By now, the idea of being unexpectedly pregnant is starting to sink in. We understand how difficult this is. You want what’s best for you and your baby. Adoption can be a tough choice, but it can also be the best option.
You may be working or going to school, having financial or relationship issues, or you’re already taking care of others. You probably feel like you have nothing left to give and the thought of adding a baby into your life is totally overwhelming. Consider adoption.
Choose A Qualified Adoption Specialist
Because the adoption process requires a lot of trust, it’s essential you find a trustworthy agency, lawyer, or another adoption specialist. They must have your best interests at heart while every conversation remains private, and your wishes respected.
A reputable business will never ask you to pay for its services. Whether you’re gathering information, making an adoption plan, or selecting an adoptive family, the services should always be offered to you for free.
Making An Adoption Plan
After you’ve chosen your adoption coordinator, they’ll talk with you about why you’re choosing adoption. From the beginning, they want you to be confident about your choice. No one should ever pressure you into making this decision.
As the birth mother, you choose the adoption plan you’re comfortable with and the adoptive family. Don’t worry if you’re no longer in a relationship with the birth father. Every state has different laws regarding a birth father’s rights. Your adoption specialist will know what is required in your area.
Closed Adoption Plan
As you learn more about adoption, you’ll start to put together a plan that you’re comfortable with. You’ll be asked how much involvement you want to have in the future. If you decide you want to remain anonymous, you choose a closed adoption plan. The specialist will choose the adoptive family based on your requests, and take care of the details. Some women feel remaining anonymous helps them move on with their lives.
Open or Semi-Open Adoption Plan
If you would like to have ongoing contact with the adoptive family and your child, you would make an open or semi-open adoption plan. These plans involve exchanging personal information like full names, addresses, emails, or even phone numbers with the adoptive family you choose.
In an open adoption, you would have direct contact with them. Together, you would arrange meetings and communicate regularly. With a semi-open adoption, you would have contact, but it would be through a third party such as the adoption agency or lawyer.
None of these plans are better than the other. You choose based on what’s most comfortable for you and your baby.
Finalizing the Adoption
Once you’ve described the type of family you want to raise your child, your adoption coordinator will show you bios of families that resemble what you’re looking for. Take your time. Finding the family is the most important part of the process.
Each state has different time requirements for signing the consent to adopt once your baby is born. In Illinois, your consent isn’t valid unless you’ve been given at least three days after your child’s birth. This allows you time to make sure this is the right decision for you.
Benefits of Adoption
Peace of mind knowing your child is placed in the loving arms of a grateful family
Knowing you chose your child’s needs first instead of your own
Choosing an open adoption plan gives you ongoing contact with your child without the day-to-day responsibilities of motherhood
Adoptive homes can provide proper healthcare, education, and better opportunities for your child
The comfort in knowing you will always be a part of your child’s life story
Is Adoption Right For You?
Adoption can be a difficult choice. You need a strong support system and counsel before and after your child is born. At Mosaic Health, we’re ready to be the support you need no matter what you choose. We’ll connect you to local, reputable experts who have you and your baby’s best interests in mind and can help you along your adoption journey.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact us today, and let’s talk about the adoption process and your other options.