Can I Give My Baby Up for Adoption in Missouri if I Already Have Kids?
Facing an unplanned pregnancy when you aren’t ready for a baby can be overwhelming and can bring your life to a halt. These feelings of distress can be exacerbated if you already have children and you discover you are pregnant with another baby you may not be able to support. Know that choosing to place your baby for adoption is a selfless choice no matter your circumstances. Not only can choosing adoption in Missouri be the best option for you and the baby you carry, but it can also be the best choice for the rest of your family. That’s why Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to help you get started on your adoption journey by providing this overview of the adoption process when you already have children.
Why Would I Consider Adoption in Missouri When I Have Children?
There are many reasons why you might consider adoption if you already have children. Perhaps you are a single mother, and taking care of your children is difficult enough. Maybe you are going through economic hardship, and having another child would add even more strain to your family. In any case, choosing adoption is a completely valid way to make sure all your children get the care and support they need to set them up for a brighter future.
What Should I Expect During the Missouri Adoption Process?
If you already have children, the Missouri adoption process is no different for you than it is for any other woman pursuing adoption. When you initially reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri, we will discuss all your pregnancy options with you in-depth so you make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your family. We will also provide you with emotional counseling to help you work through your feelings so you can find clarity and make the best decision for you and your family. All of our services are free of charge so that you have full access to the help you need.
If you choose adoption, we will help you put together your adoption plan. As part of your adoption plan, you will decide what type of family you want to adopt your baby, how much contact you want with the baby after placement, and what details you want to include in your hospital birth plan. We will then provide you with a variety of adoptive parent profiles from you to choose from. Once you find a family that looks like a good match, you will have an opportunity to get to know them and decide whether they will be your baby’s adoptive family.
How Will I Support My Family During My Adoption Pregnancy?
As your pregnancy progresses, you want to keep your stress to a minimum. The last thing you need is worrying about putting food on the table or keeping a roof over your head. That’s why Adoption Choices of Missouri will work closely with you to help you cover your basic living expenses during your pregnancy. We can assist you in applying for public support programs such as WIC and food stamps. We can also help you determine if you are eligible for Medicaid, so you can cover your medical expenses. We will also help you in finding and paying for safe and affordable housing if necessary. If you need reliable transportation, laundry services, maternity clothes, or food, we can help you obtain those as well.
What Will Life Be Like After Giving My Baby Up for Adoption?
Even if you are confident in your decision to place your baby for adoption when you already have children, it’s important to be mentally prepared for life after placement. If you carefully weighed all the pros and cons of adoption before making a final decision, then you will likely be at peace with your decision. That doesn’t mean that things will always be easy. You may wonder what life would have been like had you kept the baby. Your other children might feel sad that you won’t bring another baby home. You may worry that the child you placed for adoption will feel unloved since they were adopted and not their other biological siblings.
All of these concerns and feelings are completely natural, but they don’t mean that you made the wrong choice. If you find yourself struggling with these or any other complex feelings after you placed your baby for adoption, Adoption Choices of Missouri is more than happy to offer you and your family with counseling services to find closure.
Is Adoption the Best Choice for You and Your Family?
As a mother, you demonstrate your selflessness by putting your family’s best interests first. When you choose adoption for your baby, be assured that you are not leaving him or her behind. You are the best mother you can by giving all your children the best shot at life you can offer. If you want to get the most out of your adoption experience, reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri today to secure a bright future for all your children.
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: Mary DeStefano is an Ohio native currently living in northern Virginia and works in the litigation consulting industry where she has experience in antitrust, product liability, and mass torts matters. She holds a B.A. in Economics (‘15) and an M.A. in Applied Economics (‘16) from the University of Cincinnati.
Mary finds great meaning in wielding the written word to develop impactful narratives and to help people stay informed. In her spare time, Mary can be found beachcombing and going on other adventures with her dog along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She also has an affinity for antiquing and loves a good 80’s movie marathon.