resources you need. Searching for adoption agencies near me will guide you to an agency that is fully serviced and licensed. If you are a woman who is starting your adoption journey, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

Choosing adoption is not giving up. If you need unplanned pregnancy help now, Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond. We can help with teen pregnancy, financial assistance, difficult situations, and more. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-391-4904.