Important Adoption Terms to Know During Your Unplanned Pregnancy

May 18, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Important Adoption Terms to Know During Your Unplanned Pregnancy

There’s an old children’s rhyme that goes, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Except that, sometimes, words can hurt us. Words can hurt when people repeatedly say your name wrong or don’t even bother to learn your correct pronouns. That’s how some women or adoptive families feel during the adoption process when they are called by the wrong title. What an awkward social faux-pas! It’s important to make sure that we are using the right language to refer to people, especially when it comes to adoption. We want to refer to people correctly so that we can be as inclusive as possible. It is important to us that everyone from all walks of life feels welcome at our adoption agency. That is precisely why Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help you navigate this new and exciting vocabulary and learn what are the important adoption terms being used today.

How Adoption Agencies in Missouri Distinguish Between the Different Terms Used for a Birth Mother

Pregnant Woman. In the world of adoption, the term pregnant woman refers to any woman who is pregnant and considering adoption. While she may be considering placing her baby for adoption, she has not yet fully chosen adoption as her pregnancy option. She may be considering this quietly to herself, or she may have already confided in a few people she trusts. The important thing to know is that a pregnant woman is still weighing her options and considering adoption.
Expectant Mother. When it comes to adoption, an expectant mother is a woman who is pregnant but is not yet considering adoption. The thought of adoption may have crossed her mind as she looked into her pregnancy options, but she is not seriously considering placing her baby for adoption yet.
Biological Mom. Most commonly referred to in surrogacy cases, a biological mom is one of the parents from whom the baby receives half of his or her DNA. This may or may not also be the mom who is giving birth. Sometimes in adoptions, the birth mother also likes to be referred to as a biological mom. After all, it is technically correct and does have a nice superhero ring to it. Is that a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Bio Mom!
Birth Mother. A birth mother is a pregnant woman who has already chosen adoption and is ready to begin her adoption journey. She has explored all of her pregnancy options and decided that adoption is the best course of action for her and her baby. If you are a birth mother who has chosen adoption, all you have to do now is contact our adoption agency so that we can help you begin making your adoption plan.

Why It Is Important to Know the Subtle Differences Between Each Term When Placing Your Baby for Adoption in Missouri

Some seemingly innocuous names used to refer to birth mothers or biological moms can actually feel negative or harmful to them or the adoptive families. Words like, “natural parent,” “real parents,” or “real mom” imply that the adoptive family is unnatural or isn’t a real family, and that is simply not the case. It is best to prevent offending or hurting anyone by avoiding these phrases altogether.

We understand the importance of making sure that everyone feels valued and included. That is why we like to say that our birth mothers place their baby for adoption versus giving up their baby for adoption. Remember, you are never “giving up” when you choose adoption. Adoption is a selfless act of love by sacrificing your parenthood in order to give your baby the best opportunities in life.

If you choose open adoption as your type of adoption, it is crucial to make sure that you actively continue to use the right nomenclature so that no one gets upset or hurt. You, your baby, and the adoptive family will be in each other’s lives for a long time, so it’s important that you start your relationship together off right. It is important that we are clear and direct in the language we use so that everyone feels welcome, like one big, happy family.

By using exact and meaningful vocabulary to refer to people, we can avoid making someone feel left out. Especially if that someone is you, your child, or a member of your child’s adoptive family.

If You Are Considering Adoption, Don’t Wait to Call Our Missouri Adoption Agency Today to Receive Unplanned Pregnancy Help

Maybe you are an expectant mother who was not considering adoption until you found this article. Perhaps you are a pregnant woman who has not yet chosen adoption but is interested in learning more. Or maybe you are a biological mom or birth mother who has chosen adoption and is ready to begin your adoption process. No matter what step of your adoption journey you are on, Adoption Choices of Missouri is ready and waiting to help assist you. Our adoption caseworkers are on standby to begin working on your behalf. Contact us today so that we can begin helping you with your adoption plan as soon as possible.

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: Kelly Felix is a graduate from the University of New Orleans. She holds a BA in English as well as a BA in Sociology. Her English concentration is in journalism, and her specialties in sociology are gender studies and environmental sociology.

When she isn’t voraciously guzzling coffee or devouring books, Kelly can be found either bent over a canvas working on her art or at her computer playing video games. She has hands-on classroom teaching experience from her time working as a substitute teacher for Kelly Services. Kelly also completed an in-house editorial internship at Pelican Publishing Company, and she finished the goal internship program at Green Light New Orleans. Kelly generally exists in a state of suspended disbelief, but when she’s not there she resides in New Orleans.

The Top 5 Things Birth Mothers in Missouri Want You to Know About Adoption

May 17, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

The Top 5 Things Birth Mothers in Missouri Want You to Know About Adoption

As an expectant mother who is just beginning your adoption journey. Like a new birth mother, you might feel out of your depth about everything surrounding your adoption process if you have any questions or concerns about the adoption process and may be wondering who to ask. We at Adoption Choices of Missouri have listed the top five things a local Missouri birth mother wants you to know, to help you understand your choice of adoption. Here are the top five things birth mothers in Missouri want you to know.

Things Birth Mothers in Missouri Want You to Know About Adoption

You will Always Have Support
At our agency, Adoption Choices of Missouri, your adoption caseworker will help you find birth mother emotional support, counseling support, and birth mother retreats to help you feel connected to your adoption journey and understand your role as a birth mother and to know that you are a cherished part of your child’s life. You are never alone and will always have the support of other birth mothers who understand what it might feel like going through your adoption process and the mixed emotions that come with not raising your child. As a birth mother, your child will hold you close to their heart. No matter if you are near or far in the state of Missouri, you will always be their birth mother.
Your Opinion Matters
As a birth mother, you should know that your opinion matters. You are in control of your adoption decisions from pre-placement to post-placement. You pick out your child’s adoptive parents and decide what you want during your birth plan and post-placement. No matter what anyone says, you, as your child’s birth mother, play a major role in his or her life.
Embrace your Adoption Emotions
As an expectant mother who will soon become a future birth mother, you might experience many emotions, like sadness, guilt, fear, relief, and this is perfectly okay. Choosing adoption is such a difficult but rewarding decision that comes with many emotions you may feel as your adoption progress moves forward as it becomes finalized. Over the days, months, and even years, don’t hide your feelings; embrace the good and bad days because you are still a mother who is grieving the loss of a child. To embrace your adoption emotions is a great big step to accept your choice of adoption.
Keep Communication Open
Going through your adoption, remember, communication is one of the most important things in your adoption plan. Communicate with your birth parent caseworker if you need help making a list of questions and concerns for the adoptive parents so that you feel heard during your adoption process; your adoption caseworker can assist you with this. Open communication, whether by phone call, email, or video chat, with your child and their adoptive parents will let them know how involved you want to be in your child’s life. In addition, this might help you, your child, and your child’s adoptive parent’s bond grows stronger.
You will Have a Second Mother’s Day
As a birth mother, you get a special Mother’s Day dedicated to you. Birth Mother’s Day celebrates you as a birth mother. Birth Mother’s Day was on Friday, May 8th, the Friday before Mother’s day. As a future birth mother, you need to know that you will always celebrate this day with your child any way you wish. As a birth mother, you might be flooded with many emotions on this day, as this can bring up many emotions from the day your child was born. You also might get to celebrate this holiday not only with your birth child but with your child’s adoptive mother as well to make it extra special. Remember, this is your day to feel loved and appreciated by your birth child and in your choice to choose adoption.

Advice for New Birth Mothers

Going through an adoption process as a new birth mother may seem hard, and you might not know where to turn. However, with the help of our agency, Adoption Choices of Missouri, you can have guidance and support from other birth mothers who have gone through the same experience. Having a birth mother who will help you get through your adoption journey might help you feel more prepared as your adoption moves along and your adoption story can end up as a positive experience.

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: Samara Wiley is a published author of poetry, essays, and an environmental children’s storybook called, Waiting for the Water Fairy. She graduated from Benedictine University in 2018 with a double Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French. She has been published in three small poetry anthologies one was called Talented.

Her other writing accomplishments include: winning a high school poetry competition and $2500 for her high school, having two out of her five novels be considered for publication, and writing movie critic reviews for her university’s newsletter.

Although she has Cerebral Palsy and has had a turbulent childhood, Samara puts these small specs of herself into her writing to personally connect with her audience. She prides herself on pushing the boundaries in her writing and in her personal life with everything she does. Samara writes with her heart and a voice of compassion and loves to pull from her top passions in life. She currently lives in Yorkville, Illinois with her mom and two sisters.

Birth Mother Blog

The Top 5 Frequently Asked Adoption Questions Adoptees have for Birth Mothers

May 14, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

The Top 5 Frequently Asked Adoption Questions Adoptees have the Birth Mothers

As a birth mother, your birth child might be curious about their birth family or identity. Now, adoption is a beautiful choice, but it comes with some hard and personal questions that you might have to answer even years from now. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we have listed the five frequently asked questions that you, a birth mother, might be asked by your birth child someday. Here are the top five frequently asked questions adoptees have for their birth mothers.

Advice to Birth Mothers Answering Adoption Questions

The five frequently asked questions listed above might be asked to you by your child, along with many more. These questions are for your child’s benefit to help him or they understand the two sides of the same coin— On one side, they have their adoption journey, and on the other side, they have the story before their birth. Adoption Choices of Missouri, our adoption agency, is here to help you as a birth mother prepare to answer these and many more adoption questions your birth child may have because their birth child’s story matters.

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

She currently lives in Yorkville, Illinois with her mom and two sisters.

Birth Mother Blog

Five of the Most Common Adoption Misconceptions about Birth Mothers in Missouri

May 12, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Five of the Most Common Adoption Misconceptions about Birth Mothers in Missouri

If you are a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption, you probably already have to deal with people in your life making assumptions about you. You may even have some incorrect adoption expectations yourself. That is exactly why Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help you navigate your unplanned pregnancy. Your adoption specialist will work with you to help you break free of all those common adoption misconceptions.

The Top 5 Most Common Adoption Misconceptions about Birth Mothers in Missouri

The most common adoption stereotype: the unwed pregnant teenager. While there are still many unwed teenagers facing an unwanted pregnancy, many of the birth mothers who choose adoption are neither underage nor unmarried. In fact, many birth mothers who choose adoption are married women in their late 20’s or early 30’s. Many of these women already have children and families but cannot handle the financial strain, time constraints, or simply just don’t have enough energy to raise another baby.Whether you are a pregnant teenager or are already a mom in your 30’s, it is no one’s business but your own why you are choosing adoption. Even if you are a pregnant teenager seeking help for your unexpected pregnancy, that’s OK too! Whatever your reason for choosing adoption is, it is a perfectly good and valid reason.
That closed adoptions are the most common type of adoption. A closed adoption is when the birth mother does not leave any identifying contact information with the adoptive family. It is usually the stereotype that goes hand in hand with the unwed pregnant teenager. But this is far from the truth. Open adoptions are actually the most common type of adoption in the U.S. today. In an open adoption, birth mothers, their baby, and the adoptive family keep in touch with each other throughout the years. This takes place through phone calls, texts and emails, and even in-person visits. Our adoption agency in Missouri strongly encourages open adoptions because we believe that they keep everyone’s best interests at heart.
When people say that you are “giving up” your baby for adoption instead of “placing” or “putting up” your baby for adoption. One of the most common adoption misconceptions about birth mothers in Missouri is that birth mothers are giving up by choosing adoption. Please remember that adoption is not giving up. Instead, you are doing the opposite by performing a caring and selfless act of love on your part for the benefit of your baby. After all, what is a more noble act than you sacrificing your gift of parenthood for the wellbeing of your baby? That is why we like to say that our birth mothers place their baby for adoption instead of saying “giving up” your baby for adoption.
That there are no resources or financial assistance for birth mothers. Of course, we provide resources for our birth mothers! That is one of the main reasons why our adoption agency even exists in the first place! Our adoption agency is a full-service, licensed adoption agency. This means that we offer a variety of financial assistance for birth mothers. This financial assistance covers things like transportation costs, living expenses, medical care, emotional support resources, and even legal representation.
That it’s easy for birth mothers to “just move on” after the adoption process is completed. This one is simply not true. Most birth mothers find themselves facing some sort of grief over the loss of parenthood that accompanies adoption. This is exactly why our adoption agency provides post-placement resources like emotional support counseling. We value our birth mothers, and this means providing support and a shoulder to cry on even after the adoption process is completed.

If You Need Unexpected Pregnancy Help, Don’t Hesitate to Call

The sooner you call us, the quicker our adoption caseworkers at Adoption Choices of Missouri can get to work helping you. Whether you need help answering basic adoption questions or help to deal with the most common adoption misconceptions about birth mothers in Missouri, our adoption agency is ready and waiting to help you today. Do not wait too long to begin making your adoption plan. Our adoption specialists are on standby to begin helping you with your adoption plan as soon as possible.

MO birth mothers want you to know adoption

Birth Mother Blog

5 Things Birth Mothers Want Missouri Adoptive Families to Know

May 10, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

5 Things Birth Mothers Want Missouri Adoptive Families to Know

Choosing to place her baby up for adoption is a very difficult decision for any pregnant woman to make, but it is also a selfless and courageous one. Not everyone is ready to start a family, and it can be difficult to admit that. However, if a pregnant woman knows that adoption is best for her and her baby, she is amazingly strong for making that choice. It shows that she deeply loves and cares for her child and that she is putting her baby’s needs above her own. If you are considering becoming an adoptive family in Missouri, you might be wondering what it is like for birth mothers in the adoption process. What thoughts and emotions are going through their head in this process? Is there anything I, the adoptive parent, should know about birth mothers? Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to tell you the 5 things Birth Mothers want Missouri Adoptive Families to Know.

A Birth Mother Does not Choose Adoption Because her Child is Unwanted

A birth mother chooses adoption because she wants what is best for her child. She does not choose adoption because she doesn’t want her child. Choosing adoption is a very difficult decision for birth mothers, and a lot of thought and care goes into making this decision. A birth mother admits that she is not ready to care for a child at this time and instead chooses to go through all of the unknowns that come with pregnancy to give her child the best life she possibly can. As an adoptive family, let your adopted child know that their birth mother wanted them, but she valued a better life for her child more.

The Adoption Journey for a Birth Mother is Difficult

Although adoption agencies prepare birth mothers for their adoptive journey by helping them create an adoption plan, and although birth mothers may be confident in their decisions to choose adoption, it is not easy by any means. A birth mother will feel many emotions before, during, and after birth. She might face difficulties on the day of the adoption, but know that this does not mean that she is not confident in the life the adoptive family will provide for her child. It will take time for her to heal even after the placement has occurred.

Support Her Choice. Do Not Judge Her Choice

A birth mother will have already faced a judgment for being pregnant with a child she is unable to care for at this time. She does not need more criticism from the people she is entrusting her child to. A birth mother chooses you to raise her child. Be grateful to her for giving you the gift of loving and raising a child. Going through the adoption process is challenging, and birth mothers will need your support.

A Birth Mother Still Loves Her Child

A birth mother carries her child for nine months. She will develop a deep love for this child. She took the time to plan a bright future for her baby, so she will likely think of her child and how they are getting along in the future, she planned for him or her. She will most likely think of her child every day.

She Trusts You, the Adoptive Family

As a birth mother, she spent so much time searching for the perfect family to raise her child. She probably spent hours looking through potential family profiles at her adoption agency. She was worried that she may never find anyone good enough for her child. But then she found you. She saw that you had all of the qualities and values that she wanted her child to grow up with. She saw you and knew that you would make sure that her child is loved. Do not worry that because you are not biologically related to your child, that you are any less of a parent. Because a birth mother chose you. She chose you because she could see that you were meant to be amazing parents to her child. She trusts you to raise her child with love.

What do Birth Mothers want Missouri Adoptive Families to Know?

Birth mothers want adoptive families to know that she still loves her child and that placing him or her up for adoption comes from a place of love. Her child was not unwanted. She just loved her child so much that she put their needs before her own. She chose you to give her child the best life imaginable. Birth mothers are so grateful to adoptive families, and adoptive families should be grateful to birth mothers, too.

Want to learn more about adoption as a birth mother or adoptive family? Adoption Choices of Missouri has you covered.

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: Heather Frederick is in her fourth and final year at Siena College and lives in Delmar, New York. She is completing her BFA in English and has written several plays, The Vagabond, Paneless, and Yours, for the Oppressed. On most days, you can find her in the kitchen baking and singing to show tunes.

As a member of the BTS Army, she likes to spend time listening to Kpop and learning dance choreography.

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The 6 Top Resources Adoption Agencies in Missouri Can Offer Birth Mothers

May 7, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

The 6 Top Resources Adoption Agencies in Missouri Can Offer Birth Mothers

Whether you are a pregnant woman who is considering adoption or a new birth mother and going through one of the many life challenges, we at Adoption Choices of Missouri are here to guide you through your adoption journey and help ease you through these tough moments. Our agency has listed the six adoption resources available for you as a birth mother. If you ever need assistance, know that you will have our utmost care and 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 1-816-527-9800

Finding Yourself Unexpectedly Unemployed

As a birth mother who might find herself unexpectedly unemployed during her pre-placement or post-placement in her adoption journey. Know that our agency can offer you housing assistance in paying rent, which will be a stepping stone to help you and your baby get the essentials you need as you go along on your adoption journey. Now, you might find small jobs that can help get you started on your journey to provide for yourself. Getting back on your feet probably won’t be easy, but know that we will check in every step of the way to help guide you to the right resources that will help you get stable financially during your post-placement. As a birth mother, you deserve the right to be happy and take care of yourself.

Help For Birth Mothers Who Find Themselves Homeless

As a birth mother, if you ever find yourself homeless, we will provide you with all the essentials you need, like shelter, food, groceries, maternity clothing, and other essentials, to help you with your pregnancy post-placement. To be able to thrive during your adoption process. Having a warm, safe place while you go through your adoption process is important to have a healthy environment for your child to visit and call a second home.

Mental Health is Nothing To Be Ashamed Of

If you are a birth mother going through any mental health struggles, know that this is perfectly okay. Dealing with mental health is not something to be ashamed of, like the emotional struggles that might come along on your adoption journey, don’t worry; you are not alone. Our agency, Adoption Choices of Missouri, has counseling and support group resources available to you.
Having the courage to seek professional help might help you understand your emotions, not just with your adoption but with emotions surrounding other circumstances in your life. Now your adoption counselor will be there to support you every step of the way and make sure you feel safe in our nonjudgmental space that allows you as a birth mother to have a voice. No matter what mental health disorder you suffer from, know that you, as a birth mother, still matter and are still important.

Struggling to Find Resources Because of Language Barriers or Financial Struggles

As an immigrant birth mother, you might struggle to find resources because of a language barrier or financial struggles, but this does not mean you are alone. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we will take the time to help you find the resources you need during your adoption process, which includes everything you and your baby might need. Our agency might be able to translate important documents, answer questions and concerns, and provide you with the care and support you need to not feel so alone as a non-English speaking birth mother. Just because you may not be fluent in English does not mean you don’t deserve the care you earn as a birth mother.

I Am an LGBTQ+ Birth Mother, Will They Still Accept My Child?

As an LGBTQ+ birth mother, you might be wondering, will the adoptive parents I choose for my child be comfortable with me as a gay or lesbian birth mother? Will they still accept my child as their own? Questions like these are perfectly okay to wonder as you begin your adoption journey as an LGBTQ+ birth mother. However, know that we accept all birth mothers from every walks of life at our agency. We will always keep our doors open, have transparent communication, and show you the kindness, care, and support you might need. No matter what circumstance you have been through, we will work with you to have the positive adoption experience you deserve.

Teenage Pregnancy

Being a teenager is hard enough, but having to go through teenage pregnancy is not something anyone is prepared for. As a birth mother, you may feel like you have no support, that you are making this decision all alone. However, that is far from the truth; at our agency, we are here to guide you, provide support and resources to help you through this challenging but rewarding decision, as you are just beginning your life and might not be ready for motherhood. Now, as a young birth mother, you might have lots of questions from your birth child later in your life. However, you might also be able to complete your life goals, like attending college, becoming a mother later in life, or having a successful job. No matter what path you choose after your adoption and years down the road, know that we will not judge you and that you did your best as a mother. As you and your child grow separately, know that your choice of adoption is the right decision for you and your baby, and that age does not matter, you as a birth mother, will forever hold your birth child in your heart.

Advice to Birth Mothers

As a birth mother, there are many circumstances that you may find yourself in, but you don’t ever have to feel like you are alone or like no one will support you. Adoption Choices of Missouri will support you and find the resources that you need. Being a birth mother might not be an easy route to take, but the things you gain as a mother are the most important thing. You gain the support, advice, care, communication, and love to know that wherever you came from, you are an important piece in your child’s life. Your decision to choose adoption despite your circumstances was the best decision for you and your birth child.

She currently lives in Yorkville, Illinois with her mom and two sisters.

Birth Mother

The Top 4 Self-Care Tips for Birth Mothers Considering Adoption During the Month of May

May 5, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

The Top 4 Self-Care Tips for Birth Mothers Considering Adoption During the Month of May

In May, there can be a lot of hype and pressure around Mother’s Day to make everything perfect. More often than not, it ends up being a very emotional and stressful day for many families. But it can be especially devastating to a birth mother who has recently placed her baby for adoption or to a birth mother whose due date is still looming.

But the good news is that you actually have your very own special day dedicated just for you! While you won’t see it advertised as heavily and you won’t see as many cards for it as Mother’s Day, the day before Mother’s Day is actually Birth Mother’s Day. If you have chosen an open adoption, then you will be glad to hear that most adoptive families make it a point for the child to spend time with their birth mother on Birth Mother’s Day.

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we understand that this may still be a very difficult time for you as a birth mother. Despite your adoptive family’s best efforts to include you, you will probably still find yourself reflecting on your loss of parenthood. That is why we have put together this guide to self-care tips for Missouri birth mothers navigating adoption during the month of May. Treat yourself to some of the well-deserved R&R and TLC you earned.

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

The Top 4 Self-Care Tips for Missouri Birth Mothers to Relax from Mother’s Day Stress During the Month of May

Take care of your body as a birth mother. You’ve heard it before, and I’m here to say it again: Hydrate! Eat healthily! Did you know that natural foods like bananas can improve your mental health by boosting serotonin? Treat yourself to a mani-pedi while you can’t quite reach those toes! But self-care isn’t just all fun spa days (although you should definitely be pampering yourself while you’re at it.) Sometimes self-care means doing the things you don’t want to do for the sake of your health and the health of your baby, like adding some extra light exercising to your routine. Not only will adding in small things like going for an extra walk help you to lose some of that unwanted pregnancy weight, but studies show that exercise also has many positive mental health benefits.
Get outside and enjoy that beautiful May weather! Now is your chance to enjoy some nature before summer comes along and brings its sweltering heat. The sunshine provides plenty of Vitamin D, which works wonders for both your physical and mental health and being in nature surrounded by green spaces is directly related to positive mental health. Studies show that people who spend at least two hours a week in nature tend to be happier and report higher levels of health and well-being than people who did not spend as much time in the great outdoors.
Reach out to your birth mother support networks. With vaccines rolling out, the weather warming up, and COVID-19 rates lowering while restrictions begin laxing, now is a great time to turn to your own family for some support and quality time. But if you don’t get along with your family or feel that you can’t turn to them, there are plenty of other types of support networks out there for birth mothers. You can find help and support in the form of blogs, message boards, discussion groups, or online forums. Attending a birth mother support group — in person or virtually — is also highly recommended. Shared experiences with other birth mothers can really help you feel like you are not alone on your adoption journey while giving you a greater sense of community.
Make sure that you take care of your mental health as a birth mother. While most of the tips listed here do include a way to give your mood an upwards boost, it’s still important to talk to a licensed professional about any mental or emotional grief or anguish you may be experiencing. Our adoption agency is a full-service, licensed adoption agency. This means that mental health counseling and emotional support for birth mothers is just one of the many services we offer to help you navigate the adoption process and post-placement.

You Do Not Have to Deal with Your Unplanned Pregnancy Alone: Call Our Missouri Adoption Agency Today for Help Placing Your Baby for Adoption

April showers bring May flowers, but you weren’t quite expecting this pilgrim. That is exactly why Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help you navigate your unplanned pregnancy. Our full-service, licensed adoption agency is here to help you throughout the entire adoption process. Our birth mothers are so important to us that we even offer post-placement services to help you readjust after the adoption process is completed. Please contact our adoption agency today so that we can get started helping you with your unplanned pregnancy and making your adoption plan as soon as possible.

Birth Mother Blog

Adoption Choices of Missouri’s Tips to Survive the Holidays as a Birth Mother

January 3, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Adoption Choices of Missouri’s Tips to Survive the Holidays as a Birth Mother

The holidays can be tricky, especially if you are a birth mother who has recently placed her baby up for adoption. Don’t worry, though: Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to guide you through this time with tips and tricks to make the holiday season easier to cope with. One of the best ways to manage this time is to take the very best care of yourself. You are the priority.

Start New Adoption Traditions

Your Missouri adoption may not have been what you planned for your life, but you made the best decision you could for you and your baby. Now what? You can discover a whole new way to spend the holidays and incorporate your adoption into your traditions.

If your adoption is open, you may be able to spend time with your child and their adoptive parents. This is a great opportunity to start a new tradition and connect with your child. For example, you and the adoptive parents can decorate the tree together or make gingerbread houses; it does not matter what you do, as long as you spend time together.

If your adoption is semi-open or closed, you have fewer options, but that does not mean you can’t make this time festive. You can write your child a letter or send a gift through your adoption facilitator in a semi-open adoption or ask the adoptive parents for a photo of the child. You can hang a special ornament or light a candle in honor of the child. There is no right or wrong way to commemorate this time. Just make it special for you. The holidays are a time of celebration and opportunity.

The holidays can also be a great time to reconnect with family and friends. You can incorporate them into your holiday adoption traditions or talk about your feelings surrounding your adoption with them. Family and friends are excellent sources of support during the adoption process and after. Use your resources and remember you are not alone.

How Can I Take Care of Myself During the Holidays?

Fortunately for you, Adoption Choices of Missouri has a wide range of services available to their birth mothers, including supportive counseling. We have different types of counseling available to meet your needs. In addition, we offer one-on-one support groups and birth mother retreats supportive counseling to all birth mothers during and after the adoption.

One-on-one counseling is available if you want to vent or cry, or whatever else. These are your sessions, and you can do whatever you would like with them. Support group counseling allows you to connect with other birth mothers who have gone through or are going through a similar situation. It can be encouraging to talk to other birth mothers, and these sessions can remind you that you are not alone. Birth mother retreats are like support group counseling, but birth mother retreats allow you to “retreat” from your day-to-day life and focus on your feelings. Birth mother retreats can double as a kind of vacation, where you can get away while simultaneously focusing on your emotions.

What Else Can I Do?

Exercise is another great way to practice self-care. Not only does exercise benefit your physical body, but it also benefits your mind. Exercise releases endorphins that can improve your mood. Reading is another way you can take care of yourself during the holidays. Reading allows you to escape and disconnect from the world. Writing is also a great way to channel your feelings and energy; writing your feelings down can be therapeutic and help you during this difficult time.

Remember why you chose adoption for your child in the first place, whether it was because you felt you were not ready to parent or because you wanted to give someone else the gift of starting or adding to their own family. Adoption is a gift that birth mothers give to their child and adoptive parents. You are giving your child the opportunity to have a better life and be loved and cared for by people who can fully support them. You give the adoptive parents a child they can love. And adoption is a gift to you: it allows you to pursue your dreams and goals while ensuring that your child is adequately cared for.

Contact Us Today!

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we take care of our birth mothers long after completing the adoption process. We do not abandon you after the baby is born and expect you to fend for yourself. Choosing adoption can be difficult, especially during the holidays. Call or email one of our adoption agencies in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, or Independence. You’ll be glad you did!

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

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Author: Adoption Choices of Missouri