All About Birth Mothers in Missouri

November 28, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

All About Birth Mothers in Missouri

By Mitchell Kennis

Adoption can seem fairly daunting as a general idea. There are just so many different things for an expectant woman to think about when choosing adoption. We don’t blame you for being confused about where you fit within the process. So, we’re going to try and clear up who birth mothers are and how adoption works for them.

What is Involved in an Adoption?

To cover how adoption works, let us give an example of an adoption process from start to finish. A disclaimer that this in no way covers all the ways an adoption can happen.

A woman unexpectedly gets pregnant. She is not partnered and is busy getting a foothold in her new job. At first, she is overwhelmed by this news. Who wouldn’t be? But then she gets online and searches for pregnant adoption help. Thousands of results on the web covering stories and statistics, and histories of adoption fill her eyes. She tries again and instead searches for adoption agencies near me. Now she is directed to some pages that show promise and sends an email to a nearby agency wondering about consultation.

In no time, the expectant woman finds herself talking with an adoption specialist. She’s concerned about adoption. Worried she will never get to see her child and she is uncertain if the family would fit them. However, the specialist says she has the final say on the openness of the adoption and who the adoptive parents are. Together they will form a plan for the mother’s perfect adoption.

Her fears dissolve, questions are answered, and the expectant mother moves on with her pregnancy. When she eventually gives birth, she will see her baby placed with its new adoptive parents. And years afterward, she can still receive email correspondence or visit if that was the type of adoption decided on. That is a basic adoption process for adoption in Missouri and nationwide.

But then, Who is a Birth Mother?

In the above example, the expectant woman would only be officially considered a birth mother after birth. Adoption Choices (and many other agencies) though consider woman birth mothers no matter where in the process they are.

The distinction is made between a birth mother and an adoptive mother to keep confusion minimal. This is especially true if the family and the birth mother have an open relationship. Using terms like “real mother” or “one’s own child” is quite demeaning to the adoptive family. It might, albeit unconsciously, undermine the respect of both sets of parents and make the relationship strained. And so, distinguishing a birth mother is a term born out of necessity.

Who Chooses Adoption?

The mindset of an unprepared expectant woman is they are considering adoption – I can’t take care of my baby. Unplanned or unwanted pregnancies happen. It’s not uncommon for this to be the reason why a birth mother would choose adoption. At the same time, the is no set rule that says someone without a clear reason can’t adopt. There are so many different adoption stories out there and even more circumstances, and no two are the same.

What we can say is people who choose adoption are brave. They have to push against the pressures of societal misconceptions about adoption. People think it means “giving my baby up” for adoption instead of a healthy alternative to parenthood. They might have to contend with a disapproving partner or family. And despite all the support an agency or their allies can provide, they themselves have to go through the pregnancy.

Why Choose Adoption?

“Why adopt out my baby?” Well, there is not one clear answer to why one would choose adoption. The mother from our previous example decided to put my baby up for adoption because she was busy with life. That is a super valid reason to place her child with another family. However, another example could be that a birth mother decided to adopt instead of aborting her child. Another could be she already had kids and couldn’t even imagine raising another. Why people choose to adopt is as varied as who individuals are.

Adoption is also a very rewarding process once your get into it. Depending on your situation, you might be eligible for financial aid and medical support for your birth. You get to know who the adoptive parents are and might even get to see your child be raised. It’s rather fulfilling to just know that you played a part in creating a happy family.

Adoption can Help Create a Family

Just as no two adoptions are the same, so is each birth mother unique. You might have a dozen reasons to choose adoption or just one. Know that no matter what, though, Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help. For years, our agency has been helping birth mothers plan for their perfect adoption. Our specialists are always ready to talk with you about your ideal family.

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

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How to Celebrate Adoption Month in Missouri

November 24, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

How to Celebrate Adoption Month in Missouri

By Staren Henry

Adoption is a daunting and important decision for many birth mothers and may not come easy for some. It is a step that should be celebrated for the courage, selflessness, and planning required to undertake it. Birth mothers who consider or go through adopting out their baby are not giving up on their child. But instead providing them with the additional resources needed to have a better shot at life. That’s something worth celebrating!

If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you can be confident in Adoption Choices of Missouri to assist you. We are a responsive and trusting agency to work with that puts birth mothers first.

What is Adoption?

Adoption is the process of placing your baby with an adoptive family. The birth mother will sign off all parental rights to their child and can decide upon the level of openness that she will retain with the child and the adoptive family throughout the adoption.

You are not giving up your baby for adoption. Deciding to adopt out your baby is not something to be ashamed of. Adoption Choices of Missouri helps the birth mother with various resources, so you can be confident in the well-being of you and your child.

How Adoption Works

Birth mothers start by making an adoption plan, which would cover all the resources you may need to help you put your baby up for adoption. This may include medical care, financial compensation, counseling, and/or safe housing.

The birth mother would then choose between open, closed, and semi-open adoption types for her baby. The adoption type describes the amount of interaction the birth mother will have with the baby and their adoptive family once placed in a home. Open adoption refers to adoption that allows the birth mother and adoptive family to stay in contact throughout pregnancy, birth, and post-placement. In comparison, closed adoptions have the adoptive family and birth mother never meet or share personal information. Semi-open adoptions fall somewhere in between the two, with a minimal exchange of personal information.

During the matching process, the birth mother will choose the adoptive family she wishes to place her baby. Profiles of potential adoptive families will be provided for you to choose from. Additional resources may be provided, and, depending on the level of openness you decide on for your baby, you may also meet with the adoptive family.

Why is Adoption and Adoption Awareness Important?

Let’s think of it in a more roundabout way. If you are seeking pregnant adoption help because you can’t take care of your baby, then you’ll probably understand why it’s so important that birth mothers and birth parents know that there is another option out there for their child! Adoption reintroduces control of the birth mother’s life and gives her the peace of mind that she is doing what is best for her child. Adoption also provides adoptive families the opportunity to experience parenthood.

Adoption awareness also helps debunk several myths surrounding adoption. Plus, when adoption is discussed more within the community, more pregnant women will be aware that it is an option.

Ways to Celebrate National Adoption Month:

Donate to adoption agencies near you – even the smallest amount can assist local agencies in helping birth mothers put their babies up for adoption
Educate yourself about adoption – there are many misconceptions and myths that have become widespread about adoption and the adoption process. You can do your part to help debunk these myths by educating yourself and others
Spread awareness in your communities – adoption, while it is more widespread now, is still not a topic that is widely talked about within most communities. You may feel the urge to spread awareness about Adoption in Missouri.
Participate in local adoption month events – See if there are any local events taking place that you can participate in or contribute to
Reach out to adoptive families to learn their stories – adoption looks and feels different for every birth mother, child, and adoptive family out there. Reaching out to birth parents and adoptive families may shed some light on the ways adoption can be a positive and transformative experience

Adoption Choices of Missouri Support and Assistance

Adoption is a valid option for birth mothers experiencing an unwanted pregnancy. It is an option that should have more widespread positive awareness. National Adoption month is a wonderful time for birth mothers and adoptive parents.

If you are a birth mother or birth parent considering placing their child up for adoption, do not hesitate to call Adoption Choices of Missouri toll-free at 877-903-4488. We provide guidance, especially regarding questions or concerns about the adoption process. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, and we treat birth mothers with respect and dignity. 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 Putting baby up for adoption

5 Benefits of Choosing Adoption

November 21, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

5 Benefits of Choosing Adoption

By Mitchell Kennis

Here’s the scene: you are unexpectedly pregnant and are considering private adoption– I can’t take care of my baby. The problem is you aren’t sure how adoption works or if it would be right for you. We can’t know the specifics of your situation, but we can list five benefits of choosing adoption and why it can help. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond.

Why Choose Adoption

The decision to “adopt out my baby” is certainly not one that comes easy. This is especially true when you are uncertain if adoption is a process worth the effort. So, here are five reasons why you should “put my baby for adoption” or contact one of our adoption agencies in Missouri today.

1. Adoption Means Forming a Family

Portrayals in most media paint adoption as though a person is “giving my baby up” for adoption. This is absolutely not the case. When you choose adoption, you are choosing to find a better future for your child. It is a selfless act that creates a family from parents adopting from you. It also helps you make a family on your own timeline if your pregnancy is unplanned. Someday maybe you still want kids but right now is not perfect. Adoption is a process of molding two amazing families into what they want to be.

2. Adoption is Full of Gratitude

If you go to our website or the forums of adoption, you will find very similar messages. Comments of thanks and blessings to those who chose adoption. Thousands of families are so grateful for the opportunity of parenthood. They have their reasons for needing adoption, and you would be providing that service for them. While there are those who will still be very incorrectly twisted about your decision, know you’ll have that family’s thanks.

3. Adoption Comes with Support

It can be daunting to face the prospect of taking on adoption alone. But the thing is, you won’t be alone at all. Women seeking pregnant adoption help will find it in the form of any number of adoption agencies across the nation. Specialists will help plan through your adoption with you and ensure you have the necessary financial support. Even if you just need someone to talk to about your pregnancy, we urge you to reach out.

4. Adoption is Often Better than the Alternatives

If your pregnancy caught you by surprise, there could be some panic in how you see the options forward. There are women who rush into a decision after finding out they are expecting and maybe come to regret it. We’re just glad you are weighing your options by reading this, then.

The three paths out of pregnancy are parenthood, abortion, and of course, adoption. If you are unprepared the raise a child at this stage of your life, parenthood isn’t ideal. Forcing yourself to be a mother can build into unconscious spite against your child for messing up what you had. Abortion is an option in some states but not in Missouri. Even still, the decision to terminate the pregnancy is one that doesn’t have an undo button.

Adoption, on the other hand, is a way to live and let live. You can be unburdened by raising a child without worrying about your baby not living life fully and happily. So, of the alternatives, it does appear like adoption is a perfect middle-ground.

5. Adoption is Fulfilling

When you are choosing adoption in Missouri, you are actually choosing a path to family. You are opening a whole new future for your child and their new adoptive parents. Also, if you decide to have an open (or even semi-open) adoption, you get to see that future grow up. You will get to visit or receive correspondence from the family. You get to feel the secondhand benefits of parenthood without needing to parent yourself. Take it from so many others who have already taken the leap: adoption is fulfilling and worth it.

How to Get Started on Your Adoption

We hope that these facts have helped convince you to take the next step with your pregnancy by choosing adoption. Even if you still have your doubts, it is free to look up adoption agencies near me. It is also easy to contact us directly at Adoption Choices of Missouri. In either case, you will be connected to an adoption specialist who will assist you wherever you are at. Adoption is something that doesn’t require immediate commitment. You will get time to look through different adoptive parents and think more about what’s best. The resources are still here for you whenever you need them. So, please don’t be afraid to call or email to find out more benefits of adoption.

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

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Types of Adoption in Missouri

November 17, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Types of Adoption in Missouri

By Staren Henry

Navigating the adoption process can be a scary and overwhelming process for expectant mothers going through an unplanned pregnancy. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can feel impossible to make sense of and ensure that you are taking the right steps to put your baby up for adoption. We will guide you on what you need to know about options, support, and resources available with adoption agencies near you.

Choosing Adoption – Deciding to Place Your Baby

It is important to understand that placing your child for adoption is not ‘giving up’ your baby for adoption. If you feel like you can’t take care of your baby for whatever reason, considering adoption as an accessible and achievable process. Putting your baby up for adoption may be the right option for you if:

You want to give your child better opportunities in life
Do you have religious or moral beliefs concerning pregnancy
You want to give an adoptive family a chance to become parents
You want to feel in control of an emotionally trying and stressful situation
You are worried about monetary costs (adoption is completely free)

As well as many possible unlisted reasons to consider putting your baby up for adoption.

How Adoption Works – Open, Closed, and Semi-Closed

When you contact Adoption Choices of Missouri, we will begin the adoption process by helping you make an adoption plan. This plan will cover all the resources you may need to help you adopt out your baby. We may offer medical care, financial compensation, counseling, and/or safe housing.

Did you know that the type of adoption is not set by the adoptive family? Despite common misconceptions, the birth mother sets the type of adoption she wishes to place her baby in. The adoption type describes the amount of interaction the birth mother will have with the baby and their adoptive family once placed in a home. These types of adoption in Missouri are:

Open Adoption – allows the birth mother and adoptive family to stay in contact throughout pregnancy, birth, and post-placement. Personal information such as names, contact info, and phone numbers is shared. Fully open adoption also includes the option of in-person visits.
Closed Adoption – In comparison to open adoption, closed adoption ensures that the adoptive family and the birth mother never meet and know anything other than the medical history
Semi-Open Adoption – somewhere between an open and closed adoption, less personal information is shared between the birth mother and the adoptive family. This may include the exchange of things such as letters or emails and can be done through a third party.

Deciding how open you want your baby’s adoption to be is a crucial part of the adoption process. It can also heavily impact the child’s life, so it is important to be sure that you are making the decision you want to make. Nobody will judge you for your choice, and you may regret it if you let others ultimately influence your decision. Additionally, If your baby is already born, you can still put them up for adoption if, at any point, parenting does not feel like an option. Adoption Choices of Missouri comes to meet you.

Choosing an Adoptive Family

Once you are clear on the type of adoption you want for your baby, it is time to start the matching process. You can base your matching on additional factors such as the ethnic or religious background. When receiving counseling, you will be provided with profiles of adoptive families to choose from. Remember that no one will try to influence or coerce your decision in any way and that you remain in complete control during this part of the process. Once you have matched with an adoptive family, Adoption Choices of Missouri may provide you with additional resources. You may also meet with the adoptive family depending on the level of openness you want for your baby’s adoption.

Choosing Between the Types of Adoption in Missouri

With the help of our adoption agency, adoption can become a manageable and fulfilling process for the birth mother, child, and adoptive family. It is important that birth mothers know that the adoption process does not become final until they sign the legal documents terminating your parental rights. You will have ample time to make informed decisions.

If you are still feeling confused or overwhelmed, do not panic. Know that you may speak directly with an adoption counselor anytime. These calls are completely confidential and may offer you more support and comfort in navigating the adoption process.

If you are a woman considering adoption and seeking information on how to create a birth 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.

Levels of Openness in an Adoption in Missouri

Birth Mother Blog Putting baby up for adoption

What are the Levels of Openness in an Adoption

November 14, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What are the Levels of Openness in an Adoption

By Rachel Smith

The agency offers pregnant adoption help and, as the name suggests, provides plenty of choices. Choosing a type of adoption helps birthmothers match with suitable adoptive families, keeping both parties on the same page. The private adoption agencies in Missouri encourage birthmothers to keep their best interests in mind and select carefully. Need to learn more? Here are the three types of adoption to choose from.

Open Adoptions

Giving up your baby for adoption doesn’t have to be the end. Open adoptions allow for the opposite, a new beginning. This type of adoption lets the adoptive family and biological family communicate directly. Identifying information is shared between the two parties, including names, contact information, medical history, and location. This option is great for birth parents who want a close relationship with their child despite their inability to provide.

As the name implies, Open adoptions are “open.” Birth and adoptive families can coordinate how often the two parties communicate–virtually or in person–and how updated information is sent. For example, if consented by both parties, birth parents could meet with the adoptive family yearly and receive photos monthly. Birth families and adoptive families can select locations to meet and personally provide updated information.

In addition, this improved relationship between the two parties aids the adoptee. As the adoptee grows, learning more about their background becomes less of a stressor. The families can create a support network suitable for the adoptee. Any plan that both parties agree to is up for grabs. The only limitation is the legal guardianship of the adoptive family over the adoptee. This applies to adoptions in Missouri and American adoptions in general. If you want to maintain a close relationship or are unsure, the flexibility of open adoptions is perfect.

Semi-Open Adoptions

Some birth parents adopt out their baby because they can’t provide adequate time and care. For these parents, the flexibility to check in with their child without neglecting other life factors may best suit them. Semi-Open adoptions involve limited communication between the birth mother and the adoptive family. This exchange of information is done by the Adoption Choices of Missouri agency near you. Only necessary information–first name, general location, and medical history–is shared. Any other form of communication is done with the agency as a medium. This includes the delivery of letters, cards, and photographs.

Semi-Open adoptions are also a great decision. They allow the birth parents and adoptive parents to maintain separate lives, only interacting when necessary. The birth parents and adoptive parents can coordinate meetings through the adoption agencies near them. They can be frequent or rare, depending on the preference of both parties. Semi-open adoptions also allow birth mothers to interact with their children without needing to contact the adoptive family. If you wish to retain a relationship with your child, that is possible. But it is also possible to live independently.

Closed Adoptions

Closed Adoptions are rare but still a possibility. This type facilitates zero communication between the birth mother and birth parents. Once the adoption process is over, both families live completely independent lives. No information is shared other than the medical history.

This is great for birth mothers who might want to hide their birth because of factors like an unplanned pregnancy. Birth parents can completely move on, and adoptive families can work as well. However, when the adoptee turns eighteen, adoption files may be opened, which could impact a birth parent’s privacy.

Picking the Right Type of Adoption for You

As a birth mother, picking the right level of openness in adoption that you are comfortable with is a very important part of the adoption process. The selection promotes comfort, ensuring that the interests of both the birth and adoptive families are aligned. Without aligning these interests, it would be harder to facilitate a close relationship or maintain no relationship with your child.

Though there are three general types, the possibilities and outcomes in each are endless. It is the birth mother’s choice and Adoption Choices of Missouri’s support. By selecting an adoption type, your decision is protected by the adoptive families that feel similarly. Contact a Missouri adoption agency near you to create your adoption plan and find a suitable type of adoption.

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

Adoptive Family Birth Mother Blog Putting baby up for adoption

All About Adoptive Parents

November 10, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

All About Adoptive Parents

By Mitchell Kennis

Perhaps the biggest question on a birth parent’s mind before the adoption is: Who will my child be raised by? It is natural thinking when considering adoption – I can’t take care of my baby, so who will from now on? We’ll do our best to answer your questions about adoptive parents to make your adoption as stress-free as possible. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond.

Choosing Adoption in Missouri

First, let us cover the basics. Essentially how adoption works is a pregnant woman deciding she isn’t parenting ready will contact adoption agencies near me. From there, the agency will assist in the process of “giving my baby up for adoption.” An adoption specialist with consult with the birth mother on what she is looking for with her adoption. Details are taken, such as the type of adoption and what kind of family her child will be raised by. These are the main criteria that are used to sort through the families looking to adopt.

Once one or more families are matched with the birth mother’s preferences, she has consulted again. A birth mother will get the final say on the adoptive parents. After a selection has been made, the pregnancy will proceed as normal. The child, once born, will be put up with their new parents and home. Depending on the type of adoption, the process could end there, or communication between the two families could continue.

Adoptive Parents

You might have already noticed, but we’ll also define “adoptive parents” if you’re planning an Adoption in Missouri. When you choose to adopt out my baby, the easiest path is through the process described above. Within this process, you (the birth mother) provide the basic guidelines for your child’s new family or adoptive parents.

Adoptive parents are either couples in the process of adoption or have already adopted. It is used interchangeably with an adoptive family, which is perhaps more accurate as there can be others besides the parents.

Who Chooses to Adopt?

What we know is there is no catchall for who decides to adopt. However, all prospective adoptive parents must first jump a few qualifying hurdles before being considered for adoption. This includes background and medical history checks, attending an educational seminar on adoption, and passing a household check. They also fill out quite a bit of paperwork involving what they offer as parents. Through this paperwork, these parents are able to express who they are to searching birth mothers. Factors such as sexual orientation and religion and lifestyle can be expanded upon beyond what is required in bios.

Women who put my baby up for adoption might be seeking a particular kind of parental relationship, though. You might, for instance, look for a family that has religious values similar to your own. If so, your adoption agency will certainly consider your personal preferences when presenting families to you right now. However, you can feel free to browse a listing of local adoptive parents on our website.

The adoption process doesn’t discriminate. Adoptive families of all races and genders are represented, no matter their reason for wanting to adopt.

Why Adopt?

There are many different reasons why a couple might pick adoption. We can’t pretend to know the particular circumstances regarding each adoptive parent. There could be problems with their ability to get pregnant themselves. They could be from an adopted family and want to continue supporting adoption in their own family. Perhaps they are “empty nesters” and need to rekindle the love of parenthood.

If you are concerned about your adoptive parent’s reasons for adoption, you can ask them about it. Depending on the type of adoption, you will have the opportunity to meet with the family who will raise your child. During that meeting, you can ask what motivated them to adopt to better understand who they are.

How Do I Start the Adoption Process?

The start of any adoption process is asking for help. You can do this by looking for “pregnant adoption help” or contacting any local agency. This help need not only be related to finding a family to adopt your child but anything stressing you out. Agencies like ours are well-equipped to provide counseling and financial support for birth mothers.

Choosing the Adoptive Parents

We know the perfect adoptive family is out there for you. But there is a lot we can do to help find them, too, so contact us at Adoption Choices of Missouri. We’re here for you and your baby, ready to ensure your adoption is a beautiful, faultless 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 Putting baby up for adoption

What are the Types of Adoption in Missouri?

November 7, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What are the Types of Adoption in Missouri?

By Rachel Smith

Many might be familiar with how adoption works. A birth mother puts their baby up for adoption, and an adoptive family takes the child under their wing. However, are many aware of the types of adoption? These are important considerations if you are pregnant and considering adoption and can’t take care of your baby. The types of adoption are crucial aspects of your adoption plan, and they all play different roles. With private agencies like Adoption Choices of Missouri, birth parents can choose which of the three best suits them. The agency offers pregnant adoption help and provides plenty of choices, as the name suggests. Choosing a type of adoption helps birth mothers match with suitable adoptive families, keeping both parties on the same page. The private adoption agencies in Missouri encourage birthmothers to keep their best interests in mind and select carefully. Need to learn more? Here are the three types of adoption to choose from.

Open Adoptions

Semi-Open Adoptions

Closed Adoptions

Closed Adoptions are rare but still a possibility. This type facilitates zero communication between the birth mother and the adoptive parents. Once the adoption process is over, both families live completely independent lives. No information is sent afterward, including updated medical history.

Picking an adoption type that both families prefer is so important. The selection promotes comfort, ensuring that the interests of both the birth and adoptive families are aligned. Without aligning these interests, it would be harder to facilitate a close relationship or maintain no relationship with your child. Though there are three general types, each has endless possibilities and outcomes. It is the birth mother’s choice and Adoption Choices of Missouri’s support. By selecting an adoption type, your decision is protected by the adoptive families that feel similarly. Contact a Missouri adoption agency near you to create your adoption plan and find a suitable type of adoption.

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

Birth Mother Blog

All about Adoptees

November 3, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

All about Adoptees

By Jaclyn Prasa

As a birth mother who is seeking options for your unplanned pregnancy, you may also be absorbed in thought, wondering about the effects of adoption on your baby. Choosing adoption is in itself an act of love. If you are considering adoption because you can’t take care of your baby, adoption allows for more opportunities for your child. While the choice is made out of love, it is still one hard choice to make. Giving up your baby for adoption may be the hardest thing that you will do. While it’s emotionally challenging for birth parents, the adoptee is the one most affected. Being an adoptee is a different experience, filled with its own conflicting thoughts and emotions.

How Adoption Works

The adoption process begins when you, the birth mother, contact Adoption Choices of Missouri. You will make an adoption plan that consists of any resources that you may need. Adoption Choices of Missouri can come to meet you wherever you are most comfortable to start planning your adoption plan. We offer financial stability, safe housing, medical care, and emotional support counseling. As you begin to create your plan with an adoption counselor, you will choose the kind of adoption level of openness. There are three kinds: open, semi-open, and closed adoption.

The level of openness pertains to how involved you wish to remain in your child’s life. Open adoption involves direct communication and contact that is agreed upon by both you and your chosen adoptive family. A closed adoption means that you will not maintain any contact with your child or the adoptive family. This part, choosing the level of openness, is a major part of the adoption that leaves a lasting impact on the adoptee.

Additionally, you will choose the family that raises your child. Our waiting families have been screened and verified before being allowed the privilege of adoption. You can search through our website to find the perfect fit based on important criteria to you in who you wish to raise your child.

Creating an Adoption Plan

Once your adoption plan and birth plan are created, then you return to your life and pregnancy. Adoption Choices of Missouri will always be here to help you with any questions, and we may remind you about your upcoming prenatal care checkups. You also may be in contact with your adoptive family if you have decided on a more open adoption.

After you have given birth in the state of Missouri, you have 48 hours after the birth to can sign over consent. This means your parental rights are terminated, and then your child will legally belong to the adoptive family. Before this moment, you are still able to change your mind. But once you sign over consent, you no longer have parental rights.

Putting your baby up for adoption is difficult. Therefore, if you need any emotional support after your baby goes home with the adoptive family, your local adoption agency is here for you. As you go on your own way, you can be proud and confident that you made the right choice for your baby.

The Adoptee

For the adoptee, the main thing that seems to be on their mind is openness. They want to know who you are and where they come from. It is reported that many infant adoptions in the nation have a degree of openness. Only a small percent of adoptions are fully closed or confidential. Before the 1970s, most adoptions were closed. This stigmatized unplanned pregnancy as shameful and was thus kept hidden. But this is a false idea, and ever since the 1970s, studies have proven that open adoption is healthier for everyone involved. Especially the adoptee.

A somewhat open-level adoption allows for contact between the birth family and the child. This means that the adoptive family and birth family can communicate by asking any questions to best care for the adoptee. Or maybe down the road, if the birth family and adoptive family have kept in touch (it is common to lose touch), then your child will be able to enjoy meetings with you and know you. However, these scenarios vary with each case. If there is a concern that adoptees may struggle with their identity, then it’s most important for full disclosure.

Additionally, if an adoptee wants to get to know their birth family and feel connected with them, that does not mean that they do not love their adoptive family. It is recorded that adopted children have similar, if not more advantageous, upbringings than their peers. Generally, when children are adopted, they are brought into homes with better-established opportunities. This can aid in their future success.

Most importantly, adoptees are concerned with their rights. They have rights to their original birth certificate, citizenship, personal information, and history. Some adoptees have reported a lack of knowledge of their biological and medical history. Sometimes this information is lost, and it is a priority that they are allowed access to what is theirs.

The Birth Mother and Adoptee

Ultimately, there does not seem to be hatred or anger within many adoptees’ psyches. Instead, they desire what everyone does, love and understanding. An adoptee might wish to know where they come from, and they value openness. If you want to “adopt out your baby,” a Missouri adoption may be your best option. Choosing adoption means choosing life and love for your baby. Ultimately, there is an underlying appreciation for the decision regarded by both the adoptive family and the adoptee. An adoptee may be able to heal and adapt healthily by knowing their past so they can move forward.

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.