Everything You Need to Know About Adoption as a Pregnant Woman
Whether you’ve been thinking about choosing adoption for some time, or if you’re new to the world of adoption, it’s always helpful to learn more information about adoption before you begin. This way, you’ll be able to minimize surprises and be prepared for your adoption, should you choose this path.
Below, you’ll find some helpful facts and answers to your questions to help you get started. If you are looking for information about putting a child up for adoption, you can also contact one of these agencies:
What to Know About Adoption If You are a Prospective Birth Mother
As a prospective birth mother, you will be the most important part of the adoption process. No matter how far along you are in your unplanned pregnancy, an adoption specialist can help provide everything you need to know about adoption and help you begin your personal journey whenever you are ready.
The most important thing that you should know is that the adoption will always go at your pace. Adoption is never an obligation for you, no matter how far in the process you are or what kind of assistance you receive. If, after receiving an info packet for putting a child up for adoption, you don’t feel that this path is right for you, you can always change your mind.
Even if it takes some time to feel comfortable with your decision, your adoption specialist will be with you every step of the way, providing plenty of info about adoption and answering any questions you may have.
Common Questions About Adoption
If you’re a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, you likely have plenty of questions about the process during your search for information on adoption. Here are some of the most common questions that women with an unexpected pregnancy ask:
- Is adoption free? – If you are a prospective birth mother, adoption will always be free for you. You will be under plenty of emotional stress during your pregnancy, so you shouldn’t have to worry about costs on top of that. Depending on your needs, you may also be able to qualify for financial assistance during your adoption.
- Will I be able to see my child after the adoption? – You are more than able to see your child after an adoption is complete. For women in your situation, this is one of the best things about adoption. By choosing an open adoption, you’ll be able to watch your child grow up through phone calls, pictures and letters, and occasional in-person visits. The choice will always be up to you.
- Do I get to choose the adoptive family? – Yes! Part of your adoption plan is getting to choose who your baby grows up with. There are plenty of waiting families to pick from, so no matter how far along in your pregnancy you are, you can still find the perfect family for your baby.
- Can I have a closed adoption? – While you have the ability to see your child and have as much contact with them as you’d like, you also have the right to choose a closed adoption. This won’t prevent your child from being able to find you later in life, and this choice can severely impact you and your child in the years to come. However, it is always within your rights to protect your privacy during the adoption process.
Of course, this list won’t include every question that’s on your mind right now. If you have more questions about the adoption process, or if you’d like to request information about “giving a baby up” for adoption, an adoption specialist at one of the agencies listed above can always provide more information.
Common Myths About Adoption
If you’re new to the world of adoption, you may have some preconceived notions about the process. Here are some myths that you might have come across while searching for information on “giving a child up” for adoption — and the reality behind them.
“Birth mothers who choose adoption don’t care about their children.”
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Women that place their children for adoption do so out of love and because they want what is best for their son or daughter. If you are considering adoption for your baby, or if you are looking at info about placing a baby for adoption, this doesn’t mean that you don’t care about your child’s well-being. In fact, what it really means is that you want to make sure you’re putting their needs first, making you an amazing mother.
“Choosing open adoption means you can still co-parent your child.”
While birth parents like you can be involved in their child’s life through an open adoption, they won’t become co-parents. Once you sign your consent to the adoption, the adoptive family will have permanent and legal custody of your child. This also means that there is no way for you to get your baby back after the adoption, so it’s important that you are 100 percent confident in this decision before moving forward.
“My child will hate me and won’t want to see me after I place them for adoption.”
This is also untrue. One of the biggest pieces of misinformation on adoption that you may have heard is that the adopted child doesn’t want anything to do with their biological parents. Many children grow up learning about their open adoption story and respecting their birth parents for their decision. If you choose to have an open adoption, your child will be able to get to know you throughout his or her lifetime. Choosing adoption doesn’t mean that your child will resent you, either. Through an open adoption, you can have a deep, meaningful relationship with your child.
Resources for Your Adoption
It’s important that you look for unbiased opinions during your research about giving a baby up for adoption. If you speak to an adoption specialist, they should be able to provide you with a wide variety of different options without pressuring you into one unplanned pregnancy option or another.
If you’re thinking, “I need information on giving my baby up for adoption; who can I contact?” here are some great resources available for you:
- American Adoptions
- Considering Adoption
- Adoption for My Baby
- A local pregnancy center
If you ever need help finding more resources, or if you would like to receive free information on putting children up for adoption, an adoption specialist can help connect you to invaluable resources for women like you facing an unexpected pregnancy. Remember, it’s never too late to start looking for information on “giving a child up” for adoption and choosing the path that is best for you.