4 Fears about giving a baby up for adoption in Missouri

July 28, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

4 Fears about giving a baby up for adoption in Missouri

By Carl Roth

Adoption in Missouri can be complicated, and it’s natural to fear experiences you haven’t encountered before. However, asking questions to address your concerns is the best way to determine if adoption is right for you and your baby. Their healthy growth is most important to you, and you want to feel confident with your course of action. If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, there’s no shortage of resources to inform you of the possibilities. Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to provide you with the honest answers to your most pressing unplanned pregnancy questions.

Our team of experts serves to fulfill your every need throughout the various stages of the adoption process. We realize what is at stake for you and have the best interests of you and your child at heart. Partnering with us means gaining needed clarity for your most challenging decisions. Your greatest fears have our attention, and you’ll have nothing but the best access to adoption resources and care to suit your needs.

Fear #1 Uncertainty about the adoptive family

Ensuring your child’s safety is everything, and the Missouri adoption process was designed with safety at the forefront. You can be heavily involved in the family selection process if you wish. This way, you can get a personal feel for what your child’s future caretakers will be like as parents. The number of waiting families is high, so filtering can be done if you’re looking for specific types. Additionally, these families are screened by your local adoption agency to meet the proper criteria.

Even after you place your baby, the family does not gain custody for an additional six months. A social worker checks on them to make sure that the adoptive home is as loving as you’d hoped. Stability and compassion are what adoptive families are judged by, and their love will be enough for your baby. You may also choose open adoption to check in with your child periodically. It doesn’t mean they’re outside of your care, even if they aren’t in your custody.

Fear #2 Child will grow up confused or angry about adoption

An unplanned pregnancy is difficult enough without the concern for your child’s future feelings toward your decision. Adoption is a complex concept for a young child to digest, and the meaning will not become clear until they mature. As is expected with a child’s curiosity, they will have questions for their adoptive parent(s) and you. The adoptive family will be forever grateful for your selflessness and will surely paint you in a positive light. As your child grows into adulthood, they will come to appreciate the struggle you’ve gone through to put them in the best position. We assure you they will grow up in a loving home where they won’t feel compelled to resent you. To be certain that your fears will be heard, express them with your Adoption Choices of Missouri expert. Your personalized adoption plan will reflect any and all aspects of the process you value most.

Fear #3 Challenge of starting a family post-adoption

If you’re a younger birth mother, you might be concerned about how giving your child up for adoption impacts future family plans. There’s a good chance that you’d like to start a family and have planned children in the future. From a legal standpoint, transferring custody of your child to another family won’t impact your guardianship of other children you have. Every pregnancy is treated individually, so choosing adoption for your child is an isolated case.

On a personal level, you may fear that having children later can create guilt for not raising your adopted child. As stated before, the adoptive family you choose will provide all the love and care your child could ever need. When combined with the love you hold for them, their development is nothing to be guilty of. You’re looking to provide the best home environment possible for your children. Once your situation meets your criteria for raising them, there’s never any shame or issue with family planning. Adoption isn’t meant to hinder progress toward your goals but rather enable an ideal resolution to an unforeseen trial.

Fear #4 Complexity of Missouri adoption process

There’s a reason that adoption agencies are made up of experts for every step of the process. No birth mother could be reasonably expected to navigate all of the legal and medical procedures on their own. From selecting a family to choosing a hospital to have a judge sign the adoption order, there’s a lot to account for. Adoption in Missouri is not straightforward, but your actions are greatly simplified with a team of experts at your side. Adoption Choices of Missouri will handle the complicated steps and provide you with the essential decisions. Your overarching preferences dictate how your unique path will unfold throughout your pregnancy. However much control you’re looking for, your adoption expert will allot your desired decision-making leverage.

Starting with an adoption agency near you

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we encounter the fears of birth mothers on a daily basis. Each is unique in its own way, just like the resilient women who carry them. We aren’t looking to minimize your fears but allow them to dictate a plan that meets your greatest concerns. An unplanned pregnancy can be scary, but there’s a blessing to be found in the struggle. Allow us to help guide you through the confusion to a satisfying conclusion. We serve birth mothers across Missouri with respect and dignity, as your happiness is paramount to a fruitful adoption experience. Let us show you what a responsive and trusting adoption agency looks like; we’re just a click away.

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

Misconceptions about Missouri Birth mothers

July 25, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Misconceptions about Missouri birth mothers

By Carl Roth

When weighing the possibility of giving a child up for adoption, distorted views of birth mothers become increasingly obtrusive. If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, having an unobstructed view of the adoption process is of considerable value. Your local adoption agency is familiar with all types of stigma commonly attached to an unplanned pregnancy. The more you know about Adoption in Missouri, the fewer unresolved questions and hesitations you’ll have. Birth mothers’ fears and hopes for adoption always necessitate reflection, and the fear of judgment is no exception.

3 Common Adoption Misconceptions about Birth Mothers in Missouri

1. The Birth Mother Has No Control Over the Matching Process

The idea of not having a say in a personally impactful decision can leave anyone deeply unsettled. Choosing an adoptive family is one of the most important aspects of the adoption process for many birth mothers. Maybe you’re looking for a specific type of family or any that exudes compassion and a desire to welcome your baby. Regardless, birth mothers value the assurance of their children’s ideal placement in a loving home. We place the power of choice in the hands of the birth mother, so she decides where her child should ultimately be.

You get to evaluate prospective adoptive families and choose the family who will welcome your child. With an Adoption Choices of Missouri specialist alongside, there’s no worry if you’re not sure what to look for in an adoptive family. Because families wanting to adopt far outnumber birth mothers seeking adoption, the leverage is yours. Compassion is at the heart of adoption proceedings, and this is reflected in the connections made possible through private adoption. Whichever home you determine is ideal for your child’s growth, nobody can question the birth mother’s centrality to adoption success.

2. People Will Judge You for Choosing Adoption

It’s not uncommon for parents to paint adoption as a negative example to their children. They would like their children to believe that adoption is somehow the result of a “mistake,” one to be actively avoided. Birth mothers especially feel the weight of exemplification, and the feeling can be burdensome if not properly addressed. These kinds of messages can make you feel like you’ve been on the wrong end of fate. However, fate doesn’t ask the opinion of those who’d judge its constituents. Your unplanned pregnancy did not occur for you to be made an example out of.

Whether you believe everything happens for a reason or not, there is indefectible good to be shared through this challenge. Birth mothers who pursue adoption are showing commendable strength in the face of adversity. An unplanned baby is just as priceless as any other. Therefore, blessing another family with yours demonstrates courage through distress. Unexpected trials can befall anyone at any time, and these challenges take many shapes and forms. Unexpectedly pregnant women who carefully think through and act on their situation with clarity and compassion exemplify remarkable maturity.

3. Your Choice to Adopt Will Define You

Many see the most difficult decisions in life as having the most bearing on one’s character. But what about your decisions’ bearing on your identity? Does a woman who chooses to place her baby for adoption become “the woman who placed her baby for adoption?” The link between choices and identity becomes much more complicated when put into context.

Choosing adoption as your unplanned pregnancy option is significant, but it doesn’t need to be who you are. Your identity consists of everything you value dearly and consider essential to understanding the puzzle that is you. Whether you deem your adoption journey as a piece of that puzzle will be completely up to you. Speaking with an Adoption Choices of Missouri birth mother counselor helps tremendously when dealing with adoption-related inner turmoil.

Our experienced team has worked with birth mothers of all backgrounds and personalities, so they’re familiar with a spectrum of sentiments. They and our entire agency staff treat birth mothers and their concerns with the respect and dignity they deserve. Reaching out can start more clearly understanding what the adoption experience ultimately means for you. Choosing adoption doesn’t necessarily change who you are, which can be comforting to birth mothers on the fence.

A starting point for Missouri adoption

As a potential birth mother, your well-being is a highly prioritized element of every possible adoption plan. Arranging a successful adoption journey for you and your child is our calling at Adoption Choices of Missouri. No matter where you are in your pregnancy, our resources make adoption in Missouri simpler for you.

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

Can I have a family after placing a baby for adoption?

July 21, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Can I have a family after placing a baby for adoption?

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

Wanting to start a family after previously going through adoption. It isn’t a bad thing. It means you’ve decided to start anew. You want to start a family now, after not wanting to in the past. As people grow up, their past decisions don’t define them anymore. Birth mothers going through an unplanned pregnancy in the past. Doesn’t mean that’s their present. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we’ll help you overcome any guilt you may feel. About wanting to start a family after placing a baby for adoption. Wanting to start a family doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten the birth child. It means you want a change in your life.

How is it possible to start a family after going through the adoption process?

When it comes to birth mothers wanting to start a family after going through the adoption process. Their main fears are;

Them being scared they’ll decide to place this new birth child up for adoption
Wondering how this time is different?
Questioning if they’re ready to start a family?
Wondering what will change this time

Being afraid that this time will be like the last. Is normal. Wanting to do things differently is a good thing. After going through the adoption plan, you wonder how this time will differ. This time will be different because it’s not an unplanned pregnancy, and this is what you want. You’ve gone through an unplanned pregnancy before. This isn’t like that time.

Where does adoption guilt come from?

Adoption guilt comes from feeling like you’ve done something wrong. In this situation, the birth mother feels they shouldn’t have gone through the adoption process. But keeping a birth child while going through an unplanned pregnancy. It will only end negatively for the birth child.

Guilt stems from feeling like you’ve given the birth child up. When it comes to adoption, you’re giving the birth child a better life. If you didn’t go through the adoption and decided you wanted to start a family in the future. The birth child who was an unplanned pregnancy will feel left behind.

If you’re feeling guilty about placing your birth child up for adoption. You can visit your local adoption agency and ask if you could speak to one of the counselors at their facility.

Should I feel guilty for wanting to start a family after previously going through the adoption process?

It’s not uncommon for birth mothers to want to start a family. After they’ve placed a child up for adoption. When the birth mother was going through an unplanned pregnancy. They weren’t planning on starting a family. Now they are.

There’s nothing to feel guilty about. Wanting to start a family after not wanting to in the past. It isn’t abnormal. It’s a common thing. However, when it comes to why birth mothers place their birth child up for adoption, it’s usually because it was an unplanned pregnancy.

As a result, one of the birth mother’s options is adoption. Placing a child up for adoption doesn’t mean you’re Giving a child up for adoption. It means you’re giving them a chance to be with people who will care for them.

What are some reasons to feel guilty about placing a child up for adoption?

Some reasons birth mothers may feel guilty about the adoption process are:

They’re thinking about what the birth child will feel/think about them
They‘re wondering if they did the right thing
They’re wondering if the adoption parent (s) will treat them well
Wondering if it’ll be the last time they see them?

When going through the adoption process, you might start to feel guilty. Don’t worry. If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you can look up Adoption in Missouri, and you’ll find our agency.

How to overcome the feeling of guilt after placing a child up for adoption?

To be at peace with placing the birth child up for adoption. Birth mothers can try:

Counseling
Therapy
Group therapy
Meditating
Going on trips with friends or by themselves

Will the child that’s been adopted come to know I’ve started a family?

They’ll only know if they’ve been told by someone close to them. Or the birth mother. But it also depends on the type of adoption that was chosen. In an open adoption, the birth mother could have told them. While in closed adoption or semi-closed, the adoptive parent (s) wouldn’t know. So they wouldn’t be able to share the news.

Will the child that’s been adopted feel betrayed because I want to start a family?

Depending on the relationship the birth mother has with the birth child. Will determine this. If the birth mother has chosen to go with a closed adoption. It won’t be possible for the birth child to feel anything towards the news. But if the birth mother has chosen open adoption and hasn’t told the birth child. Then maybe the birth child will feel betrayed. In an open adoption, there’s that sense of constant communication.

Feeling guilty about wanting to start a family after previously going through the adoption process? 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

Why are people afraid of adoption?

July 18, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Why are people afraid of adoption?

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

People who’ve never considered adoption are the reasons misconceptions about adoption exist. Those people have made adoption seem like a “way out.” That is because the birth mother has decided to place the birth child up for adoption. They’re giving a child up for adoption, so they don’t have to take on the parental responsibilities.

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we’ll help clear up those misconceptions about adoption. Adoption doesn’t have to be something to be afraid of. If you feel unsure about adoption and want to know more. You can contact us at Adoption in Missouri, and one of our adoption agents will be sure to help you.

Reasons people are afraid of adoption?

People are afraid of adoption because they don’t understand it. If you’ve never been in a situation where adoption was an option. You wouldn’t know anything about the topic. Other than looking for information online, adoption isn’t a talked-about topic.

When people go through an unplanned pregnancy, their first thought isn’t adoption. Adoption comes into the conversation once people start stating their options. Some reasons people are afraid of adoption are:

They think is the birth mother giving up the birth child
They don’t want the birth child to come to dislike them
They don’t want to feel guilty for placing their child up for adoption
Unless they choose an open adoption, they won’t get updates on the birth child

Why do birth mothers choose adoption?

Adoption is a life-changing decision that is made with reason. There are many reasons why people go through adoption. None of them should be a reason for concern. Some of those reasons are:

The birth mother is going through an unplanned pregnancy
The birth mother can’t afford to raise a child
The birth mother isn’t ready to take on parental responsibilities or doesn’t want to
The birth mother doesn’t want kids

If you’re going through an unplanned pregnancy and are considering adoption. You’re going to need to go through with the adoption process. If you want to go through the adoption process, this shouldn’t be something to be afraid of. There are steps in place to help you.

Some misconceptions about adoption?

Misconceptions are opinions based on not understanding something. For example, adoption. Not many people understand it because they don’t see themselves doing it. So they make up misconceptions. Some of them are;

The birth mother is giving up the birth child
Adoption is expensive
Once the birth child has been adopted, the birth mother can change their mind
The adoptive parent (s) shouldn’t tell the adopted child that they’ve been adopted

Will I be able to see my child after they’ve been adopted?

Depending on what type of adoption you choose from. You’ll be able to regularly visit the birth child. If seeing the birth child and forming a bond is something you’d like. Then open adoption is the right choice for you. In an open adoption, with the adoptive parent (s) permission. The birth mother will be able to communicate with the birth child.

If you’re looking for more information about what you can and can’t do during the adoption process. You can visit your local adoption agency.

Will I be able to choose the adoptive parent (s)?

During the adoption process, you’ll be able to pick and choose the adoptive family of choice. We’ll help you find the right pick if you’d like anything specific. At our agency, we have young, older, single, hetero, and same-sex families, as you’re looking for adoptive parent (s). You could also decide where you’d like the birth child to live.

Need help deciding which adoptive family to choose from? Don’t worry. At Adoption in Missouri, we’ll handle all your concerns. If you’d like, one of our adoption agents can take over finding the adoptive family for you.

Will there be counseling for the birth mother after the birth child has been adopted?

There is counseling for birth mothers during the adoption process and after. Some birth mothers go to counseling because they feel guilty. They feel like the birth child will grow to dislike them for placing them up for adoption. The birth mother doesn’t want to live with regrets, so they sit down and talk it out with someone.

If you’re pregnant and considering adoption and would like to see a counselor. We can help you. Our agency has counselors on call ready to help when you’re ready.

What emotions do birth mothers go through once they’ve placed their child up for adoption?

After the adoption process has finished and the required time has come and gone. Some main emotions birth mothers may feel are guilt and regret. Some birth mothers feel guilty because they think about what the birth child will think of them. They wonder how the birth child will feel about being placed up for adoption. The birth mother will wonder if the birth child thinks the birth mother was giving a child up for adoption because they weren’t wanted. Regret comes when the birth mother is going through counseling, and the counselor asks, “how are they doing?” The birth mother will wonder if they shouldn’t have gone through the adoption process at all. While the counselor will tell the birth mother that if they hadn’t gone through the adoption process. The birth child will grow up neglected since the birth child was an unplanned pregnancy.

Thinking of placing your birth child up for adoption but are afraid of the adoption process? 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

Misconceptions about Adoption in Missouri

July 14, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Misconceptions about Adoption in Missouri

By Carl Roth

If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, your likelihood of having numerous questions about giving a child up for adoption is high. You may have considerable reservations about adoption in Missouri, trying to find the way ahead that’s best for your child. The decision is rarely simple, often challenging personally, but the road is typically less foggy than it appears from the outside. Getting in touch with your local adoption agency is a great first step towards an ideal conclusion. You have concerns about adoption as an unplanned pregnancy option, and we want to provide a comprehensive view. We at Adoption Choices of Missouri want to extend the balance of our resources to pave your adoption route. Let us be your guide to and through Adoption in Missouri, whether it’s clarifying technicalities or addressing adoption misconceptions.

Adoption always means saying goodbye

The apparent finality of giving a child up for adoption can be a frightening proposition for expectant mothers assessing their options. Your situation might not be ideal for child-rearing, but completely leaving your baby to another family may sound extreme. If you share this fear, learning about open adoption may benefit you. This route allows birth mothers to stay in contact with the adoptive family and child, making the decision potentially less burdensome. Visiting your child and sending them gifts might be available through open adoption. While this doesn’t diminish how significant a decision adoption is, know that the door won’t shut between you and your child.

Adoption is only for younger pregnant women

Unplanned pregnancies occur in every conceivable demographic. Every type of birth mother has a reason behind their choice, and all are free to choose without judgment. Whether you’re still in school, married with children, or a working single, an adoption plan will be made for you.

Birth mothers aren’t in control of the adoption process

Maintaining your decision-making power is crucial for a time as important as pregnancy. Feeling comfortable with placing your child for adoption starts with understanding that your control measures are extensive. You won’t be told what to do when you work with our Missouri adoption agency. We don’t try forcing you to fit into the plans of waiting for adoptive families; we adjust to you. Your goals, preferences, and fears for the adoption process are always the first order of business. That’s why Adoption Choices of Missouri is always eager to answer any and all questions you may have without any commitments. Be it open or closed adoption, a measure of contact with adoptive families, or hospital stay preparations. The choices are yours.

Adoption is a gamble

Transparency is a key aspect of successful adoption plan execution and satisfying outcomes. You never want to leave your child’s future to chance, and you won’t have to with your adoption plan in place. Life is already filled with uncertainty, so your desire for clear proceedings during the adoption process is prioritized. You’ll never have to wonder how, when, or where steps in the process will transpire with a Missouri adoption. Careful coordination between you and your adoption agency, whose professionals have experience attending to the needs of birth moms, is a crucial component of every piece of the puzzle. If you’re worried about the adoptive family’s moral character, rest assured that they have undergone a rigorous screening process before being given custody. Your agency’s knowledge and judgment work together to find the best placement for your child.

Adoption is cause for shame

Exercising the strength to sacrifice traditional motherhood for your child’s future is not a failure. The prospect of shame hangs over adoption in the eyes of many unexpectedly pregnant women. Adjusting your perspective of this option could be the determining factor in considering adoption as a possibility. The bond between you and your child is unbreakable, regardless of who is responsible for raising them. Deciding to grant that sacred responsibility to another loving family requires courage beyond words. There is much admiration for pursuing adoption, and speaking with an Adoption Choices of Missouri counselor can begin easing inner conflict.

How can adoption agencies in Missouri help me?

Although some stigmas are associated with adoption, many of the most important issues facing birth moms may be addressed. Your desire for transparency, control, and comfort from the adoption process are all attainable through Adoption Choices of Missouri. With our expertise and your personal direction in charting a path, adoption in Missouri will prove far smoother than expected.

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

Adoption Guilt: Will I feel guilty for placing my baby for adoption?

July 11, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Adoption Guilt: Will I feel guilty for placing my baby for adoption?

By Carl Roth

Creating an adoption plan is a path to a harmonious resolution for an unplanned pregnancy. Your local adoption agency can provide you with a holistic view of the adoption process, but complicated questions remain. No matter the circumstances, giving a child up for adoption represents a taxing personal struggle and presents itself in adoption guilt. Knowing where and how these conflicting feelings can be addressed could be the deciding factor for your adoption decision. Adoption Choices of Missouri treats adoption as a blessing while acknowledging the emotional stress it places on birth mothers.

If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, our services are available to field your deepest concerns. Unplanned pregnancy often brings fear and confusion. Therefore, we’ll see to your care all the way through and after adoption.

Allow Adoption Choices of Missouri to guide you along your journey for care applying to both you and your baby. Navigating the intricacies of Adoption in Missouri is our area of expertise, and our support specialists are waiting to assist. Understanding feelings of guilt and finding solace in your adoption decision is a task we’ll undertake alongside you.

Adoption in Missouri is never without good cause

We realize that adoption was not part of the plan. Aspiring mothers everywhere have different visions for how and when they will embark on their child-rearing journey. On the flip side, more women nowadays choose not to have children per their personal life philosophy. Regardless of your original route for the future, unplanned pregnancy is an unexpected turn for all. Considering adoption does not happen without reason, and those reasons may align closely with those of other birth mothers.

An unexpected pregnancy at the wrong time can throw everything out of balance. School, career, and family ambitions all appear suddenly fragile with the prospect of a baby in the mix. You may decide that giving up your child is necessary for building a better home for your family in the future. This is a challenging outlook to accept, but there are hosts of loving families waiting for a child like yours. Going through with adoption in MO may better allow you to be the homemaker your child deserves down the road. If motherhood is your eventual desire, you’ll likely want to be the most capable provider for your child possible.

Adoption allows you to bless a suitable and loving family with a baby while continuing to prepare a better way. The optimal development of your child is largely tied to your present capacity for resources and care. Birth mothers often recognize that their child would miss out on much-needed nurturing given their unprepared state. Assessment of one’s own potential for childcare is deeply challenging, but it’s necessary for landing an informed adoption decision.

Adoption guilt reveals your capacity for love

How could a birth mother not feel immense guilt when giving up her child? Even for a cause as pure as adoption, there is no method for completely avoiding the weight involved. On a scientific level, your maternal instincts dictate that you must raise your child to adulthood, and deviation triggers impulsive distress. However, that explanation is not satisfactory for understanding the real human emotions that placing your baby for adoption creates. Disappointment, fear, regret, and longing are just a few pieces of the inevitable inner turmoil that comes with adoption. Our own emotions have a way of deceiving us, as guilt does not always mean you’ve done something wrong. It is what makes every one of us human and capable of love, compassion, and selflessness.

You may feel as though the decision to place your baby in the hands of others is a character indictment. Love manifests in a variety of ways, and adoption may be the avenue that best demonstrates yours. Choosing to let go of your instinctual desire to rear your child is a selfless act of love for them. The strength required to accept adoptive care is immeasurable, especially knowing the flood of emotions that accompany such a choice. There will be days when you question your adoption decision, wondering if it came from a place of love. This doubt can rest with the knowledge that your child receives continual love from their adoptive parents because of your strength. An adoption is an act of perpetual care from birth mothers, enabling their children to experience the ideal upbringing they deserve.

How can Adoption Choices of Missouri aid in your struggle?

Even the strongest of wills could benefit from helping hands in dealing with the emotional fallout of unplanned pregnancy. Adoption Choices of Missouri recognizes the importance of assisting birth mothers’ financial, medical, and mental needs during their toughest days. Whether it’s a safer place to stay during pregnancy or getting proper nutrition, we’ll ensure you’re taken care of. Your child’s health is tied directly to yours. Therefore, supporting you is paramount to the adoptive family and us. Financial care can only help so much during an emotionally trying period of your life.

Receiving adequate mental assistance is also necessary for a smooth adoption transition. Battles rage in the head of every birth mother, and our support counseling seeks to provide clarity and calm the storm. Our birth parent counselors are experienced specialists who appreciate the delicacy and uniqueness of your situation. During pregnancy, their invaluable comfort has a hand in easing much of the burden you carry during your unplanned pregnancy.

Remember that our helping hand is not retracted once the adoption is complete. Post-placement support can be a crucial step to healing after experiencing overwhelming grief. Our counselors are committed to your care, and seeing to your recovery is their primary motivation.

Click here to learn more about the free emotional support that our team is eager to offer you.

Finding the right Missouri adoption

Adoption guilt is evidence of lasting love for your child, and Adoption Choices of Missouri wishes your burden to be shared. Not only are there loving families waiting to be blessed by your baby, but also compassionate professionals to address every concern. The well-being of you and your child is of primary importance to us, and your adoption plan will reflect that.

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

Are Birth Fathers Forgotten in Missouri Adoptions?

July 7, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Are Birth Fathers Forgotten in Missouri Adoptions?

By Katiara Potter

In Missouri, giving a child up for adoption may be stressful. Having to make important decisions for yourself and your child is never easy. The process may seem more complicated when considering how the birth father fits into the equation. If he’s not part of the process, he may be unknown, or unsupportive. Assuming that the birth father is part of the process, he could play a large role in the adoption process. If you’re considering adoption, you may want to know the birth father’s role in Missouri adoptions. What rights does the birth father have in Missouri adoptions? Are the birth fathers forgotten in the adoption process? At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we know this process can be hard for you. Please contact one of our counselors or specialists if you need support.

What is the Birth Father’s Role in Missouri Adoptions?

A birth father’s role in a Missouri adoption is completely up to the birth mother and birth father. The birth father can play a large role in the process or play no role in the process. The best thing an expectant mother can do is talk to the birth father about his role in the process. Especially if you would like him to be a part of the process. Maybe the birth father doesn’t understand the adoption process.

You can always explain your reasoning for placing your child up for adoption to him. Discuss the benefits of adoption and why you think it would benefit your child. A counselor or specialist at Adoption Choices of Missouri is also available to provide information to the birth father. The birth father’s role in the adoption process is just as important as the role of the birth mother. Birth fathers may have many responsibilities in the adoption process. Some of these responsibilities may include:

Providing Support to the Birth Mother

Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy can be tough. It’s helpful if a pregnant mother has a good support system. Birth fathers can be essential to the birth mother’s support network. Birth fathers can help birth mothers make important decisions in the adoption process. They can also be there for the delivery of the child if the birth mother allows. If the birth father is part of the adoption process, it’s important to communicate with him. Keep him up-to-date on any major developments or emergencies in the process.

Helping with the Adoption Plan

Birth fathers can help the birth mother make decisions on many issues in the adoption process. One of these issues would be picking out an adoptive family. Another issue would be selecting the type of adoption you want to have. This can include open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption.

Seeking Emotional Support

The adoption process can be overwhelming for birth parents. Since tough decisions are being made, it would be beneficial for birth parents to receive emotional support and counseling. The birth father needs these resources just like the birth mother. Birth fathers may appear strong but could be suffering silently. Adoption Choices of Missouri offers emotional support and counseling during and after adoption. We can help provide support and assistance as you adjust to life after your child is adopted. Adoption agencies near you can also help provide support and assistance.

What Are the Rights of a Birth Father in Missouri Adoptions?

If the birth father protests your child’s adoption or is unsupportive, it may complicate things. The birth father can show that he has the means to support himself and the child, and he can gain custody. If he fails to show that he can support the child, it will be impossible for him to gain custody. In this event, you can continue with the adoption process. Even if the birth father shows that he can provide for the child, nothing is final. You can continue with the adoption process. If the father of your child is unsupportive, it is best to talk to him about your decision. Talking things out with the birth father may make him see things your way. Communicating with him can help both of you get on the same page.

If the birth father is unknown or admittedly doesn’t want to be included in the process, the adoption can continue. In Missouri, when the birth father is unknown, his consent for the adoption is not needed. Adoption Choices of Missouri can identify, locate, and contact a birth father if the birth mother wants. If we can’t locate the birth father, the adoption can continue as planned.

What role the birth father plays in the adoption process is between you and him. If you want him to be a part of the process, communicate your feelings and decisions to him. Not having the birth father in the adoption process is stressful. It’s difficult making important decisions by yourself. If you need help making these decisions, Adoption Choices of Missouri can assist you. We know what this process is like. We’re here for you. Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 816-527-9800

Birth Mother Blog

The Difference Between Open Adoption and Co-Parenting

July 4, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

The Difference Between Open Adoption and Co-Parenting

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

As you’re going through the adoption plan, you come across the three types of adoptions. You see that there is an open, semi-open, and closed adoption. Being a part of the birth child’s life is something you’d like. But you don’t know if open adoption and co-parenting are the same. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we’ll help you understand the differences. Our agency has worked with many birth mothers planning on open adoption. With our agency, you’ll be in expert hands.

What is open adoption?

Open adoption is when the birth mother wants to have a relationship with the birth child. This is when instead of the adoption agency taking over the adoption process. The birth mother instead is going through the different steps. In this adoption, the birth mother will have a relationship with the birth child. But this depends on the adoptive parent(s). Whenever the birth mother and the adoptive parent (s) agree on a time and day, the birth mother will visit the birth child.

In an open adoption, the birth mother will be able to:

Visit the birth child
Communicate with them through e-mail or text messages
Send pictures and cards

What is co-parenting?

Co-parenting is when the parent and another party help take care of the child. This doesn’t mean the child goes back with the birth mother after an adoption is finalized. Nor that the birth parents will have any parental rights to the child. While being able to visit whenever the adoptive parent (s) are available. The birth mother will become someone close to the birth child.

Is open adoption and co-parenting the same thing?

With Adoption in Missouri, open adoption and co-parenting work together. But they’re not the same. In an open adoption, the birth mother placed the birth child up for adoption. The parental rights are taken away and given to the adoptive parent (s). Co-parenting is when two parents share custody of the child but take care of the birth child separately. In the open adoption situation, the birth mother had the parental rights taken. Open adoption and co-parenting are not the same things.

Will I be able to have a relationship with my child in an open adoption?

Some birth mothers want to have a relationship with the birth child but don’t know if they’ll be able to. They chose open adoption because the birth mother wanted to have a relationship with the birth child. Without having to take on the parental aspect of it. They wanted to be in the child’s life as someone they could talk to and rely on. Without having to take care of them. The birth mother placed the birth child up for adoption because they:

Weren’t ready to become a birth mother
Weren’t financially ready for a child

There are many scenarios in why the birth mother placed the birth child up for adoption. The birth mother wants to be in their life after the child has been adopted. So birth mothers place their child up for adoption. Just to visit them regularly. Doesn’t mean they’re giving a child up for adoption. It just means they didn’t want to be labeled as a birth mother. But as a family friend instead.

If you have questions regarding the adoption process and what you’re able to do. You can contact your local adoption agency. They will help with questions you may have.

Will I be able to have a relationship with the adoptive parent(s)?

While creating a relationship with the birth child. The birth mother could also take that time to create a relationship with the adoptive parent (s) since the birth mother is going to have an active role in the birth child’s life. It’ll be nice to know the people you’ll be around. So that if anything comes up, the adoptive parent (s) will notify the birth mother.

What are the different adoptions available?

In Missouri, there are three types of adoption. There is an open, semi-open, and closed adoption. If you plan on having a relationship with the birth child. Then you should choose open adoption. In an open adoption, you’ll be able to pick the adoptive family. While deciding whether the adoptive parent(s) will be in the room while you give birth.

Having the adoptive parent (s) have access to your information isn’t for everyone, which is okay. If you don’t want to share contact information with the adoptive parent (s). Or talk to them at all. You can choose semi-closed adoption. In this, the adoption agency will be the voice instead. Questions you may have about the adoptive parent (s) will be answered through the adoption agency.

Some birth mothers just want to separate themselves from the adoption process entirely. They don’t:

Want to choose the adoptive parent (s).
Want the adoptive parent (s) in the room during the birth
Want to spend the 48-72 hours getting to know the adoptive parent (s)
Or spending the 48-72 hours with the birth child before they sign the final adoption papers

Becoming a birth mother wasn’t something they planned. Instead, it was an unplanned pregnancy. So being involved in the adoption process. It isn’t something they want. If this is you, then you should choose a closed adoption.

As you’re choosing open adoption, you’re wondering if co-parenting and open adoption is the same. 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