Five Factors to Remember when Considering Adoption as a Pregnant Woman in Missouri
An unplanned pregnancy can seem scary. Sifting through the piles of information scattered across the internet can feel overwhelming and exhausting. That is why our adoption specialists at Adoption Choices of Missouri are here for you. Although the decision is yours alone to make, it is vital that you understand that you are not alone in the adoption process. We will work with you every step of the way, and together we will find the best adoption plan tailored to meet all of your requirements.
We are here to help you understand all the ins and outs of the adoption process while you consider what is the right option for you. No matter what you decide, there is no pressure. You are completely in control of every aspect of the adoption process, and we are here to help you figure out what is the best fit for you.
- Remember: You are Not “Giving Up” Your Baby
For many pregnant women here in Missouri, using the correct terminology while considering adoption is very important. Some people say that they are giving up their baby for adoption, but we like to say that you are placing your baby for adoption. Why the notable difference? Because you aren’t giving up. Rather, you are enduring a difficult decision and process in order to guarantee that your baby has the best life possible. What could be more noble than that?
Many birth mothers struggle with feeling like they are “giving up” their baby or being selfish, but this is simply not the case and could not be further from the truth. This is a courageous, caring, and selfless act of love on your part for the good of the baby.
It is natural to grieve over the loss of motherhood, but you don’t have to perceive adoption as missing out on your baby’s life. Instead, think of it as giving your baby their best chance at life and gaining a second family.
- You Decide What Level of Involvement is Right for You
In order to decide how involved you want to be, it is important to first know the three main types of adoption: open, closed, and semi-open. The most popular form of adoption in the U.S. today is an open adoption.
Open adoption allows you and the adoptive family to stay in touch by sharing contact information and maintaining communication. We strongly encourage this form of adoption as we believe it keeps everyone’s best interests at heart. Yet, we understand that each and every expectant mother is different and will have her own reasons for choosing the type of adoption she’s most comfortable with. Be sure to talk with your adoption caseworker about the pros and cons of each option.
- You Get to Choose the Adoptive Parents
Another factor to remember when considering adoption as a pregnant woman in Missouri is that you have the opportunity to choose who you want to raise your child. Depending on the level of openness you want after the adoption has been finalized, you may even get the chance to meet the adoptive parents before your baby is born. This way, you can get to know them and discuss what life will look like for you all post placement.
If you don’t want to select the adoptive parents, that’s okay too. It is completely up to you and is all about what you’re the most comfortable with and what you feel is best. If you opt out of selecting your adoptive family, we will select a pre-qualified family for you.
No matter what you decide, though, our adoption specialists work with you to make sure that you find the right match for you.
- Find Strength through Similar Stories and Shared Experiences
Learning about the experiences of other birth mothers can help you when you are considering adoption. You can find firsthand accounts and testimonials from other birth mothers who have chosen adoption. There are many interviews and blogs that describe the journey of what these women went through and how they overcame it. Everyone’s story and background are different, but every birth mother shares certain core, fundamental experiences when choosing adoption.
There are many reasons why you may be placing your baby for adoption. You may want to be a mom one day but just aren’t ready yet, you may feel that you are too young, or you may be facing a difficult hardship in your life that does not currently allow for you to be a parent, physically or financially. Whatever the reason behind your decision is, firsthand accounts from other pregnant women on their adoption journey in Missouri will help you while you consider adoption. You can get a great sense of community and support by reading the stories of other birth mothers.
Maybe you will even want to grow that sense of community by making your own first-hand account to help others who will one day share your journey. You can start your own blog and inspire others by keeping an online journal of everything you feel and go through each day.
- Support Services are Available to You as a Birth Mother
Adoption Choices of Missouri offers many different support services if you are considering adoption as a pregnant woman in Missouri. Not only will our adoption specialists help you make your birth and adoption plans, but we will also provide a variety of different services to make the adoption process as easy as possible.
We provide medical care that covers prenatal appointments and hospital fees, transportation to doctor appointments or the pharmacy, housing if your current living situation is unsafe or stressful, mental health care counselors during your pregnancy and through post placement, and legal representation for your rights as a birth mother.
We offer many diverse forms of assistance and aid to cover your every need.
Considering Adoption as a Pregnant Woman in Missouri
Whether you are picking out your adoptive family, making your birth plan, deciding what kind of adoption best suits you, or adjusting to life post placement, we are here to offer our support. We want you to recognize that you are performing a very loving and selfless act by giving the best life possible to your baby. We will work with you to verify that your adoption plan is the one that best suits your wishes, allowing you to be as involved in your baby’s life as you want. Our adoption specialists are at your service, along with the multitude of financial and mental health benefits that we provide.
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.
