New Year’s Resolutions for Adoption Choices of Missouri Birth Mothers

December 31, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

New Year’s Resolutions for Adoption Choices of Missouri Birth Mothers

The New Year is right around the corner, and so are New Year’s resolutions. Will you decide to prioritize your health? Maybe therapy is what you will decide to focus on in the New Year. Whatever your resolutions, Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help. Some resolutions can be tricky, especially if you are a birth mother.

New Year’s Resolutions for Birth Mothers

Exercise is a great New Year’s resolution for everyone, including birth mothers. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and is also good for your mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins that can improve your overall mood. Depending on the type of exercise you enjoy, you can jog, walk, run, bike, or play a sport. There is no wrong way to move your body.
You can prioritize your mental health. Nothing is more important than your mental health, so making it a priority in the New Year is an excellent decision. You cannot be your best if your mental health is not good. Adoption Choices of Missouri provides supportive counseling to all of our birth mothers during and after pregnancy.

There are three main types of supportive counseling we provide: one-on-one, group, and birth mother retreats. One-on-one counseling allows you to express your feelings in a safe and secure environment. Your Wichita adoption counselor will act as a guide during these sessions, but you are in complete control over what is or is not discussed. These are your sessions, and they are personalized for you.

Group counseling allows you to connect with other birth mothers. Group counseling is mediated by one of our adoption counselors. Everyone is given the opportunity to express themselves however they choose.

Birth mother retreats are a lot like group counseling therapy sessions, except that birth mother retreats allow you to escape from your day-to-day life and really focus on your emotions and experiences. Both group counseling and birth mother retreats allow you to hear stories from other birth mothers who have experienced or are experiencing what you are.

Setting goals/making plans for the future is another great New Year’s resolution. Maybe you want to go back to college? Or maybe you want to start a new job? Regardless of what your plans are, it is important to take small steps to implement those plans. Start by researching the profession or school you are interested in, then make a tangible plan to begin.
The New Year is also a great time to prioritize the relationship you have with your child and their adoptive parents. If your Adoption in MO is open or semi-open, you have the opportunity to maintain some level of contact with your child. Open adoptions allow you to have open communication with your child and their adoptive parents. This type of arrangement is great because it allows you to be an active participant in your child’s life. You can celebrate holidays and birthdays with your child throughout their life. Write down the kind of relationship you would like with your child and their adoptive parents and implement it.
This is also a good time to strengthen your other relationships. Your support system is very important. Call or FaceTime a friend or relative, tell them how you are feeling. Your relationships should be one of your top priorities because we all need a strong support system.

Celebrating the New Year as a Birth Mother in Missouri

The New Year can be difficult for birth mothers, but it does not have to be. Focusing on the positives and creating plans will help you get through this time, and when you need a little extra help, Adoption Choices of Missouri is here for you. We have adoption facilitators at our adoption agencies all over the state of Missouri. Call or text us anytime for all of your adoption needs.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Meet the Author: Rayna Batiste is an alumna of the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. Having graduated with honors, she hopes to attend graduate school at New York University, majoring in Journalism. Rayna is also a United States Air Force veteran who enjoys watching documentaries about pretty much any subject, learning, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is also a fitness enthusiast and an avid Peloton user.
Her hobbies include brunch (yes, brunch is a hobby), fashion, makeup, and of course, reading and writing. Rayna has a real passion for the written word and correct grammar and syntax. She enjoys manipulating sentence structure and experimenting with punctuation in her writing. She’s what you would call a “werd nerd.” She was also recently featured at the Pensacola Museum of Art for her work, entitled Triangular Geometry.

Holiday Traditions For an Open Adoption in MO

December 29, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Holiday Traditions For an Open Adoption in MO

It’s been another year, and the holidays are fast approaching. Naturally, the holidays are a time for family, and those who adopt or give their baby up for adoption are no exception. Once an adoption is finalized, the child is no longer under the care of their birth parents and, by extension, will spend the holidays with the adoptive family. In the case of open adoption, there is direct communication between adoptive and birth families, so holiday plans will likely include both. If you choose an open adoption, you may be concerned about giving and receiving gifts, visitation, vacations, traditions, and getting along with the extended adoptive family. These additional concerns may make the holiday season seem like an impossible challenge, but the reality is that even traditional families can have it rough during the holidays. Your experience may not be what most families deal with, but that doesn’t mean the holidays can’t still be fun and memorable. A good discussion among involved parties can often prove we might be overthinking our concerns.

Dealing with Conflicting Wishes

The adoptive family may want a small gathering with just their members. Other families may be accustomed to larger gatherings. Regardless of what they choose, those wishes should be respected. Talk to them and discuss your ideas. Be ready to compromise. It is not the end of the world if you don’t spend the exact holiday date with your child. You can still make arrangements before both families return to their normal routines. The best way to avoid conflicts is to discuss things ahead of time. In the end, nothing stops you from mailing a gift or a card. Many people stress over holiday plans, but the plans themselves mean less than the holiday’s purpose itself.

Sharing Traditions

Traditions should be introduced earlier rather than later. It’s natural for parents to want to pass down traditions to their children, especially since traditions hold precious memories. When two families come together, so do the traditions. These traditions for an open adoption include special dishes and things related to cultures. Many families make their own ornaments, so there is no harm in sending one to your child. Suppose your child’s adoptive family doesn’t celebrate the same holidays. In that case, that doesn’t stop you from showing you care. Exchanging life updates, video calling, and letters will still allow you to share experiences.

Additionally, if you are able to share the holiday with your child, talk to the adoptive family about what your child may enjoy. You do not want to put a lot of money or effort into a gift or tradition that your child won’t like. Traditions are done annually and should be enjoyable to both families. You do not have to pass down every tradition, just the most important ones.

You can also consider creating a tradition with your child and adoptive family. Brainstorm ideas with the adoptive family for what activities you want to do with the holiday. Creating a tradition can be memorable and helps build relationships between families. It will also make everyone excited for the holiday season. It is also important to be open-minded because the adoptive family may have different cultural traditions or may not celebrate the same holidays. Learning their culture and frame of mind also helps build family bonds. If they do not celebrate the same holidays, it will not spell death to an enjoyable season. Holidays are a time for family, and that remains the same regardless of religion. Once again, talk to the family instead of making assumptions. You don’t have to wait until a holiday to give a gift, and everyone can still pick a day to enjoy a nice family dinner.

The holiday season is looked forward to worldwide and can be a joy or stress depending on how it is managed. Navigating the season stress-free is all about focusing on what’s important rather than every little thing you feel you must do. Regardless of whether you exchange traditions or have new ones created, the value of memories remains, and everyone can still have a good time.

Adoption Choices of Missouri has specialist and post-placement services to help navigate the Missouri adoption process and adjust to life after adoption in MO. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or are starting the process of adoption.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Meet the author: Seannea Wharton is a student at Miami University majoring in English. As of now, she is working on her first novel, starting a book blog, and learning American Sign Language. She was raised in a suburban town in New Jersey and has various hobbies such as gardening, cooking, and crocheting. She enjoys learning about a wide range of topics and loves finding new books to read.

Holiday Support Adoption Agencies in Missouri

Birth Mother Blog

Finding Birth Mother Support as a Pregnant Woman Through the Holidays in Missouri

December 27, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Finding Birth Mother Support as a Pregnant Woman Through the Holidays in Missouri

An unplanned pregnancy at any time of the year is complicated, but it can be even more complicated and anxiety-inducing during the holidays. The holidays are already rife with making plans and figuring out the right gift to get, and while the world seems to carry on with holiday spirits, you may feel as though you have been left behind to deal with your unplanned pregnancy alone. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want to extend a helping hand to women like you because we understand how difficult pregnancy can be, especially during a chaotic time period such as the holidays. We offer birth mother support in the form of safe housing, financial aid, and supportive counseling. These resources are available to any birth mother who is looking to give their baby up for adoption, and these resources are available even during the holidays.

Finding Financial Assistance During The Adoption Process

One of the biggest concerns for mothers who are facing an unplanned pregnancy is how they are going to afford the medical costs and the costs of raising a child. Some medical costs you will have to consider during your pregnancy are prenatal care and the cost of having a baby at the hospital. These costs can build, making it feel as though you are swimming in debt.

On top of medical costs, you have to consider the cost of taking care of a baby. The annual cost of raising a child is also very high, and if you are already in a dire financial situation may find it impossible to take care of your baby properly. As such, you may feel inclined to terminate your pregnancy because pregnancy and child care is so expensive. However, you should consider adoption as an option.

An adoption is always an option you can consider, even if you are homeless or are facing financial difficulties. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we can proudly say that we offer plenty of financial assistance for women like you. Our staff will work closely with you to better understand your situation so they can help you get all the financial assistance you need. If you have questions about your financial situation, you can always contact one of our adoption agencies in Missouri to speak with an adoption specialist with no obligation.

Safe Housing for Your Unplanned Pregnancy During the Holidays

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, finding proper housing is vital, especially for an expecting mother. However, we understand that safe housing is not easy to come by, especially if you are already facing financial hardships. As such, Adoption Choices of Missouri offers free housing for expecting mothers who wish to pursue an adoption.

Free housing is essential, but it can be hard to maintain because, late in your pregnancy, you may have to stop working. However, your safety is a priority if you are pregnant, so safe housing becomes a necessity. As a part of our financial assistance, we can also help cover pregnancy-related costs, such as rent. We can help find safe housing for you during your pregnancy, or we can help you maintain a safe place to stay during the duration of your pregnancy. Even during the holidays, our staff will work to make sure that your pregnancy is as stress-free as possible.

Supportive Adoption Counseling

With the holidays approaching, we are constantly reminded to be appreciative of our family and loved ones. However, family and loved ones can be harsh, especially for birth mothers who have chosen to put their child up for adoption—as a result, having someone to talk to and confide in can be difficult to find.

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we offer free counseling for birth mothers who have chosen adoption because we understand it is difficult to make. It is an even more difficult decision to pursue when you don’t have a support network, so we want to provide you with resources to help you cope with the emotions and changes happening in your life. Beyond the supportive counseling we offer, our adoption agency can also connect you to local resources, such as local birth mother support groups. We want to provide a huge array of resources so that you can choose the ones that best fit your needs.

Birth Mother Support During the Holidays

As the holiday season comes, it may seem as though many things close for the holidays, such as restaurants and banks. However, at Adoption Choices of Missouri, our staff is available 24/7. We will work with you throughout the holidays, so you get all the birth mother support you need.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Meet the author: Victoria is a sophomore at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and she is currently a Literature, Media, and Communications major. She currently runs her own blog, where she shares her poetry and creative writing projects. When she is not working or studying for school, she is often reading or writing, as she seeks to pursue a career in writing.

Birth Mother Blog

Merry Christmas from Adoption Choices of Missouri

December 24, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Merry Christmas from Adoption Choices of Missouri

Merry Christmas from Adoption Choices of Missouri! However you choose to celebrate the holidays this year, Adoption Choices of Missouri hopes you and your loved ones are happy, healthy, and can celebrate together. If you are going through this holiday season with an unplanned pregnancy or in the middle of an adoption process, please know that adoption agencies in Missouri like Adoption Choices of Missouri are here to support you in any way we can.

We understand the hardships that can come with being in the midst of a pregnancy you weren’t prepared for, deciding to put your baby up for adoption, or possibly adopting a baby yourself. These are all things that shouldn’t spark controversy but often can, especially around family and friends. Whether you come from a family that upholds traditional family planning values, does not support adoption, or has put pressure on you and your partner to naturally conceive a child, this can make conversations around these topics difficult to share.

Putting Your Child Up for Adoption During the Holidays

If you have an unplanned pregnancy, it can be a lot for you as the birth mother to process and even harder for other people to understand. However, it’s important to remember that their opinions and thoughts are merely their own and hold no truth or value over you as a person. Fortunately, if you have friends and family who you know will support you no matter what, it can be easier to share the news with them. Unfortunately, though, this can make the holidays much harder for those of you who have family or friends who will choose judgment over acceptance. You may choose not to attend the holidays altogether as you navigate your pregnancy and this overwhelming time, or if you do choose to go, you can be prepared to answer questions people may have or simply tell them you’d prefer not to talk about it at this occasion. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you are around people who can respect your boundaries and make you feel comfortable, as you deserve to enjoy the holidays too!

Suppose you are choosing to either place your baby up for adoption or adopt a baby yourself or with your partner. In that case, this is a significant decision that, again, can spark controversy amongst family or friends. We can only hope for unconditional support. However, if your family does decide to give their input on you choosing what you think is the best future for your baby, or wanting to adopt instead of conceiving, it’s incredibly fair to point out that their opinions aren’t up for discussion, and that it is a decision to be made and talked about for yourself, or between you and your partner. If you feel that you are not getting the respect or support you need during this emotional time, it’s okay to refrain from holiday gatherings and be with people who do support you or even start new traditions! It can be difficult to receive negativity or judgment from loved ones, but when it comes to your body, your future, and your child’s future, no one else’s opinion on what they believe is right or wrong needs to be brought to light.

Happy Holidays from Adoption Choices of Missouri

Adoption Choices of Missouri’s website offers a variety of support and ways to reach out to professionals who can help you navigate this holiday season, no matter what stage of pregnancy or adoption you are in. We have counselors who can offer guidance, support groups, related articles to topics that may be relevant to what you need, and a phone number/email to contact with other questions or concerns you may have.

The holidays are meant to be a cheerful and happy time for everyone. Gatherings where we see family, friends, and loved ones can be exciting but also fearful for women who are navigating pregnancy or adoption. The last thing you should feel is judged, isolated, or unworthy. Remember that it is okay to shut down conversations you don’t want to have, speak up about your decision for you and your baby, skip the holiday gatherings altogether this year, or go in with the expectations of respect and see what is given to you. Feeling supported and confident in your choices throughout your journey for you and your baby is the most important thing to us here at AC. Take care of yourself, build your boundaries, and most importantly, surround yourself with people who make the holidays brighter.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Meet the Author: Allie Nowak is in her senior year of undergrad at Illinois State University studying public relations, with a minor in health & wellness coaching. She is extremely passionate about writing, digital content creating, and all things related to lifestyle & wellness. In her free time, she enjoys serving as editor-in-chief and publishing articles for her university’s chapter of Her Campus, the nation’s largest media platform for college women. You can also find her spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, and walking her two golden doodles. She currently lives in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago where she was born and raised.

Birth Mother Blog

Placing a Baby for Adoption in Missouri During the Holidays

December 22, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Placing a Baby for Adoption in Missouri During the Holidays

Putting a child up for adoption during the holidays can seem scary, which is why Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to make sure that the adoption process is as easy as possible. However, the adoption process doesn’t change during the holiday season, and we have different resources available to help you cope during this time.

Think of Placing Your Baby for Adoption as a Gift

When you make the decision to give a baby up for adoption, you are giving a family the gift of either starting or expanding their family. You are also giving your child the opportunity at a better life. Their adoptive parents may be able to give them a lifestyle or the love and attention you can’t give them right now. And that is okay. You are also giving yourself the gift of knowing that your child will be raised by people who will love and care for them. Placing your child allows you to pursue an education, advance professionally, or better care for the kid(s) you may already have. Thinking of adoption as a gift allows you to think of the positives rather than the negatives of adoption.

Is the Adoption Process Different During the Holidays?

Fortunately, the adoption process does not change during the holidays. It is the same process 365 days a year. The adoption process is a process that details your Missouri adoption plan, which then leads to your specific adoption plan. An adoption plan is your plan for adoption that includes everything from who you would like to adopt your baby to and what kind of adoption you would like.

One of the best parts about adoption now is that you can pick your child’s adoptive family. Our adoption facilitators provide you with a list of prospective family profiles, and you choose the family you think best aligns with your values. When choosing an adoptive family, think about details like what kind of lifestyle you want your child to lead and what kind of parents you want them to have. If you do not like the families, we show you. We will give you more profiles; we want you to make the best decision you possibly can for yourself and your baby. This includes not rushing you through this process. After you choose your child’s adoptive family, you have to decide on the kind of adoption you would like.

The 3 Types of Adoption in Missouri

There are three main types of adoption in Missouri— closed, semi-open, and open. Closed adoptions involve no communication whatsoever between you and the adoptive family. Your medical history is the only information they and your child will receive about you. In a semi-open adoption, all communication between you and your adoptive parents is mediated through an adoption facilitator. Open adoptions involve open communication between you and your child’s adoptive parents. Open adoptions are great if you want to maintain contact with your child during their life. You can decide on the frequency and type of communication you would like.

Some birth mothers are able to maintain an active role in their child’s life despite adoption. You can celebrate holidays and birthdays with your child and their adoptive family. The holidays are a great opportunity for you to spend some additional time with your child and their adoptive family. Open adoptions allow you to possibly spend Christmas, the New Year, or both with your child.

Finding the Supportive Counseling During the Holidays

In addition to all of the other services we supply, we also provide our birth mothers supportive counseling as part of their adoption plan. We provide three main types of supportive counseling services: one-on-one, group, and birth mother retreats. Each type of counseling is designed to provide you with a different experience and meet a different need. One-on-one counseling is great if you desire some privacy in your counseling sessions. You can express your fears and concerns regarding adoption in a safe and secure environment. Group counseling allows you to discuss your feelings and concerns with other birth mothers who are going through or have gone through a similar experience. Birth mother retreats allow you to “retreat” from your day-to-day life and really focus on what it is that you are feeling.

Placing your child up for adoption during the holidays can be difficult, but with the resources available to you from Adoption Choices of Missouri, you will be able to navigate this journey more easily. Our adoption counselors are readily available to help you with anything you may need during this trying time.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Adoptive Family Birth Mother Blog

Gift-Giving and Adoption in Missouri

December 20, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Gift-Giving and Adoption in Missouri

The Christmas season is filled with the spirit of giving. If you’re involved in an open or semi-open adoption, you may be wondering how to approach gift-giving and adoption without crossing any boundaries. Gift-giving can be a very personal, meaningful way to express your gratitude for someone and let them know that they are special to you. However, giving a gift that goes too far or doesn’t display any effort can be somewhat offensive. Adoption Choices of Missouri has counseled hundreds of birth mothers and adoptive parents before and wants to help you understand how to give good gifts this Christmas. Here are some ideas of what to give and what not to give to the various people involved in your adoption this Christmas season.

Gift-Giving Ideas for Your Child After an Adoption

As a birth mother you might want to give your child a gift this Christmas, here are a few tips. Before you buy your child a gift, you should check with the adoptive parents and figure out what budget they have for Christmas presents. Trying to buy your child a more expensive or elaborate gift than the adoptive parents is not a great way to maintain a good relationship with them. Instead, work out a budget with the parents and base your gift on that. You may want to get your child a gift that reflects your heritage so that they have an item that will remind them that a part of them will always be connected to you. You could also get them a gift that follows a theme so that in years to come, they will have a collection of special items that they can clearly link back to you. Some examples of theme gifts could be an ornament, a stuffed animal, or a board game. Try not to give your child any gifts that might conflict with what their adoptive parents allow or agree with, such as religious items or media that might be controversial. Overall, be thoughtful with the gift that you choose, and deliver it in a way that aligns with the adoption plan you agreed upon with the adoptive parents.

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for The Adoptive Parents

If you are a birth mother, you may wish to provide the adoptive parents with a gift to express your gratitude or just to show you care about them. Just like with your child, make sure you don’t send them anything that could be considered offensive or contradict their personal beliefs. Giving a gift to the adoptive parents isn’t always appropriate in certain relationships, but it can be very meaningful if you have a good relationship with them. You don’t need to splurge on them in order to “earn” their approval. The gift you choose for them should just be something that expresses your gratitude for them and will let them know that you’re thinking of them during the holidays. If you don’t feel like you can get them a gift, you could consider writing them a thoughtful letter instead. Giving gifts this Christmas should only be done out of care and gratitude rather than obligation or insecurity.

What Can I GiveThe Birth Mother as a Holiday Gift?

If you’re the adoptive parents, giving a gift to the birth mother might be something that you wish to do this Christmas. If you have a good relationship with the mother and wish to let, her know that you’re thinking of her, sending a gift is a meaningful way to express this. As before, make sure that the gift won’t come across as rude or offensive, and don’t try to overwhelm her with a gift that might make her feel insecure about whatever she got you (if you’re exchanging presents). You could consider asking her what she might need or want so your gift will be utilized well. Buying a personalized gift may show her that you gave her present some thought.

Have a Merry Christmas from Adoption Choices of Missouri

Christmas time isn’t meant to be stressful, so only give a gift if you want to and know it will be appreciated. Adoption Choices of Missouri hopes that these tips will guide you as you determine what type of gift to give. If you’re facing unplanned or teen pregnancy, please reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri. We will seek to assist you as you decide whether or not to place your baby for adoption.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Meet the author: Kyla’s life has been filled with adventure and transition – both good and difficult. She loves to take on challenges head-on and lead an organized and balanced life. She’s passionate about many different areas and loves how writing gives her the flexibility to engage in research of almost every field of study imaginable. She grew up very involved in theater and music and continues to use her free time to play the piano and sing. However, she is also very interested in how the natural world works and takes any chance she has to spend the day away from crowds, enveloped in the seclusion of nature. Growing up in the Philippines, she’s had some unique experiences that have shaped her worldview and given her a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures. She gets excited about research papers, completed to-do lists, and her morning coffee.

Birth Mother Blog

How Can I Have a Relationship With My Child After Adoption?

December 17, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

How Can I Have a Relationship With My Child After Adoption?

One of the main questions that you may have as a birth mother who is considering giving up your baby for adoption is whether or not you will be able to have a relationship with your child after adoption. Some mothers would rather not continue communication with their child post-placement, but other mothers desire to stay involved in their child’s life. Maybe you’re only a teenager, and taking care of a child would completely place your life on hold, or maybe you’re just unable to take care of a newborn at whatever stage of life you may be at. Whatever your situation is, at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want you to know that your relationship with your baby doesn’t need to end at birth.

The Different Types of Adoption

The extent of your future relationship with your baby post-placement depends on the type of adoption you and the baby’s adoptive parents choose. In your adoption plan, you will have to decide whether you want your adoption to be an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. Each of these different types of adoptions entails a different level of future communication between you and your child, so understanding each option is essential as you move forward with your adoption in MO.

Open Adoption, Keeping Connected with My Child After Adoption

Open adoption is when you, as the birth mother, will be able to have frequent interaction with your child as they grow up. The specific types and frequency of interaction between you and your child vary case-to-case depending on what you decide with the adoptive parents. However, in most cases, open adoption means that you will be able to meet your child in person on numerous occasions, as well as send them letters, call them on the phone, and generally be involved in their life. Through open adoption, your child may even be able to meet your nuclear and extended family. However, it is important to know that fully open adoption is not often as desirable for adoptive parents because frequent interaction with you may confuse your child as they try to understand your role in their lives.

Semi-Open Adoption, Learning About My Child After Adoption

Due to the difficulty that navigating a fully open adoption may present to your child. Through a semi-open adoption, there is still the possibility of meeting your child in person, but the meetings would be much less often and possibly wouldn’t occur until later on in their life. However, through a semi-open adoption, usually, there is communication between the birth mother and child through other means of interaction, such as letters and phone calls. In a semi-open adoption, you will be a figure in your child’s life that is familiar and somewhat well-known, and the culture and background of your family can be shared with your child.

What Is Means to Have a Closed Adoption

The final type of adoption is a closed adoption. Your child won’t know who you are and may not even know anything about you through a closed adoption. Their adoptive parents won’t discuss you and your background with your child, and you won’t be able to communicate with them. Many adoptive parents don’t desire this type of adoption for the adoptee for many reasons, the first being how difficult it is to maintain a true closed adoption. As your child grows up, if they know that they are adopted, they most likely will try to figure out who you are and where you are living. Additionally, it is valuable for your child to know their background and where they came from since they are still biologically your child.

Which Adoption is the Best Choice for a Future Relationship?

Ultimately, the type of adoption you choose will be an agreement you make with the adoptive parents. However, if you want to keep a relationship with your child post-placement, you should seek to establish either an open or semi-open adoption through your adoption plan. Either of these options will provide you with the opportunity to invest in your child as they grow up and stay involved in their life. This can be a source of comfort for you; just because you’re giving up your baby for adoption, you won’t be removed from their life, and they may even get to meet you in the future. Adoption Choices of Missouri will assist you in forming an adoption plan that will meet your desires as a birth mother while also honoring the requests of the adoptive parents. Of course, your relationship with your child post-placement won’t be the same as a mother-child relationship – and it shouldn’t be. This would be far too confusing for your child to understand, especially when they’re young, and it wouldn’t be fair to the adoptive parents. Choosing the adoption route means that you won’t be as involved in your baby’s life as you would be as their mother. However, adoption doesn’t mean the end of your relationship. You can confidently choose adoption without the fear of losing any connection with your baby and find comfort in the fact that your future can still include your baby. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Adoption Choices of Missouri.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Birth Mother Blog

Will My Local Adoption Agencies in Missouri Provide Counseling or Therapy for Me?

December 15, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Will My Local Adoption Agencies in Missouri Provide Counseling or Therapy for Me?

Suffering from mental disorders is a human trait that millions of people suffer from every day, including those part of the adoption process. There are even mental disorders that birth mothers suffer from during their pregnancy caused by just being pregnant such as postpartum depression. Then if you are putting your baby up for adoption due to an unplanned pregnancy, you can still suffer from postpartum or, more often, “post-placement depression.” As an agency, we will never understand what you are going through mentally, but we are here for you and can assist you with such mental setbacks.

We are a local adoption agency in Missouri helping birth mothers who are considering giving their baby up for adoption. With a qualified license, we have the best adoption service to help those that use our services.

I am putting my baby up for adoption, but I suffer from body dysmorphia. Can I get help from my adoption agency?

If you suffered from a mental disorder prior to becoming pregnant during your pregnancy, you would have to face the same hardships. During pregnancy, a woman usually glows, which you will as well, but mentally you might be suffering. Body dysmorphia is a common mental disorder that many members of society are not familiar with, including your family members probably. If they are not aware, we understand if you are nervous to tell them, but support is a factor that plays a part in helping you fight such a disorder. We can support you more than enough as your adoption agency. If you need to explain what Body dysmorphia is to anyone, tell them it is a mental disorder that affects your outlook of how you view your body. For example, instead of seeing your body as a beautiful temple, you notice a flaw in your weight. Eventually, you become obsessive over it, which can cause you to become extremely sick due to lack of intake.

First, we would like to say you are beautiful the way you are, and our words might not mean much, but it is the truth. We will never judge you based upon your appearance, and your outside is as beautiful as your insides. Since you are pregnant, it is extremely important that you receive help for such a mental disorder when it pertains to your pregnancy. As a pregnant woman, you are not only feeding yourself but your baby as well, which makes you “feeding for two,” as people like to say. Nutrition is a must, but as your adoption agency, we understand dealing with body dysmorphia is a process, and it is already noble that you notified us of such. To be clear, we can definitely provide you with therapy in the form of dealing and coping with your mental disorder. Unfortunately, there is no cure, so it all weighs down on you to face and confront your disorder head-on during and after your adoption process. We can support you during your entire pregnancy with therapy free of charge.

Can I receive post-placement therapy from my adoption agency after my baby is born?

Absolutely. Adoption Choices of Missouri has witnessed many cases of birth mothers facing mental setbacks due to their baby no longer being in their care. It is normal because your baby has been in your womb for nine months, and you have built a bond with them. Feeling the kicks and knowing a human being is actually growing inside of you will induce feelings. It is a beautiful sight, but when your baby is born, you come to realize that your child will not be in your care when it dawns upon you. Don’t feel worthless or like a bad mom because you made the best decision for your baby, which is honorable of you.

If you decide to take advantage of our services, you can seek therapy from us without any cost to us at all. Post-placement depression can be triggered at any moment during your life, right after your baby is born, weeks or months later, or a year later. There is no timestamp which is why we are open to offering therapy at any point in time.

As An Adoption Agency in Missouri, We Can Help You During Your Unplanned Pregnancy

We can support and assist if you are a teen, young adult, or older adult. During a time of need, if you are planning to put your baby up for adoption, we have a multitude of offered services that come in different forms. If you have any questions or concerns about adoption in MO, call us, text, or message us through our portal. We have a 24/7 service time loop which means you will have an answer in less than a couple of hours. Come to us and become part of our family!

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Meet the Author: Imani Agbionu is a recent graduate from George Mason University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Marketing. With a history in writing for her former university’s online publication, Her Campus, she aspires to become a successful journalist who can provide for herself and her family. She is from Washington, DC, where she has lived her whole life, but one day wants to move to experience and call another state home. Her mother is from Washington, DC, and her father is from Nigeria, part of the Igbo tribe. As an introvert, she loves streaming platforms, with her favorites being HBO Max, Netflix, and Disney+. Unfortunately, she can’t pick one due to all playing a vital role in her life on a daily basis. She enjoys reading, with her favorite book being The Shining by Stephen King, which she sees as unusual since she is a fearful person that avoids horror at all costs. Listening to music is a vital mechanism that helps her stay calm and deal with her anxiety at times. As an inspiring Journalist, she likes to write about a plethora of topics that some may look at as controversial, but she believes in staying true to herself. She doesn’t mind having conversations with people as long as opinions are being respected.

Birth Mother Blog

Why Does Adoption Feel So Hard? Coping With Putting a Child Up for Adoption in MO

December 13, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Why Does Adoption Feel So Hard? Coping With Putting a Child Up for Adoption in MO

Adoption is a term that is laden with many different meanings and interpretations that can make it difficult to talk about. For some people, it is a term that is even considered taboo. However, these associations about adoption do not consider all aspects of adoption and often overlook how adoption has changed the lives of those who have chosen to put their child up for adoption. It is important to acknowledge the myths surrounding adoption to dispel them because it may be one reason why women find choosing adoption to be so difficult. Adoption is a choice that provides many women with new futures, families with new children, and children with new families. These connections are irreplaceable, and adoption can help foster these connections.

Myths Surrounding Putting a Child Up for Adoption

Adoption often has a bad reputation because people generalize everyone who decides to put their child up for adoption as “troubled” or “selfish.” These images have been created because people hold traditional values that family should be biological, but in reality, families do not magically happen because you are related to one another by blood. A family is built by creating and maintaining a relationship, and this understanding has slowly destigmatized adoption. Adoption is an option that can provide you with a future where your child will be taken care of by a loving family and a safe home.

Feeling Emotional During an Adoption

Feeling emotional is common, especially when big changes are happening in your life. Adoption is one of those events in your life that can be life-changing, and dealing with these changes can make you emotional. That’s okay. While some would assume that you are selfish even to consider putting your child up for adoption, many do not realize that the decision to put your child up for adoption means that you have your child’s best interests at the forefront of your mind. Adoption is not an easy choice to make, and understanding that someone else can provide for your child is a selfless realization and choice. Some of the emotions you may feel during the adoption process are identity crises, loss, and maybe even grief. These are just some of the emotions you may feel during the adoption process, but these feelings are all valid no matter how much you feel. For example, you may feel as though you have lost your motherhood and maybe even a part of yourself when you choose Adoption in MO. These are common emotions, so there are many resources available to help you deal with these emotions in a healthy way. Our adoption agencies in Missouri offer free counseling during and after your adoption. Our support counseling team is dedicated to listening to you and providing you with all the help you need confidentially and supportively.

Financial Difficulties and Adoption in MO

The process of adoption may feel so hard because of financial difficulties. Not only do you have to worry about your own costs, but you will also need to start worrying about the cost of taking care of your child. If you have chosen to pursue an adoption, you might also be worried about the cost of that as well. As a result, you may be feeling overwhelmed and really stressed. It’s okay to be feeling these emotions, and it’s important that you deal with each of these thoughts one by one. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we offer resources to help you with your financial difficulties because we want to help alleviate any stress you may have because pregnancy is stressful enough on its own. Pregnancy can make it difficult to continue working, so we understand how you may be facing financial difficulties during your pregnancy. As such, we provide financial aid to help cover pregnancy-related costs, such as groceries and medical costs. Your adoption counselor will work closely with you to understand your situation so that you can get all the financial assistance you need. You will also be eligible to receive financial aid for six weeks after your delivery because we understand that it may take some time to get back on your feet after pregnancy.

Resources for Adoption

When faced with adoption, you may feel as though you are sinking with all that information and decisions you have to process. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want to help pull you out to not feel like you are sinking. Our staff will work closely with you so that you get all the help and resources you need, and we will keep you informed so that you can control the entire process with confidence and knowledge.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Meet the author: Victoria Chan is a sophomore at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and she is currently a Literature, Media, and Communications major. She currently runs her own blog, where she shares her poetry and creative writing projects. When she is not working or studying for school, she is often reading or writing, as she seeks to pursue a career in writing.

Birth Mother Blog

Placing A Baby for a MO Adoption While in Prison

December 10, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Placing A Baby for a MO Adoption While in Prison

Prison is the last place anyone wants to be when delivering a baby. The pressure of a sentence is hard enough, but societal factors still make things worse. Employment problems after being released are one of many worries. In the meantime, getting care for your baby can’t wait. The unique situation of the incarcerated mom always adds the factor of who will take care of the baby. MO adoption is an option for birth mothers who are not able to parent for one reason or another and are considering adoption. Because your freedom is restricted in jail, there may be additional obstacles to a smooth process, but it is not impossible. Giving your child the best life is well worth the stress of it all. Once your different factors are demystified, your next steps should be more clear.

Is Adoption The Right Choice?

Deciding whether adoption in MO is the best option is hard enough, but being in jail complicates things further. Laws on what happens to children of adoption vary from state to state, and children who are not placed with family are often put into foster care. In many cases, the children can be adopted without parental consent if they are in the foster care system after a certain length of time. To know your options, it is best to talk to your caseworker or legal advisor. The length of your sentence should be considered when choosing adoption. The caseworker will answer any questions you have and will give you the information you need. Adoption Choices of Missouri offers legal help to birth mothers.

Choosing an Adoptive Family for My Baby

Chances are, you probably want to pick the family that adopts your child. It is a common choice for pregnant inmates to entrust their child to a trusted family member, but it is not possible in some cases. Being in prison does not stop you from choosing an adoptive family. Our adoption agency will send profiles once you discuss your preferences with your caseworker and adoption specialist. How you will interact with the potential adoptive family will depend on prison regulations. You may send and receive letters, phone calls, and possibly visits to get to know the adoptive family. It is also possible to give your child to your baby’s birth father if he wants to be involved in your child’s life.

Finalizing The MO Adoption Process

After you’ve chosen the family, you will have to think about your delivery options and how much contact you want to have with the adoptive family afterward. Limitations imposed by the prison will likely mean the MO adoption will be semi-open if communication is desired. You will receive letters, photos, and other updates from the adoptive family with the adoption agency as a mediator. Semi-open adoption leaves the door open for further contact later when your circumstances change.

Delivery options in jail are more restrictive to prison moms. In many cases, only the doctor and the correctional officers are present. With the skyrocketing numbers of women going to jail, more parents have these types of concerns. Some prisons have nurseries that allow incarcerated parents to raise their children for a period of time before the child goes elsewhere. Unfortunately, these nurseries are few and far between, so check with your caseworker. Adoption is free to all birth mothers, whether incarcerated or not. You are still entitled to prenatal care during your sentence, and the prison can not withhold that from you. For the delivery, you will be transported to the nearest hospital. The basic steps for adoption are still the same even when the birth mom is imprisoned. Above all else, make sure adoption is the best option for you first. Your parietal rights are terminated once the adoption process is complete and the adoptive parents become the legal guardians. Your caseworker will walk you through the process as you look into your options.

Adoption Choices of Missouri helps women of all situations navigate the MO adoption process. Prison is hard enough, and a coming baby makes things more complicated, but there’s still hope. Remember that you are not giving up on your child if you choose adoption. The goal of MO adoption is to give your child the best future they can have to be happy. Our adoption agency in Missouri offers legal help and other resources to help mothers. We will be more than happy to help and provide you with more information when you are ready.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

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