Choosing to place a child for adoption is like a roller coaster of emotions. You start slowly contemplating the idea, and as your pregnancy progresses, the emotions get more and more challenging. You feel layers of grief, pride, loss, and joy.
The team at A Gift of Hope Adoptions understands it takes great courage and strength to make an adoption plan. The ups and downs are real, and we will be with you every step of the way. Adoption is never a one-time decision. It is a lifetime relationship.
Here are three ways to help you navigate the ups and downs as you build that relationship.
You Need a Strong Support Network
The National Council for Adoption, along with Opt Institute and BraveLove, published a study in 2022. The study found that parents and adoption professionals provided the most significant amount of support.
Having the support of those closest to you is vital. Sadly, the study also found that birth mothers still experience a great deal of stigma regarding their adoption decision.
There are several support groups that you can join. Meeting with other women who have decided to place their children for adoption is extremely helpful. Consider joining one of these:
- BraveLove
- Birth Parent Support Alliance
- Open Adoption and Family Services
- Building Grace Helping Women
- Abiding Love Charities
At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we can also connect you with local adoption groups.
Are You Open to an Open Adoption?
It seems impossible at first. How can you have a relationship with the couple that will be raising your baby? The key to a successful open or semi-open adoption is for everyone to focus on what’s best for your child.
Open adoption often works best when everyone takes time to build trust and communicate well. It may not be easy for the adults, but research suggests it’s best for the child they share.
Most birth mothers find comfort in having a connection with their child. They see that others can love their child just as much as they do. As trust grows between the biological and adoptive families, they can enjoy the common bond of being an essential part of their child’s life.
Know That Whatever You Feel, Your Feelings Are Valid
Every emotion you feel is valid. Whether it’s grief, a sense of loss, confidence, or hope, you have permission to experience them all. Your adoption is unique to you.
You have the freedom to acknowledge those emotions and express them if necessary. Like any form of grief, it is a process. You cannot change overnight, so don’t put that pressure on yourself.
Your emotional health matters. Finding safety and security with people who have gone through the adoption process is necessary for your healing. If necessary, seek professional help from a counselor skilled in adoption-related mental health issues.
We Are Here for You
If you are considering adoption or have already placed a child and need to talk with someone, we are here for you. A Gift of Hope Adoptions is a fully licensed adoption agency serving women throughout the area.
We understand the complexities of adoption. If you are experiencing the ups and downs of emotions due to an adoption decision, contact us.
Schedule an appointment by completing our confidential online contact form or calling us at (888) 564-HOPE (4673). Let us know how we can help you today.
This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.