Post-Placement Services for Birth Mothers After Adoption in Missouri

By Sofia Becker

Adoption is a beautiful concept inside and out. Any birth mother who has wrestled with the thought of considering adoption for my baby is faced with one of the most difficult decisions she’ll ever make. Giving a child up for adoption is a sacrifice that can yield provision and a wonderful life for that child. However, there are always emotions to deal with after the adoption… maybe you made the wrong decision and have lost your child. Fortunately, when it comes to adoption in Missouri, there are several post-placement services and resources for birth mothers.

What Birth Mothers Should Expect Post Placement

If you are a birth mother who is struggling in post-placement, you’re possibly trying very hard to navigate through the aftermath. It is natural for a birth mother to feel a mix of the physical and emotional factors from post-placement. Here’s a list of symptoms that you might be dealing with: 

• Guilt: it’s okay for a birth mother to feel guilty for placing her baby up for adoption, due to the negative connotations today that our society has conjured up. Feelings of shame and/or rejection are stirred, even if it was the best thing she could do for her child. It can be a difficult road to recovery, even if it was the right thing to do, and can take years. 
• Harsh self-criticism: some people will criticize you for wanting to give up the baby, but you need to remember that this was and always will be your decision – not theirs. The judgments and discouragements that you get lead to self-doubt and regretting the decision to put the baby up for adoption. But you have to look past all this, remind yourself that you made the right decision, and move on.
• Postpartum Depression (PPD): PPD is a mix of behavioral, physical, and emotional changes that you as a birth mother will experience after giving birth and it can occur anytime within four weeks of the birth delivery. Symptoms include hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, eating problems, and the inadequacy of feeling needed. 

Post Placement Support Resources

You will likely be scrutinized for quite some time on your decision. Take the time you need to process your emotions and realize the positive aspects of your decisions. It is critical to find the support and resources that you need to get through the emotional aftermath of post-placement.

When it comes to supporting resources, there are a few different options to consider. Online support resources are one way to go. The internet is a goldmine bringing people from all different walks of life together. Adoption Choices of Missouri is here for you even after you’ve given birth and the adoption has been finalized. We can provide counseling and support! 

Support from Adoption Choices

Adoption Choices of Missouri can also help you find the resources that are best suited for you. Our caring professionals will give respectful, accurate, and judgment-free answers. We can provide you with the information you need to know your options. 

The support you need is here to help you to decide what you want to do about your pregnancy. However, we encourage you to take the time you need to make a decision about adoption. When you’re ready — we will be there for you.