Pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience, especially if it is not planned. While it is not without difficulty, it is important to prepare yourself by using any and all resources that you may need, and gaining an understanding about the process. If you learn about your choices and prepare yourself for what your pregnancy will look like, the process will go much smoother. If you are a birth mother who is trying to explore her options, below are some things to consider in order to make the best decision for yourself and your child.
- Know your Options: While this might be one of the most difficult parts of the process, but it is important to make a firm decision, so that you can move forward. A birth mother can decide if she wants to terminate or continue with the pregnancy, and either keep the child or place your child for adoption. If you decide that adoption is the right choice for you and your child, you can begin to start the adoption process.
- Select an adoption agency: It is important to find an agency that meets your specific needs. Consider the size of the agency, the credentials of the workers, and the connection you feel with the professionals. These are all important to creating the best experience for you. Your agency will also help put you in contact with resources you need whether it be medical, financial, or educational.
- Find an adoptive family: This is another important part of the process. You want to find a family with similar values that will give your child the best opportunity to grow and succeed. This will also allow you to establish a level of trust to start building a relationship with your child’s prospective family.
- Decide on the terms for the adoption: There are different levels of contact that you can decide to have with your child. An open adoption, where you have full contact with your child, a semi-open adoption, where you can communicate with your child but with certain parameters, or a closed adoption, where you have no contact with your child. Within these levels, there are a variety of different ways of communication. Each case is unique, which is why it is important to establish the guidelines early in the process.
- Develop a birth plan: The delivery can be a stressful and emotional experience, so it is important to plan beforehand. On the day of the birth, it will help make the process easier. A birth mother can decide on who she wants present, if she wants the adoptive parents to be there, and if she wants to spend time with her baby after the birth.
While pregnancy can be stressful, there are many resources that can help prepare you for your pregnancy. Creating an adoption plan will help make the process less stressful and will help you know what to expect. Adoption Choices of Kansas & Missouri can help! Serving Expectant Parents Statewide, Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071
