Difference between Birth Mothers and Adoptive Mothers
By Danny Solorzano
The adoption uses a lot of terminologies that might be confusing for some who are not familiar with the process. This is why Adoption Choices of Kansas tries its best to inform the public about the adoption process. People often confuse terms such as expectant mothers, birth mothers, and adoptive mothers. If you need adoption help now, please call us at 877-903-4488, text us at 316-209-2071, or visit Adoption Choices of Kansas.
The Difference Between Expectant Mothers, Birth Mothers, and Adoptive Mothers in Kansas
Expectant Mothers in the Adoption Process
If you’re reading this article and carrying a child, you are an expectant mother. Expectant mothers are just as they sound. They are mothers who are pregnant with children. Often, mothers planning to put their child for adoption go to their local adoption agency to learn more about the process. Some even take the extra step to become a part of it.
Expectant mothers are then put under the care of their adoption agency. We provide expectant mothers access to hospital and doctors the expectant mother might not have otherwise been able to afford. Expectant mothers are also assisted in making ends meet if they need it. They are also given access to counseling should they need it. The adoption specialist assigned to their case will inform them, and guide them through the process. As one might have already guessed, the expectant mother is perhaps the most vital part of the adoption process. This is why so many resources are available at her disposal.
Birth Mothers in the Adoption Process
Often, you will see the terms “birth mother” and “expectant mother” used interchangeably. Still, technically, an exceptant mother does not become a birth mother until she delivers the child to the hospital. Postplacement, the birth mother, is given access to counseling and support groups should she need it. If she continues to need financial assistance, we usually provide for it for a certain period.
Depending on which adoption option she chooses, the birth mother may or may not continue to play an active role in her child’s life. If the birth mother chooses an open adoption, both she and the adoptive parents have the option to continue the birth mother’s presence in the child’s life beyond the adoption process. In this case, the birth mother will act as a mentor figure in her child’s life and help them grow and navigate the world.
The Adoptive Mother in the Adoption Process
Depending on which adoption option an expectant mother chooses, she might pick her child’s adoptive mother. The role of the adoptive mother in the adoption process varies. In an open adoption, she most likely has a more hands-on role and helps the expectant mother throughout the process.
Often, adoptive mothers and expectant mothers form bonds during the adoption process, as they both have a common goal: to make sure the child is safe and okay. In a closed adoption, the adoptive mother is constantly taking a background role or a hands-off role in the adoption process, as the expectant mother wished it to be so. Adoptive mothers understand this and wouldn’t want to do something that would add further stress to the expectant mother.
After the delivery and placement, the adoptive mother is given custody of the child, and it’s her time to be a parent. Depending on which adoption option the expectant mother chooses, she might request the aid of the birth mother during the initial stages of the child’s development and perhaps further than that. If the birth mother chooses a closed adoption, it is up to the adoptive mother to ensure the child is well cared for, as she is now their legal guardian and parent.
Every Mother is Different But Important
Every mother plays a critical role in the adoption process, and while the adoption process is hard for all parties involved, there is a reason why it is so popular. The child benefits from growing into their personalities and having parents with the means to support them.
The birth mother benefits from knowing the child who grew in their stomach are safe and sound—the adoptive mother benefits from getting the chance to start her own family. If you have any questions about the adoption process, don’t hesitate to contact Adoption Choices of Kansas.
We are here to answer any questions you might have. 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 316-209-2071
