5 Common Questions Birth Mothers Have About Adoption

With any event, there is typically a lot of preparation and asking as many questions as possible. Planning to place your baby for adoption is no exception. If you are a birth mother thinking about placing your baby for adoption, chances are you have a lot of questions. The good thing is that we have answers! 

There are many common questions that birth mothers have about adoption. While we understand that some of these will be unique to your life, know that you are not alone in wanting more information. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want to prepare you for your adoption journey so you feel confident in every decision you make. 

1. What is the Role of the Adoption Agency?

Our top priority is ensuring that you are supported throughout the adoption process. You will be matched with an adoption caseworker who will be your guide throughout your journey. They will be there to answer any questions, help you put together an adoption plan that fits your needs and assist you during the adoptive family screening process. 

We understand the importance of an educated choice. Our staff  will work hard to make sure that you receive all the information that you need to feel confident in your choice to place your baby for adoption. We will also be available to assist with any paperwork and help scheduling post-placement visits with your child, if that is a decision you make. 

2. Can I Choose My Child’s Adoptive Family? 

The short answer is yes. You are in charge when it comes to selecting an adoptive family for your child. Your adoption caseworker can help you generate a list of important values and beliefs that you would like your child’s adoptive family to share. From there, you will browse through potential families portfolios. You will be able to speak to any adoptive family that you choose on the phone before meeting them in-person. 

The choice to move forward with any adoptive family is yours; however, we do understand how emotional this decision can be. That’s why  your adoption caseworker will be there to support you throughout the process. 

3. What are the Different Kinds of Adoption?

There are three different types of adoption. As a birth mother, you may choose between an open, semi-open or closed adoption for your child. This can be a difficult choice to make, and your adoption caseworker will be available to educate and guide you. It is up to you to make the choice that best fits your needs. We understand the unique position of every mother and are here to support your decision.

4. Can I Communicate with My Child after Placing them for Adoption? 

This is another choice that is yours to make and will ultimately depend on the type of adoption that you select. If having a relationship with your child is important to you, this can be outlined in the adoption plan you will create with your adoption caseworker. He or she will assist you in detailing what you would like communication with your child to look like. This will also be something that you can discuss with your child’s adoptive family as well. Your adoption caseworker can help facilitate this dialogue and ensure that everyone is on the same page. 

5. Can I Receive Financial Assistance During my Pregnancy? 

With Adoption choices of Missouri, you may have the option of receiving financial help. The amount of financial assistance is determined by eligibility. Your adoption caseworker will review the criteria for eligibility with you and help you get the aid that you need. What are some of the costs that might be covered if you are eligible for assistance? Anything that directly impacts your health or the health of the baby such as rent assistance, grocery bills or transportation funds. 

Common Questions Birth Mothers have about Adoption

These are by no means the only questions that are important to answer. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we understand that you probably have many questions and we are here to help you answer all of them! In the meantime, we hope that these common questions many birth mothers have about adoption can help you get started. Your confidence during your adoption journey is of utmost importance to us and that begins with information. 

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.