At Angel Adoption, we know that a woman’s decision to place her child for adoption is not taken lightly, which is why it is important for expectant mothers to explore all options available to them. One option expectant mothers have is adoption, and with adoption comes the choice to work with an adoption service provider who can help them navigate the adoption process. Read more to understand the benefits of working with an adoption professional, what a prospective birthmother can expect from the adoption process, and more helpful information.
What are the benefits for birthmothers when working with an adoption professional?
For prospective birthmothers navigating the adoption process, there are many reasons why working with an adoption professional is beneficial.
One of the biggest benefits is that working with an adoption professional provides prospective birthmothers with a safe space to seek guidance, explore adoption, and get answers to their questions. Adoption professionals specialize in their field, so they are prepared and ready to offer prospective birthmothers with the support they need during this very sensitive time in their lives. Additionally, adoption professionals like Angel Adoption are available 24/7 if prospective birthmothers have any questions, need support, or even go into labor outside of regular business hours. An adoption professional understands that adoption can sometimes feel isolating, scary, and confusing. Knowing there is someone they can reach out to who is trustworthy and knowledgeable can make a huge difference in a birthmother’s experience and help them feel less alone.
Another huge benefit of working with an adoption professional is that they have pre-screened, qualified families who are waiting to be connected with a birthmother. On an adoption professional’s website like ours, prospective birthmothers are able to browse the profiles of families who are ready to bring a child into their home. We only work with families who are home study approved, which means they’ve been deemed fit to adopt by a licensed social worker and can legally do so in the United States. This service eliminates the guesswork of a prospective birthmother having to independently vet a potential adoptive family and gives peace of mind that they are qualified to bring a baby into their home.
Last, but not least, adoption professionals are experts on all things adoption. They understand how to navigate the legal, financial, and interpersonal aspects of adoption and are an invaluable resource to guide birthmothers through the adoption process. Moreover, many adoption professionals have a network of trusted lawyers and social workers that can act as additional guides throughout the process. All of these professionals can work together to ensure that birthmothers receive all of the support and assistance they are entitled to.
What can a birthmother expect during the adoption process?
It’s no secret that the adoption process can be daunting, especially for prospective birthmothers. A part of our work at Angel Adoption is not only supporting birthmothers and adoptive families, but also demystifying the adoption process.
If you are pregnant and want to explore your options, the first thing you should do is call an adoption professional to get answers to any questions you have that will help you make a decision on whether or not pursuing adoption is the best path for you. While you are exploring your options, you should also begin prenatal care to ensure the health of you and your baby.
Once you have chosen an adoption professional to work with, you will create an adoption plan that reflects what you want and need from the adoption. This is a time where you can decide if you would like an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. Once you have this plan in place, you can then start communicating with families you feel would be a good fit for you and your baby. An adoption plan allows you to feel empowered in your choices and decisions throughout the process.
An important step in the adoption process is working with a social worker and/or an attorney to get additional support and information about adoption. As you get closer to the big day, you will receive ongoing support from the adoption professionals you are working with, and you will be able to communicate with the adoptive family as much or as little as you’d like.
After the baby is born, they will be placed with the adoptive family and will go home directly with them. You do have the choice to spend time with the baby, the adoptive family, and/or a counselor at the hospital. From there, you will need to sign the legal documents designating your consent to the adoption of your baby and the adoption will be finalized.
After everything is finalized, the amount of contact you have with the adoptive family and baby depends on the type of adoption you choose. Something to keep in mind is that adoption looks different for every birthmother, which is why your adoption professional will encourage you to create a post-adoption plan.
Can birthmother’s be involved in choosing the adoptive family?
As your baby’s biological mother, you are responsible for making the decisions for your baby’s future. For this reason, you are encouraged to choose the adoptive family you feel would be a good fit for you and your baby. Your adoption professional can help you choose a family and navigate your communication with them. At Angel Adoption, you can browse the profiles of the many wonderful pre-qualified families hoping to adopt a baby.
When choosing a prospective adoptive family, you should ask yourself questions like: Do you prefer the family to be in a specific location? Are you open to a single-parent household or do you prefer a two-parent household? Do you prefer the family to already have children? And what life experiences would you like your baby to have growing up? Remember: only you can choose the right family for your baby, so it is ok to think about the big questions when navigating a connection with a family.
Can birthmothers receive financial assistance during the adoption process?
Finances can be a big concern for women who are expecting a baby, and it is only natural to wonder if financial assistance is available a part of the adoption process. Depending on the laws in your state, a birthmother can receive financial assistance from the adoptivefamily for a variety of pregnancy-related expenses including rent, food, utilities, transportation, maternity clothes, medical fees, and legal fees. Your adoption professional will help you navigate receiving financial assistance and determine a solution that ensures you will be adequately taken care of throughout your pregnancy.
What resources are available for birthmothers?
There is a wealth of information available for prospective birthmothers on a variety of topics related to adoption. Many adoption professionals like us at Angel Adoption have many resources with great information about the practicalities of adoption, prenatal care, mental health, communication with adoptive parents, moving forward after adoption, and more. Accessing these resources allows prospective birthmothers to get the information they need at their leisure.
In addition to materials published by adoption professionals, there are many groups and online communities that offer support before, during, and after the adoption has taken place. These communities and groups are great resources for birthmothers to connect with each other and to pick up helpful tips on navigating all things adoption and post-adoption.
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone and you are not the first person to go through the adoption process. There are many other people out there who have experienced what you are going through and can be an invaluable resource during this sensitive time in your life.
