April 19, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

5 Benefits of Open Adoption in Missouri

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Missouri, you might be searching for options. The good news is that you have choices! At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we offer three different types of adoption: closed, semi-open and open adoption.

Each of these types of adoption has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The right choice for you will depend on a number of personal factors. You will need to take into account your situation, your preferences and your needs. If you are considering an open adoption, it can be helpful to know some details. Fortunately, there are manybenefits of an open adoption.

1. You Can Choose Your Child’s Adoptive Family

It is natural to want your child to be placed with an adoptive family that will love and care for them. At our Missouri adoption center, we have an extensive list of potential adoptive family portfolios for you to browse. These portfolios include information about each family and their background, beliefs and values. While you look for a good match for your child, you can keep in mind any specific areas that you’d like your child’s adoptive family to share.

You will not embark upon this portion of your adoption journey alone. Your adoption specialist will be there to answer questions and offer support. Once you select a family that you are interested in, your adoption specialist will help you set up a phone call. From there, you’ll have the option to meet the potential adoptive family in person. If you change your mind at any point during this process, you always have the freedom to move in a different direction.

2. You Can Build a Relationship With Your Birth Child

One of the wonderful things about an open adoption is that you can build a relationship with your birth child. You will have the opportunity to communicate with them through several different methods, including photos, letters, emails and meet ups.

It is important to come to an agreement with your child’s adoptive family ahead of time concerning any communication details. If everyone is on the same page, you can all avoid crossing any boundaries by mistake. You will want to cover topics like how often you will communicate with your birth child, what that will look like and if any other family members will be involved (i.e. relatives, siblings, etc.).

3. You Can Build a Relationship with Your Child’s Adoptive Family

In addition to building a relationship with your birth child, you can also build one with his or her adoptive family. This will depend on what you and your child’s adoptive family agree upon, but it is possible to establish a strong bond. You might stay connected through phone calls or emails. If you’d like, you can meet in person and spend time with your birth child together. Whatever feels right to you both is the best way to go.

4. Your Birth Child Can Ask Questions About Their Adoption

As your birth child grows older, they will likely develop questions surrounding their identity and background. This includes questions about their adoption and you, their birth mother. If you are able to maintain and build a relationship with them from birth, it is easier to answer these questions as they arise. Your child will grow up knowing the details of his or her adoption and, most importantly, that they have been loved their whole life.

5. You Have the Comfort of Knowing How Your Child is Doing

Because you will have a relationship with your birth child in an open adoption, you can stay informed about what’s going on in their life. This includes big life events, like weddings and graduations, as well as smaller dailly moments. The amount that your child chooses to share will vary between families, as well as with any agreements you come to with your child’s adoptive family.

Having a connection to your child can help alleviate any worries or anxieties related to their wellbeing. If you are still experiencing those feelings, it can help to speak to a professional. Adoption Choices of Missourioffers access to counseling service during your pregnancy and post-placement as well.

Is an Open Adoption Right for Me?

Now that you are more familiar with some of the benefits of open adoption and types of adoption, you can begin to consider if this is the right option for you. Be sure to listen to your heart and reach for support when you need it. Our adoption agency in Missouri has plenty of help to offer and we are happy to answer any questions that you might have. We want you to feel confident and secure in any choice that you 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 1-816-527-9800

Meet the Author: Molly Doyle is a native San Franciscan, Molly is an experienced educator and a dedicated writer. She holds her multiple subject teaching credential as well as her Masters of Arts in Teaching. When not teaching children or creating new written pieces, Molly can be found kicking around a soccer ball, going for urban hikes or whipping up a fruit pie.