Adoption In Missouri Is Nothing To Be Afraid Of

September 29, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Adoption In Missouri Is Nothing To Be Afraid Of

Adoption in Missouri is nothing to be afraid of. Adoption is a wonderful process that helps birth mothers do what they think is best for their unborn baby. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, our staff is more than prepared to give you the pregnant adoption help you need. We know that there are misconceptions about adoption and adoption agencies. A common misconception is that adoption agencies will not be there for you and will take over the whole adoption process. That is not true, especially if you decide to work with us. Our staff is only here to help guide you through the process and support you as well.

How Am I In Control Of My Adoption Process?

Working with us here at Adoption Choices of Missouri means that you will be in control and have the final say on your adoption plan. You will be assigned an adoption caseworker from the start. Their job is to make sure you have all the information you need through each adoption process step. They are there to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you have about adoption in MO. When you get to each step of the adoption process, your caseworker will provide you with all the information you need to complete each step. For example, when the time comes for you to look at and choose an adoptive family or parent, your caseworker will provide you with information and profiles on some of the adoptive families and parents we have waiting. You can, of course, request to look at more adoptive families and parents if you wish to. Another example is choosing what type of adoption you want to have. There are three options at this stage in the process. You can go with open, semi-open, or close adoption plans. Your caseworker will provide you with information about each of these options. You get to decide on what type of adoption plan you want to have. Your caseworker will be there to answer any questions you have about these types of adoption plans. You will also decide on what type of communication you want to have with your baby and the adoptive family or parent that you decide on.

How Will I Be Supported During The Adoption Process?

Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we know that this can be a difficult time for you. It is our mission to make sure you have the guidance and support you need to get through the adoption process. We want you to feel safe, secure, and comfortable with your Missouri adoption plan, which is why, as mentioned before, you have the final say on what your adoption plan looks like. We know you want to ensure that your baby has a bright future, and our staff is here to help you accomplish this goal. During your pregnancy, the adoption process, and even after the birth of your baby, you can come to us for support. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Not only are we here to answer any questions you have, but even if you just need to talk, we are here for you. We know that going through this process can be emotionally draining for you, and your health is very important to us as well as your baby’s.

We Can Offer You Pregnant Adoption HelpYou If You Are In a Sticky Situation

Our staff at Adoption Choices of Missouri are more than prepared to help you in tough situations. If you are in need of financial help, we can help you find affordable care during your pregnancy. We can also help with grocery shopping as well. Another thing we can help you with is finding a good and affordable place to live in your current living conditions are not ideal. We want you to feel safe and comfortable during your pregnancy and the adoption process.

Adoption Choices of Missouri Is Here For You

Adoption in Missouri is a wonderful process, and it is nothing to be afraid of. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we are here to help you and guide you on your adoption journey as well as during your pregnancy. If you are ready to begin the Missouri adoption process, please contact us today. You can find all of our information on our website. There are many adoption centers that you can choose from, but we hope you choose to work with us here at Adoption Choices of Missouri. It is our mission to make sure that you have an amazing adoption experience and that you feel safe, secure, and comfortable with your adoption plan.

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: Nickolas Cooney is a senior at Arizona State University working through his final semester to get his bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism. Nick also attended the University of Alabama for his first year and a half of college when he was a biology major. He decided to move back to Arizona and transfer to ASU when he changed his major because he saw more opportunities at the Walter Cronkite School of Mass Communication and Journalism. Since transferring to ASU, Nick has been a reporter for the AIA in Arizona for a semester and worked with the Phoenix Suns and Rising for stories.

While writing about sports and creating content about sports is Nick’s passion. He also is very passionate about playing sports as well. He grew up playing baseball, basketball, and racing motocross. Nick still does his best to ride and race motocross when he has time, but he has been focusing on his schooling and another one of his passions, gaming. Nick is an avid gamer, and he is even a streamer on Twitch. He has built up a fan base to be a part of the Twitch Affiliate program.

Why You Should Never Say “Give Up Baby” For Adoption

September 27, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Why You Should Never Say “Give Up Baby” For Adoption

People used to think infant adoption was an abandonment of one’s child, a mother giving her baby up without caring about what happened to the child. That is completely wrong and untrue! You love your baby, and we all know you are making a beautiful sacrifice to give your child a loving, caring family with all the opportunities you may not have had. This may also be the best decision for you and your life.

There is nothing wrong with that. It is completely valid to want what is best for you and your baby, even if that means you are not going to raise that baby yourself. It is completely valid to not want to raise your child, but instead, help them start life with their adoptive mommy who will care for them and always put them first. Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to stand by you and help everyone see the error of the phrase “giving up your baby” for adoption in MO. We know the true courage, love, value, and merit of infant adoption and this decision.

“Giving” Your Baby Up For Adoption

The phrase “giving up your baby” makes it seem you do not care about your baby or that placing your baby up for adoption in Kansas City is an easy decision. This phrase and way of thinking make it seem like you did not spend hours upon hours agonizing over this choice to give your baby a better life. This amazing sacrifice is you trying to give your baby and yourself better lives and do what is best for the both of you. It is not an easy decision. But it is the right decision for you both.

Counseling Services Following Placing Your Baby Up For Adoption

You care so much about your baby that you are making this big sacrifice to give them a better life and a loving family. This is not an easy decision, and you may be wracked with anxiety and guilt over this decision. I am sure you did not come to this decision easily. You may have some unresolved anxiety, guilt, or depression about this choice. You can seek professional pregnant adoption help through your Missouri adoption agency caseworker. They can set you up with a counselor at New Perspectives Therapeutic Services to help you find peace with your decision.

The Positive Language of “Putting” or “Placing” Your Baby Up For Adoption

Many prefer positive language, such as “placing your child up for adoption” or “putting your child up for adoption,” in order to show respect to all individuals involved in the adoption process. Think about it. If you were a baby “given up for adoption,” how would you feel? Rather than a baby “placed for adoption” with a loving family? It seems like a big difference in those phrases. One holds so much sadness and negativity, while the other holds positivity and happiness.

Once your baby is placed up for adoption in Missouri, you never give up on them. You are giving them a chance to have a great life with a loving family. Birth mothers can even stay in contact with their children post-adoption. If you were “giving your child up,” you wouldn’t be able to see them later on, right?

Adoption Agreements: Semi-Open, Open, Closed Adoptions

If you wish to see your baby in the future, you can choose a semi-open or open adoption. If you choose to have no contact with your baby in the future, you can select a closed adoption. The types of adoption you choose must be agreed upon with the adoptive family prior to the finalization of your child’s adoption.

How to Find the Right Support During Your Adoption Proces in MO

“Giving a child up for adoption” connotes negative emotions that can only aggravate your negative feelings towards yourself and the situation. There is no reason to make yourself feel worse. As wonderful as the process of adoption is, you may need time to grieve and heal from it. You are placing your baby with a loving family, but you are also losing the chance to raise them yourself. You have every right to feel anger, pain, sadness from this, but also happiness and peace.

You can work through these feelings with a counselor from New Perspectives Therapeutic Services or other counseling resources. This is what your counselor is for, to support you through this process. Adoption Choices of Missouri is by your side through both the good and the bad. You are not giving up on your baby or on parenting. You are starting a difficult but rewarding journey that Adoption Choices of Missouri fully supports. We are by your side no matter what. We will help you see the value in your choice and that you never “gave up” your baby but are helping them find all the love you wish them to have!

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: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.

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Questions Birth Mothers Might Have About the Adoption Process in Missouri

September 24, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Questions Birth Mothers Might Have About the Adoption Process in Missouri

When making big choices when you are considering adoption, questions are inevitable and important to be answered. Your adoption is no exception and the biggest decision of your life. Those who aid you through the adoption process are vital to your experience, and this includes the adoption agency you choose. Different adoption agencies vary in what they offer and knowing the right questions will help you rule out who you want to help with your Missouri adoption plan. The list below can’t cover everything, but writing them down might jog your ideas. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want to make sure all your questions are being taken care of. Here are some questions birth mothers might have about the adoption process in Missouri.

Your Adoption Agency’s Support

Support is important for every birth mother. All adoption agencies will give some support, but they offer different services. Each birth mother’s needs are different, so there’s not going to be any list that will be a perfect roadmap. The list below will give a few examples, so you can think of what to ask.

Does Your Agency Support Open Adoption? Traditionally, adoptions were closed, but open adoption is becoming more common. Open adoption means communication between the birth mother, adoptive parents, and the baby continues after the adoption is finalized. Such arrangements vary but having an agency that supports it makes it easier to make the communication needs of your case.
What Support Does Your Agency Offer? Aside from making an adoption plan, you will likely need additional help. These areas include finances, emotional support, legal assistance, and more. It is important to ask about the costs of any offered services. Your adoption agency should be upfront about any fees. For financial support, your adoption specialist will make an assessment, so you can get help for certain expenses. Birth mothers should also ask agencies about counseling services after the adoption is finalized. Ask for specifics because some agencies give more help than others. You should also learn the qualifications of the counselors.
Communication: How well your adoption agency communicates with you is needed for a good connection between you and the adoptive family. This includes how long it takes to hear a response, hours of availability, how often you will be contacted, preferred means of communication, and how to get them in case of an emergency.
How Do You Screen Adoptive Families? The screening process will vary from agency to agency, and so will the home study procedures required of adoptive families. You should also ask whether you or they will choose the adoptive family.

Additional Questions You Might Have About the Adoption Process

Is there a person on staff from the Department of Social Services?
Do you allow birth parents to access profiles on adoptive families?
What are the restrictions for who can adopt?
What are the state’s adoption requirements?
What is your failed connection rate?
How often do you place children with LGBTQ+ parents, single parents, and couples with biological kids?
What languages do you provide services in?
What are your placement demographics?
What happens if I change my mind?

Watch Out For Adoption Scams

Adoption is an emotional process, but some people will exploit it anyway. People in all parts of the Missouri adoption process are potential targets, and birth moms are no exception. A failed placement doesn’t mean fraud has taken place, but there are red flags to watch out for, such as:

Adoption professionals who can’t provide information.
Inability to verify the agency or professional. Find out the agency’s license number, address, phone number, legal business name, and city business license.
A professional who’s offended by your questions
Bad reports from the Better Business Bureau
Pressuring you to sign documents you don’t understand
Inconsistent communication
A representative reaches out to you first. Legit agencies will not approach you before you approach them.

Overall, the most important thing is to listen to your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is wrong. Although this list applies to adoption agencies, potential adoptive parents can be fraudulent as well. If your child’s adoptive parents are not upfront with you, this is definitely a red flag. Also, look out for:

Parents who change their mind about how much contact they want you to have after the birth.
Making demands instead of asking
Not returning messages
Seeming desperate
Trying to convince you to break the law or take illegal payments or gifts

Adoption Choices of Missouri Helping Answer Questions Birth Mothers Might Have

Of course, there are other questions and concerns to be considered. It may help to talk to your family about your concerns or reach out to other moms who put their baby up for adoption. Adoption is a hard choice requiring a lot of careful thought, and only you can know what’s best for you and your family. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves expectant mothers at no cost and is ready to help 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

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.

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When is The Right Time To Place My Baby Up For Adoption?

September 22, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

When is The Right Time To Place My Baby Up For Adoption?

After some careful thought and consideration, you have decided to pursue adoption. Now you might be wondering, When is the right time to place my baby up for adoption? The truth is, there is no right or wrong time to choose adoption in Missouri. You can choose to put your baby up for adoption when you feel like you are ready to begin the adoption process. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, our staff is here to help you through this process. We have experience with late pregnancy adoption, after birth adoption, and early pregnancy adoption.

Why Should I Choose to Place My Baby Up For Adoption This Early?

Choosing to place a child for an early pregnancy adoption is very common among birth mothers. Early pregnant adoption is preferred because birth mothers have more time to go through the adoption process and make sure your adoption plan is your vision. Adoption in Missouri is nothing to be afraid of. Our staff is here to help you through your adoption process. Your caseworker will walk you through all of the steps of the adoption process. With an early pregnancy adoption, you and your adoption caseworker will go over the steps of the adoption process in detail. You have all the say in what you want your adoption plan to look like.

The Adoption Process For An Early Pregnancy Adoption

The first step to getting the process started is contacting us at Adoption Choices of Missouri. You can find our contact information on our website. After getting into contact with us, we will schedule a meeting with you. We can conduct this meeting at a place of your choosing, at our offices, over the video, or on the phone.

The next step is going over all the information with your adoption caseworker. Your caseworker will provide you with all the paperwork you need to get your adoption process started. This will include things related to your adoption and your financial budget that caters to your needs.

We can also help you find a suitable doctor for you to begin your prenatal care. Once you get through this part of the process, you then get to move on to choosing an adoptive family or parent! This step is very important because you want to find the right family or parent who you like and that you think is best for your baby.

Your caseworker will provide you with the paperwork for the adoptive families and adoptive parents that we have on our waiting list. You can also request to look at any adoptive families or parents that catch your eye. Once you decide on an adoptive family or parent, you will begin receiving financial support and suitable living space. Again these are for only if you need them. Depending on your adoption plan’s openness, you can meet your adoptive family or parent and have open communication with them as well throughout your pregnancy.

The next step of your Missouri adoption process is setting up the arrangements for your due date. In this step, you will plan your due date at the hospital. You will decide who will be there with you at the hospital, holding and naming the baby and your care as well. Your birth counselor will be there to advocate for you as well. The baby will leave with the adoptive family or parent, and you will give your final consent.

The final step of the adoption process deals with post-placement support. You and your adoptive family or parent will have set up the ways you want to keep in touch. The type of communication you guys have is based on the openness of your Missouri adoption plan. If we are providing you with financial aid, we will continue to do so for six weeks after your delivery. You can contact us for counseling and emotional support as you need it.

Early Pregnancy Adoption in Kansas is a Wonderful Process

As mentioned, adoption in MO is a wonderful process, and it is the most common type of adoption among birth mothers. If you are looking to put your baby up for adoption, we hope you decide to work with us here at Adoption Choices of Missouri. We are here to help you with your adoption process and support you every step of the way.

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

why adoption is a good choice in Missouri

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Why MO Adoption is a Wonderful Process

September 20, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Why MO Adoption is a Wonderful Process

Having an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy is always a tough experience, but it is nothing to be afraid of because you have options. One of these options is MO adoption. Whether your reason to go with the adoption process is that you do not feel ready to be a parent, financial reasons, or unsupportive family members, adoption is always a good choice. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, our staff is ready to help you.

How Do I Know If Adoption Is For Me?

How women come to the choice of adoption is different for everyone. It can be because of the reasons mentioned above or because they do not wish to terminate their pregnancy. Either way, if you are dealing with any of those reasons and do not wish to terminate your pregnancy, then our pregnant adoption help could be for you. Adoption in MO is a wonderful opportunity to help ensure that your unborn child has the future that you want them to have. We know that the MO adoption process can seem scary, but we are here to help you through the process.

Other Reasons Adoption in Missouri Can Be For You

On top of the reasons mentioned above, there are some others that birth mothers might deal with that leads them to decide to choose the MO adoption process. Some birth mothers choose adoption because they feel that they are not mentally ready and prepared to raise a child. Mental health is very important, and if you are not mentally ready and prepared to raise a child, then adoption can be for you. It is okay to have this feeling, and there is nothing wrong with it. Another reason that birth mothers choose adoption is a medical condition. You could have a medical condition, and you can feel that with this condition, it would be difficult to raise a child. There is nothing wrong with feeling this way. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, our staff is here to support you on your journey.

If You Wish to Ensure Your Baby’s Future Then Adoption is For You!

Adoption is a wonderful opportunity to ensure your baby’s future. If you decide to work with us, we will make sure that you have all the information you need to create an adoption plan that you feel safe and comfortable with. Heading into the adoption process, we know there is a common misconception that you will not have a say in the process or your adoption plan. That is not the case when you work with us here at Adoption Choices of Missouri. When you work with us, we are here to help guide and support you. You will be assigned a caseworker who will provide you with all the information you need to get your adoption plan started and created.

You Are in Control of Your MO Adoption Plan!

The adoption process is nothing to be afraid of. During the adoption process, you will be in complete control of how your adoption plan is. Our staff will answer any questions you have about the adoption process. You get to decide on what type of adoption plan you want to have, the adoptive family or parent, and the type of communication you have with the adoptive family or parent after you have given birth and they are officially the parents of the baby.

Contact Us Today! Adoption Choices of Missouri Is Here To Help

Adoption Choices of Missouri is here for you. No matter what your reasoning is for going with the adoption process, our staff is here to help you and support you. We know Adoption in Missouri can be stressful, and if you work with us, we will do our best to make sure you have everything you need. Our mission is to help you build an adoption plan that you feel comfortable and secure with. We also want to make sure that you feel like your adoption plan is ensuring your baby’s future. You can find out contact information on our website.

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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Placing A Newborn Baby Up For Adoption Post Delivery

September 17, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Placing A Newborn Baby Up For Adoption- Post Delivery

If you are pregnant and considering putting your baby up for adoption after they have been born, Adoption Choices of Missouri is ready to navigate the adoption process with you. Whatever reason has brought you to this decision, know that it is valid, and you are making a beautiful choice in your baby’s best interest, as well as your own. Placing a newborn baby for adoption is no easy task, however, if you choose Adoption Choices of Missouri as your Missouri adoption agency, we will help you to find the family who will love and care for your baby.

Adoption Post Birth

If you are choosing adoption after your baby is born, know that you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with your decision to place your baby up for adoption in Kansas City, Missouri, whether you choose to do so before or after they are born. Your choice could be due to anything from finances to support, to space, to time. You could even decide you do not want to parent your baby directly following your baby’s delivery. Know that all these decisions are valid. Raising a baby involves a fair amount of time, support, space, and money. You may not be in a position where you are able to financially support your baby, have the space to house them, or have the support of your friends, family, or the baby’s father. You may already be raising children and decide that another baby is more than you can handle. This may be more stress and anxiety than you need, or be wary of how your mental health has been affected as a parent. The difficulty of being a parent may be too much, especially if you are suffering from postpartum depression. If this is the case, ask your adoption agency caseworker for help, and they can connect you with a counselor at New Perspectives Therapeutic Services.

Our Adoption Agencies Near You

Upon choosing to place your baby up for adoption, the next step is to choose an agency to help you through the process. Your agency will assign you a caseworker who can help you to find an affiliated foster family to care for your baby while you look through family profiles of prospective adoptive families. You may otherwise continue to take care of your baby until you have chosen a prospective family for your baby. If extended family foster care is unavailable, you can also look into temporary or permanent familial adoption. This is where someone from your extended family can care for your baby until you choose a permanent adoptive family. If you choose permanent familial adoption, one of your family members could permanently adopt your baby.

Infant Safe Haven Laws

If you are afraid to go to a Missouri adoption agency yourself to place your baby up for adoption or do not wish to choose the adoptive family either, you could also turn to a Baby Safe Haven drop off-center. Infant Safe Haven laws, apply to any babies under 30 days old and must be turned into an infant Safe Haven location or provider, such as a staff member at a hospital, a firefighter on duty at a fire station. Another option is turning your baby over to an infant Safe Haven volunteer, such as through a church or adoption agency. You can be of any age and face no legal charges so long as your baby is relinquished to the proper Safe Haven authorities.

Placing A Newborn Baby Up For Adoption When You Are Raising Other Children

If you have other children in your household and change your mind about parenting your newest baby, you may need to think about how you want to explain to your other children why their newest sibling has not come home to live with them. They may not completely understand what is going on, but being honest with your children can help them to feel more included in what is going on. If you have chosen a type of adoption with some sort of contact and communication, your children may even have the opportunity to have a relationship with your youngest baby at some point later in the future. This may help them to feel more connected to your newest baby and less anxious about the situation. Of course, this depends on how much contact you wish to have with the baby in the future, which is why you should reflect on what type of adoption agreement you would like to have with your baby’s adoptive family.

Choosing An Adoptive Family For My Newborn Baby

If you decide to choose the family for your baby, think about what kind of family you want your baby to be raised by. What do you want to see in the family that may raise your baby? All families go through extensive background checks, interviews, and home studies. The family you choose may help you with any expenses you may have from your pregnancy and hospital bills as well.

Choosing to Place Your Newborn Baby for Adoption in MO

Reading all of this information may have set your head spinning, but know that Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to hold your hand and be by your side. We will find your child their forever home, and we will not abandon you after your child’s adoption is finalized. You are making an amazing sacrifice, and we will not abandon you even after the last paper is signed. Adoption Choices of Missouri sees your strength, and we will stand with you no matter what until you do not need us anymore.

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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5 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy Before Adoption in MO

September 15, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

5 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy Before Adoption in MO

Regardless of your choice if you are pregnant considering adoption or if you choose to parent your child, the need to live a healthy lifestyle remains the same. Pregnancy not only changes your body but also takes a lot of its resources. Through hormonal changes, fatigue, and other symptoms, getting used to changing your life is challenging enough, and maintaining healthy eating habits can get tough. Your doctor may have already prescribed a prenatal supplement, but this does not replace healthy food. There may also be foods that you previously loved that you must now forgo or cut back on. The change, though, is not impossible. We at Adoption Choices of Missouri want to help you keep a healthy lifestyle for your health and the health of your unborn child. Below are five tips for a healthy pregnancy before adoption in MO.

Go To All Of Your Medical Appointments And Keep The Adoptive Parents Informed

Neglecting your appointments is far too easy to do, but checking in should be one of your top priorities. You might have some anxieties, and having a doctor to answer those questions and see if everything’s going smooth will ease the nerves. They will also inform you of any complications and let you know your options. Your child’s adoptive family should also be in the know of what’s going on, so they can adapt.

Exercise and Move Your Body Throughout your Pregnancy

Exercise is often praised for weight loss benefits, but there are many other ways it can help you too. Even light-intensity exercises such as walking a few times a week can help. Although heavy lifting is not recommended for pregnant women, moderate exercise is safe. Exercise helps with stress, blood circulation, energy, sleep, strengthening muscles, and more. Talk to your doctor about your exercise routine to see what he or she recommends. Contact your healthcare provider for more information.

Eliminate Unwanted Toxins During Your Pregnancy

You can’t avoid every toxin, but cutting it down will reduce the risks of birth defects and other problems for your baby as he or she grows. Environmental toxins can be made or natural. Many of the ways you can cut down on toxins are easy and will give your baby the best chance at health. Three things you can do to avoid toxins include:

Avoid BPAs: BPA stands for bisphenol-A. It’s used in resins and polymers, but unfortunately, disrupts hormones that already fluctuate during pregnancy. You can reduce your exposure to BPAs by swapping plastic water bottles and containers for glass, avoiding canned soup, and using gloves when handling a lot of paper receipts. Occasionally, touching a receipt is harmless, but if you work as a cashier or perform another job with a lot of them, BPAs are permeable through the skin.
Avoid phthalates: Phthalates are in plastics like BPAs, but they are also in beauty products such as lotion and nail polishes and fragrance products like candles and perfumes. They disrupt hormones and the endocrine system. Replace scented products with essential oils and buy phthalate-free products.
Avoid PFCs: PFC means perfluorinated chemicals, which you will get most of your exposure from non-stick cookware. These chemicals can limit the growth of your baby and affect brain and organ development. Cast iron and glass cookware are safe alternatives. Beware of lead if you use ceramic.

Avoid Certain Foods Through Your Adoption Journey

Your physician has already advised eating a balanced diet. Chances are, you were already briefed on the dangers of alcohol and smoking during pregnancy. In today’s environment, though, there are other things you will have to consider reducing your intake of due to toxins. These things include:

Fish with higher levels of mercury: this includes tuna, King mackerel, marlin, swordfish, Orange roughy, shark, and tilefish.
Raw or undercooked eggs, seafood, meat, and poultry: You are at increased risk of bacterial food poisoning. Use a thermometer to make sure your foods are cooked to the right temperature, and cook eggs until both whites and yolks are firm.
Unpasteurized milk or juice.
Excess caffeine

Take Care and Eat A Balanced Diet to Maintain a Healthy Pregnancy Before Adoption in MO

Eating healthy is a challenge for a lot of people, but remember to do the same while pregnant comes with myths. Your nutrition needs will go up, but your calorie needs won’t increase much. A well-balanced diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals. Consult with your doctor for your calorie needs throughout your pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins are made to help fill in any gaps, but there is no substitute for a good diet. Folic acid, a B vitamin, is important and has lower the risk of a neural tube defect in babies such as spina bifida. Choline also helps prevent birth defects in the brain and spine. However, it is often not included in prenatal supplements, so talk to your doctor about choline supplements.

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves women facing unplanned pregnancies serving over 100 women annually. Our counselors give support and help and are committed to supporting the women we serve regardless of the choice they make.

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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Adjusting to Life After Adoption In Missouri

September 14, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Adjusting to Life After Adoption In Missouri

After going through the adoption process, getting back to life after you became pregnant and considered adoption can be difficult. The adoption process is difficult and a very emotional time for you and other birth mothers, and getting back to life before sometimes is not the easiest. Life after adoption can take some adjusting for you and the adoptive family. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we do our best to help you and the adoptive family adjust back to life after adoption.

How Can I Keep in Touch with the Adoptive Family?

The way that birth mothers keep in touch with their adoptive families or parents is set up during the Missouri adoption process. One of the last steps of the adoption process is setting up lifetime connections with your adoption agency and your adoptive family or parent. Now some birth mothers can choose not to have contact with the child or the adoptive family, and you can make that same choice. You can also choose to set up any form of communication that you want with the adoptive family and the child. Our staff will help you set up any form of communication you would like to have with your adoptive family and child. You can set up communication to where you can be in touch with the family or parent from the get-go, and when you think the child is of age, you can communicate with them.

How Do I Go Back To Normal Life?

We know that getting back to normal life for birth mothers can be difficult. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we are here to help you. Not only do you set up lifetime connections with your adoptive family or parent, but you also set up lifetime connections with your adoption agency as well! If you place your child for adoption with us, we will be here for you. If you ever need to talk, we can help comfort you and answer any questions you may have. For instance, if you originally decided that you do not want any contact with the family or the child, you can come to talk to us, and we can set something up with the adoptive family to try and get the communication you want with the adoptive family or parent and child. Another thing that you could do is find a new hobby or some hobbies. We know that you will miss your child even if you are not ready to be a parent. A new hobby can help you keep your mind of the whole adoption process and keep you from thinking that you did the wrong thing. It is okay to think about the child, and you do not have to hide your feelings about your adoption in MO. Again we are here to help you and provide you any support and comfort that you need.

Do Things That You Love After An Adoption

After the adoption of your child, you can do the things that you love and enjoy to help you keep your mind off of things and help you move on, whether it is a new hobby or yours, an old hobby that you want to get back into, or the career you love. Doing these things can help you cope with the adoption and help you move on. It’s important to remember that you did what you thought was best for both you and your child, and that’s okay.

Adoptive Families or Parents, How do we Adjust Back to Normal Life?

For adoptive families and parents, adjusting can be just as difficult. For some families, it can be their first adoption or their second, same for adoptive parents. One of the important things is to make sure you are patient. It will take some time for the child to adjust and get used to the new environment. Another thing that you will want to do is find a balance between work and spending time with your family. You want to spend time with the child. It can help them get used to the new environment and feel welcomed.

Adoption Choices of Missouri, We are here for you

We know that adoption in Missouri is a difficult process and that afterward, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things. Our staff at Adoption Choices of Missouri are here to help you get back on your feet. Even after the adoption, we are here for you if you need to talk or need some guidance or support.

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 Father Birth Mother Blog

Placing Your Second Baby Up For Adoption With The Same Adoptive Family

September 13, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Placing Your Second Baby Up For Adoption With The Same Adoptive Family

Have you placed a child up for adoption in Missouri in the past? Are you now pregnant and considering adoption again? Are you contemplating placing your second baby up for adoption in Missouri, just as you did in the past? Adoption Choices of Missouri knows these situations exist and wants to help you. It can often be beneficial to both birth parents and their children if the children are placed with the same family as their biological siblings.

Placing Your Second Baby Up For Adoption

A great thing about choosing the same family for both your children is that you know the family. You went through the Missouri adoption process and knew the family you chose the last time you went through this process. They are not strangers, and if you have an open adoption, you know how they treat your elder child and if this child is truly being raised the way you wish them to be raised.

This could make your choice of who to adopt your second child an easier decision than the first time you made it. You have a relationship with these people and may even feel like they are an extended family to you. Wanting your second child to be raised with, in the same household, and in the same way as their elder sibling can be a beautiful wish. It can be a load of stress off of you to know the perfect family is out there, ready to be picked by you because you have already picked them. They have also already been approved by your Kansas City, Missouri adoption agency in the past and have gone through this process before.

Adopting More Than One Kid

However, before you get your hopes up, know that they may not be ready to adopt another child if you have not discussed this with the adoptive family yet. The family may not be financially ready for another child, may not have the space, or may not want to raise a second child. Unfortunately, if this is the case, you have to accept this and look for another family for your second child. Luckily, you have been through this process before and know what you are looking for in a family for your baby.

Missouri Adoption Agreement With Your Child’s Adoptive Family

If you haven’t been in contact with the family that adopted your first child, you can try to reach out through your Kansas City, Missouri adoption agency caseworker. Do you have an open adoption with your first child? If not, maybe you and the adoptive family should sit down and discuss this if you want an open adoption with your second child. The type of adoption you choose should be similar to the type of adoption you chose the first time around if both of your children will be living under the same roof.

It may be best for both children if you have the same adoption agreement if they are living together and being raised together. It isn’t very fair to one child to see you come visit their sibling and not have any contact with them. If the children know they are related and were both placed up for adoption by you, it may be best for them to receive the same type of treatment. If you visit one child, the other would feel left out if you did not visit or show you thought of them as well.

Open Adoption: Visitation

Another thing to keep in mind when visiting the children is the amount of attention you give both of them. Visiting one child, you can give him or her all of your attention, but visiting two or more can mean you may need to divide up your attention for each of them. As with all siblings, older siblings often feel they need more attention to keep up with the new baby sibling’s attention. If you have an open adoption and visit the children, maybe keep this in mind when interacting with them on visits.

Communication and Adoption Agreement With The Adoptive Family

If the family is alright with adopting your second baby and raising both children together, make a plan and decide with the adoptive family if you will talk about what is happening before or after the second baby’s delivery with their sibling. If there is a possibility you will change your mind about parenting, maybe you should wait until after the birth and then decide with the family how to explain this to the older sibling who the family adopted first. Decide what to say if the baby is the other child’s half or full sibling. Depending on how old the elder child is, they may need to have this explained to them, or you and the family may decide the half or full status does not matter and does not need to be disclosed. That is your decision as a familial unit discussing how to handle all of this.

Our Kansas City Adoption Agency Will HelpYou Place Your Second Baby Up For Adoption

In the end, keep the channels of communication open. Think of what is best not only for yourself but for your children. If your elder child’s family is able to take their baby sibling, that is a wonderful thing. Just keep in mind that it is not always a viable option because not everyone is able to adopt more than one child, especially at the exact time you’re pregnant. Adoption Choices of Missouri knows how precarious these situations can seem, and we want to help you make this dream a reality, but we are also ready to help you find the perfect family for your new baby if plan A falls through. We hope it won’t, but we are ready to support you in any way we can.

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

What to Do When You Are Facing an Unexpected, Unwanted, or Unplanned Pregnancy?

September 10, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What to Do When You Are Facing an Unexpected, Unwanted, or Unplanned Pregnancy?

Finding out you are pregnant can bring out so many emotions, but they may not be the best if you are facing an unexpected, unwanted, or unplanned pregnancy. You are not alone in these feelings. Pregnancy might have been the last thing on your mind, and we are here to be your support team.

You can choose between keeping your child, going through an abortion, or giving your child up for adoption. These three choices may make you anxious about choosing between them because the clock is ticking before you give birth. Abortion has a limited time limit of 22 weeks, but with adoption, you have until you give birth and a little bit afterward to choose this.

We are here for you throughout your entire decision-making process. You can contact us here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, and you can change your mind as many times as you want. If you don’t sign the final relinquishing papers, you can back out or come back in at any time. Your adoption process is completely up to you.

Unexpected and Unplanned Pregnancy

You could be just starting a new career, having trouble with finances, or not even know who the birth father is. Finding out that you are unexpectedly pregnant is something you might not want to see right now. We understand how worried you can be when you find out that you are pregnant. You might have an infinite amount of reasons as to why it’s not a good time to be pregnant right now, but we are here for you.

An unexpected pregnancy can fuel anxiety in your life. Adoption could be the best option for you because, through the adoption process, you will be taken through everything step by step with an adoption caseworker from our adoption agency in Missouri, Adoption Choices of Missouri.

Your adoption caseworker will be by your side through every step, including choosing which type of adoption you want, matching with adoptive parents, choosing a hospital and delivery plan, and choosing if you want post-placement counseling. This is all something you can do when you are a birth mother and don’t want to keep your child and raise him or her.

If you are having financial troubles right now and don’t think you can choose adoption, you can! Birth mothers don’t pay for any legal or agency fees. You will also have the option for financial aid, and this can help a ton, especially with the adoptive parents covering the rest of the costs that the financial aid doesn’t. Money should not stop you from choosing adoption if it stops you from keeping your child after an unexpected pregnancy.

Unwanted Pregnancy

Seeing those two pink lines on the pregnancy test might be the last thing you want to see right now. You might have so many emotions, all arranging from mad to frustrated to having thoughts of “why me?” and “why right now?”. Your feelings are valid. Pregnancy can halt so many people’s lives and make people so emotional when it was something they didn’t want.

Having an unwanted pregnancy could mean that you are not ready to have kids right now, you have the family that you want, and you don’t want to add more kids into the mix. It might also not be the right time for you to be pregnant at this point in your life. If you are experiencing an unwanted pregnancy, there are a few options for you. One being abortion, but that may not be in your mindset, or you might not feel comfortable going through with that. That is okay. You get to decide what happens with your pregnancy because it is your body.

There are certain abortion laws in every state, but in Missouri, abortion is legal. With only one abortion clinic in Missouri, this can be hard for you if you have to travel across the state to have this done. You are also limited to 22 weeks for your decision unless your health is in jeopardy. This can be even more worrisome when there is a short time limit, unlike adoption.

If you don’t feel as if abortion is right for you, adoption is another option that could be great for you. You can choose adoption on the first day you find out you’re pregnant or during your 36th week of pregnancy. Adoption will allow you to have the pregnancy until term and bring a child into this world, giving you more time to think about all of your choices. Adoption for you as a birth mother means that you will not keep the baby. Your baby will go to the adoptive parents you choose. This could be a great decision when you are facing an unwanted pregnancy.

It is okay to say that your baby is unwanted. You are valid in your feelings, and you don’t have to hide how you truly feel. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want to be a support team for you. We are here for you at 2 in the afternoon or the morning. As a birth mother, you get the choice to have these resources when you are going through a traumatic time in your life.

Connect and Find Out Your Adoption Options

We know how hard it can be for many birth mothers to find out they are pregnant. You are not alone in these feelings. Here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we are here for you 24/7. Birth mothers are our number one priority, and we want you to feel as safe and comfortable as possible during this hard time. Pregnancy is stressful enough, but when you don’t want this or expect this to happen, it can be even harder.

Call or text us anytime with any concerns, questions, or if you require support. We can give you as much support as you need as a birth mother. We will be more than willing to help you decide whether or not adoption is the best decision for you. Contact us today and get the 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: Molly Allington is an aspiring author born and raised in Syracuse, New York. When she’s not watching her latest Netflix obsession, you can find her nose deep in a book or in her writing. She has been writing books since she was twelve and is in the process of trying to get her finished books published. Molly has a BA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. With her writing, she is hoping to share supportive information and help as many people as possible. Once she starts her own family, she is wanting to adopt.

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