For a birth mother, the journey of adoption doesn’t end when the consent papers are signed. She still has emotions of grief, sadness, loss, and even guilt to deal with. Additionally, she could be facing postpartum depression from giving birth.
A caring adoption agency, like A Gift of Hope Adoptions, understands the value of professional post-adoption counseling and support tailored to each birth mother. Before placing your child for adoption, make sure the adoption coordinator you choose provides the assistance you need. The following is some advice we offer our birth mothers.
The Type of Adoption Plan You Choose Matters
There are three adoption plans: open, semi-open, and closed. The plan a birth mother chooses is meant to provide her with the post-adoption contact she wishes to have.
If you feel that having direct contact with the adoptive family from the start would help you heal, choose an open adoption plan. You exchange identifying information and agree to communicate regularly.
If you want information about how your baby is adjusting but don’t wish to identify yourself, choose a semi-open adoption. With this plan, the staff at A Gift of Hope Adoptions serves as a go-between for all communication, protecting the privacy of everyone involved.
Sometimes, birth mothers feel contact with the adoptive family is too painful. Although not as popular, you would choose a closed adoption plan. This plan entails zero contact between you and your child’s family.
Having the Support of Others Is Critical
Because adoption is so misunderstood today, some birth mothers decide to place their child without the support of others. You can feel isolated and alone.
Family members or friends may not offer the compassion you need. They may say, “You made the decision. It’s time to move on.” Or “Why didn’t you want your baby?” Even using outdated terms like “giving up your baby” can be painful to hear.
You need and deserve personalized support from someone who understands the emotions you are feeling. At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we’ll counsel with you for as long as you need us and provide information about others who can provide additional counseling support.
We’ll also refer you to many birth mother support groups, including BraveLove.org, Adoption Savvy, and Building Grace.
If you are struggling with postpartum depression as well, we recommend getting assistance from Postpartum Support International.
Selecting the Adoptive Parents Provides Comfort
Making an adoption plan for your child is a life-changing decision. It takes courage and a lot of love to place your baby with others. By carefully selecting the right couple who will raise your child, you’ll find comfort knowing you made the right choice.
We’ll listen carefully to you to find the parents that fit your hopes and dreams for your child. We have several families currently waiting to adopt. If you don’t see the right couple here, we’ll find them for you.
Let A Gift of Hope Adoptions Help You
If you are an expectant mother or birth mother considering placing your baby for adoption, let us help you. Your overall mental and physical health is important to us. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.
All of our services are free. Please fill out our confidential contact form, chat with us online, or call us at (888) 564-HOPE (4673) for more information.
“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 that the laws can change over time.”