How to Begin the Adoption Process as a Pregnant Woman in Missouri
Are you a pregnant woman in Missouri wondering how to start the adoption process? While beginning anything new can be daunting, the good news is that Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to make your adoption journey as uncomplicated as possible.
Beginning anything new can be a daunting experience, but as you set out on your adoption journey, the important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Our adoption agency can provide you with continuous help and support.
Here are a few steps you can take to begin the adoption process as a pregnant woman in Missouri.
Consider the Benefits of Adoption For Your Life
If you are still having doubts about whether adoption is the right choice for you and your child, it can be helpful to start by listing the benefits to choosing adoption. While there are many benefits to choosing to place your child for adoption, the reasons you list will be unique to your situation. Maybe you can’t bear the financial burden of raising a child right now. Perhaps you have career goals that don’t allow space for a baby at this moment. Whatever your individual reasons for choosing adoption, creating a list can help you feel confident and secure in your choice.
Contact Adoption Choices of Missouri and Schedule a Meeting
Once your decision has been made, you will begin the adoption process by contacting Adoption Choices of Missouri and scheduling a meeting. A birth parent counselor will come to you and assist you with the necessary paperwork. You will need to have proof of your pregnancy with you at this time, so make sure that you have that ready prior to the scheduled visit. This meeting is also a great time to ask any questions that you might have about the next steps in the adoption process or to voice any concerns.
Select a Doctor to care through Adoption Pregnancy
When you have contacted our adoption agency and met with a birth counselor to complete all the needed paperwork, you can expect to begin searching for a doctor. This might seem early, but keep in mind that you will be in frequent communication with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy. It is important that your doctor is someone that you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable and safe. If you are choosing to give birth at home, you can also use this time to search for a midwife or a doula who will come to your house to assist with the birth.
Find an Adoptive Family to Adopt Your Baby
A large part of the adoption process consists of finding an adoptive family for your child. Because this can be an emotional decision, remember that your adoption caseworker will be there to support you throughout this process. A common concern among expectant mothers is that they will not know enough about an adoptive family to be able to select one that will be perfect for their child. This is certainly not the case.
With Adoption of Choices of Missouri, you will begin the process of selecting an adoptive family by reviewing any potential family’s portfolio. Here you will find information that may be important to you, such as religious beliefs and career choices, about each family. Once you have selected a family that you are interested in, you will have the opportunity to speak to them on the phone before meeting them in person. The choice to move forward with a family is always in your hands, but you can talk through your decisions with supportive friends or your adoption caseworker.
How to Begin the Adoption Process as a Pregnant Woman in Missouri
These are just a few of the steps that you will take as your adoption journey begins. Adoption Choices of Missouri is available to answer questions and to make you feel comfortable and informed as you begin your adoption journey. Keep in mind that it is completely normal to have questions and concerns along the way and that you will be supported throughout.
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.
She currently lives in Seattle, her first home outside of California.
