Support After My Adoption Journey

August 15, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Support After My Adoption Journey

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

You’re looking for support after you’ve placed your birth child up for adoption. But you don’t know where to look. That’s okay. Some birth mothers find themselves lost after they’ve placed their birth child up for adoption. They don’t know what to do next. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we have counselors who can help you find your footing. All you need to do is ask, and you shall receive.

What Adoption Support is Available to Me in Missouri?

Birth mothers can choose counseling, financial, and medical support. Whenever the birth mother needs counseling throughout the adoption process or after, it’s available to them. Counseling isn’t just for birth mothers. It’s for the birth fathers as well. Some people tend to forget about the birth father during the adoption process. So that’s why the counseling is catered towards both birth parents.

If the birth mother or birth parents find themselves struggling with money. Depending on how much is allowed to give. Our agency will help them. Not every birth mother’s situation is the same. So we break down what is needed so we can help cater to them.

Medical care is expensive, and not everyone can afford it. This is why we help birth mothers with their medical bills during pregnancy and birth. Our agency will cover any hospital bills that pop up. Throughout the pregnancy, the birth mother shouldn’t have anything that will cause them stress.

Our agency is a private adoption service. Any information that is shared with us will not be posted online. For others to see. We’re here to help birth mothers with everyday tasks. They find themselves unable to do.

Is Counseling Available After My Adoption Placement?

Counseling is available to birth mothers who:

Have just decided they want to place their child up for adoption
We are currently going through the adoption process
Have finalized the adoption papers and are going through the adoption placement

All in all, counseling is available to any birth mother who needs it. It’s available to the birth fathers as well. So if you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you’re eligible to receive counseling, whether it’s for what to do next. Or what your options are going forward.

Why Do I Feel Lost After My Adoption Placement?

Some birth mothers feel lost after their adoption placement because they look at adoption as “giving the child up.” Adoption isn’t “giving the child up.” It’s giving the birth child a better opportunity at life.

Most of the time, birth mothers place their birth child up for adoption. It’s because it was an unplanned pregnancy. But they decided to keep the baby and place them up for adoption.

Another factor is why some birth mothers feel lost. Is that their thinking about what the birth child will think of them? So it brings on some conflicting feelings of guilt and shame. Guilt because they think they’ve “given” the birth child up. While shame is surrounded by what they think the birth child will think of them.

What Can I Do to Get My Mind Off of My Adoption Placement?

Ways to get your mind off the adoption placement are by:

Seeking out counseling/therapy
Going to support groups
Traveling with friends or family, or by yourself
Yoga or meditating

All ways that will get your mind off the adoption placement. While putting you at peace and ease at the same time. Suppose you’re looking for ways to get your mind off the adoption process. You can search for “adoption agencies near me” and talk to their agents.

What are the Different Kinds of Emotions Birth Mothers Go Through After the Adoption Placement?

With the adoption process and the adoption placement. Some birth mothers tend to feel:

Guilt
Sadness
Shame
Regret

Without having the birth child in front of them. Some birth mothers tend to make up ideas in their heads. Of what the birth child is thinking of them. By not having the birth child with them, they’re thinking of the birth child:

Doesn’t think kindly of them
Doesn’t want to meet them
If given the opportunity, I won’t want to speak to them

Is Adoption the Last Time I’ll See My Birth Child?

When doing Adoption in Missouri, there are three different kinds of adoptions to choose from. In an open adoption, you want to keep in contact with the birth child. Have a relationship with the adoptive parent (s). So, they can inform you about the birth child. You’d like to be able to send them messages to have a relationship with them if this is something you’d like to do. Then you can choose open adoption.

In an open adoption, birth mothers can share contact information with the adoptive parent (s). To keep in touch and have tabs on the birth child. But that’s not for everyone. Some birth mothers would rather the adoption agency handle any communication with the birth parent (s). If you don’t want to have a relationship with the adoptive parent (s). Or share contact information with them. Then you can choose semi-open adoption.

You found yourself wanting the adoption agency to handle everything during the adoption process. When asked if you wanted to choose the adoptive parent (s), you said you’d rather the adoption agency choose for you. For example, having a relationship with the birth child after they’ve been adopted. If this is you, then you can choose a closed adoption.

If you’ve gone through the adoption process and are looking for support. 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 816-527-9800

What is covered in adoption counseling?

August 4, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What is covered in adoption counseling?

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

After going through the adoption process, you’re starting to feel guilt about the process entirely. But don’t know who to talk to about it when it comes to seeking out help. You’ve never done it before. So, now that you’re thinking about it. You don’t know where to start. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, our counselors will help answer any questions you may have.

What is adoption counseling?

The adoption process is different for everyone, what one birth mother may be experiencing. It may not be the same as another. Adoption counseling is for birth mothers who have already gone through the adoption process. Or are you going through it currently?

It’s there to educate birth mothers who are pregnant and considering adoption. Especially if the pregnancy was unplanned, if the pregnancy was unplanned, the adoption counselor will be there to go over the options the birth mother has available to them.

What do they talk about during the adoption counseling sessions?

At your local adoption agency during the counseling session. The counselor will ask the birth mother:

How do they feel about the adoption?
Do they feel regretful about their decision?
Do they change their mind about the adoption?
What emotions are they going through in regard to the adoption process?

What are the benefits of adoption counseling?

For birth mothers who have decided to place their birth child up for adoption. As a result of an unplanned pregnancy. Adoption counseling will help them overcome any unwanted emotions. They may feel towards the adoption process. Some of the benefits of adoption counseling are:

If you’re new to the adoption process, the counselor could help guide you
Any questions or concerns you have about Adoption in Missouri will be answered
The counselor will help explain why you’re not giving a child up for adoption. But instead are placing them up for adoption.
If you’d like to be in the birth child’s life after the adoption. The counselor could show you how.
Any feelings of grief and regret could be healed after a couple of sessions.

Who is adoption counseling for?

When it comes to adoption, there is birth mother grief. This means that since the birth child has been placed up for adoption. The birth mother will start to feel guilty. Which, as a result, leads them to have grief or loss.

Some birth mothers tend to feel grief or loss towards the adoption process. Since they think they’ve given the birth child up. But it’s the opposite. The birth mother is giving the birth child a second chance by placing the birth child up for adoption. Depending on the type of adoption chosen. The birth mother will still be able to form a relationship with the child.

What type of adoption counseling sessions are there in Missouri?

Similar to therapy, adoption counseling has many different types. Those being:

One-on-one sessions
Support groups
Birth mother retreats

If the birth mother chooses a one-on-one session. They’re given the privacy of just themselves and the counselor. Any questions the birth mother may have? The counselor will answer it. During the session, the counselor will review the options available to the birth mother. They can choose; to keep the baby, place the child up for adoption, or terminate the pregnancy.

With support groups, the birth mother will be in a counseling session with multiple other birth mothers in the same boat. Their experiences won’t be the same. But similar in a way, the birth mother could relate. In this session, the counselor will go around the circle and ask the birth mothers to relay their experiences. Either with the adoption process or the pregnancy as a whole.

Now, birth mother retreats are a type of vacation just for birth mothers. It’s where birth mothers relax and spend time with other birth mothers. They’ll be able to bond and grow from their experiences. While overcoming any difficulties at the same time.

Why should birth mothers seek counseling after placing a child up for adoption?

Birth mothers should seek counseling because bottling up emotions isn’t healthy if the birth mother has any questions or concerns regarding the pregnancy and the adoption process. Instead, they should tell someone before it’s too late.

When it comes to adoption, once the birth child has been adopted, the parental rights are taken from the birth parents and given to the adoptive parent (s). So, if the birth mother knows they’ll regret placing their birth child up for adoption. Or they know they’ll feel guilty. The birth mother should find an adoption counselor and relay the message.

Counseling may feel like a hurdle, but it’s helpful to overcome it at the end of the day. 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 816-527-9800

Birth Mother Blog

Can I have a family after placing a baby for adoption?

July 21, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Can I have a family after placing a baby for adoption?

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

Wanting to start a family after previously going through adoption. It isn’t a bad thing. It means you’ve decided to start anew. You want to start a family now, after not wanting to in the past. As people grow up, their past decisions don’t define them anymore. Birth mothers going through an unplanned pregnancy in the past. Doesn’t mean that’s their present. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we’ll help you overcome any guilt you may feel. About wanting to start a family after placing a baby for adoption. Wanting to start a family doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten the birth child. It means you want a change in your life.

How is it possible to start a family after going through the adoption process?

When it comes to birth mothers wanting to start a family after going through the adoption process. Their main fears are;

Them being scared they’ll decide to place this new birth child up for adoption
Wondering how this time is different?
Questioning if they’re ready to start a family?
Wondering what will change this time

Being afraid that this time will be like the last. Is normal. Wanting to do things differently is a good thing. After going through the adoption plan, you wonder how this time will differ. This time will be different because it’s not an unplanned pregnancy, and this is what you want. You’ve gone through an unplanned pregnancy before. This isn’t like that time.

Where does adoption guilt come from?

Adoption guilt comes from feeling like you’ve done something wrong. In this situation, the birth mother feels they shouldn’t have gone through the adoption process. But keeping a birth child while going through an unplanned pregnancy. It will only end negatively for the birth child.

Guilt stems from feeling like you’ve given the birth child up. When it comes to adoption, you’re giving the birth child a better life. If you didn’t go through the adoption and decided you wanted to start a family in the future. The birth child who was an unplanned pregnancy will feel left behind.

If you’re feeling guilty about placing your birth child up for adoption. You can visit your local adoption agency and ask if you could speak to one of the counselors at their facility.

Should I feel guilty for wanting to start a family after previously going through the adoption process?

It’s not uncommon for birth mothers to want to start a family. After they’ve placed a child up for adoption. When the birth mother was going through an unplanned pregnancy. They weren’t planning on starting a family. Now they are.

There’s nothing to feel guilty about. Wanting to start a family after not wanting to in the past. It isn’t abnormal. It’s a common thing. However, when it comes to why birth mothers place their birth child up for adoption, it’s usually because it was an unplanned pregnancy.

As a result, one of the birth mother’s options is adoption. Placing a child up for adoption doesn’t mean you’re Giving a child up for adoption. It means you’re giving them a chance to be with people who will care for them.

What are some reasons to feel guilty about placing a child up for adoption?

Some reasons birth mothers may feel guilty about the adoption process are:

They’re thinking about what the birth child will feel/think about them
They‘re wondering if they did the right thing
They’re wondering if the adoption parent (s) will treat them well
Wondering if it’ll be the last time they see them?

When going through the adoption process, you might start to feel guilty. Don’t worry. If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you can look up Adoption in Missouri, and you’ll find our agency.

How to overcome the feeling of guilt after placing a child up for adoption?

To be at peace with placing the birth child up for adoption. Birth mothers can try:

Counseling
Therapy
Group therapy
Meditating
Going on trips with friends or by themselves

Will the child that’s been adopted come to know I’ve started a family?

They’ll only know if they’ve been told by someone close to them. Or the birth mother. But it also depends on the type of adoption that was chosen. In an open adoption, the birth mother could have told them. While in closed adoption or semi-closed, the adoptive parent (s) wouldn’t know. So they wouldn’t be able to share the news.

Will the child that’s been adopted feel betrayed because I want to start a family?

Depending on the relationship the birth mother has with the birth child. Will determine this. If the birth mother has chosen to go with a closed adoption. It won’t be possible for the birth child to feel anything towards the news. But if the birth mother has chosen open adoption and hasn’t told the birth child. Then maybe the birth child will feel betrayed. In an open adoption, there’s that sense of constant communication.

Feeling guilty about wanting to start a family after previously going through the adoption process? 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 816-527-9800

Birth Mother Blog

Why are people afraid of adoption?

July 18, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Why are people afraid of adoption?

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

People who’ve never considered adoption are the reasons misconceptions about adoption exist. Those people have made adoption seem like a “way out.” That is because the birth mother has decided to place the birth child up for adoption. They’re giving a child up for adoption, so they don’t have to take on the parental responsibilities.

At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we’ll help clear up those misconceptions about adoption. Adoption doesn’t have to be something to be afraid of. If you feel unsure about adoption and want to know more. You can contact us at Adoption in Missouri, and one of our adoption agents will be sure to help you.

Reasons people are afraid of adoption?

People are afraid of adoption because they don’t understand it. If you’ve never been in a situation where adoption was an option. You wouldn’t know anything about the topic. Other than looking for information online, adoption isn’t a talked-about topic.

When people go through an unplanned pregnancy, their first thought isn’t adoption. Adoption comes into the conversation once people start stating their options. Some reasons people are afraid of adoption are:

They think is the birth mother giving up the birth child
They don’t want the birth child to come to dislike them
They don’t want to feel guilty for placing their child up for adoption
Unless they choose an open adoption, they won’t get updates on the birth child

Why do birth mothers choose adoption?

Adoption is a life-changing decision that is made with reason. There are many reasons why people go through adoption. None of them should be a reason for concern. Some of those reasons are:

The birth mother is going through an unplanned pregnancy
The birth mother can’t afford to raise a child
The birth mother isn’t ready to take on parental responsibilities or doesn’t want to
The birth mother doesn’t want kids

If you’re going through an unplanned pregnancy and are considering adoption. You’re going to need to go through with the adoption process. If you want to go through the adoption process, this shouldn’t be something to be afraid of. There are steps in place to help you.

Some misconceptions about adoption?

Misconceptions are opinions based on not understanding something. For example, adoption. Not many people understand it because they don’t see themselves doing it. So they make up misconceptions. Some of them are;

The birth mother is giving up the birth child
Adoption is expensive
Once the birth child has been adopted, the birth mother can change their mind
The adoptive parent (s) shouldn’t tell the adopted child that they’ve been adopted

Will I be able to see my child after they’ve been adopted?

Depending on what type of adoption you choose from. You’ll be able to regularly visit the birth child. If seeing the birth child and forming a bond is something you’d like. Then open adoption is the right choice for you. In an open adoption, with the adoptive parent (s) permission. The birth mother will be able to communicate with the birth child.

If you’re looking for more information about what you can and can’t do during the adoption process. You can visit your local adoption agency.

Will I be able to choose the adoptive parent (s)?

During the adoption process, you’ll be able to pick and choose the adoptive family of choice. We’ll help you find the right pick if you’d like anything specific. At our agency, we have young, older, single, hetero, and same-sex families, as you’re looking for adoptive parent (s). You could also decide where you’d like the birth child to live.

Need help deciding which adoptive family to choose from? Don’t worry. At Adoption in Missouri, we’ll handle all your concerns. If you’d like, one of our adoption agents can take over finding the adoptive family for you.

Will there be counseling for the birth mother after the birth child has been adopted?

There is counseling for birth mothers during the adoption process and after. Some birth mothers go to counseling because they feel guilty. They feel like the birth child will grow to dislike them for placing them up for adoption. The birth mother doesn’t want to live with regrets, so they sit down and talk it out with someone.

If you’re pregnant and considering adoption and would like to see a counselor. We can help you. Our agency has counselors on call ready to help when you’re ready.

What emotions do birth mothers go through once they’ve placed their child up for adoption?

After the adoption process has finished and the required time has come and gone. Some main emotions birth mothers may feel are guilt and regret. Some birth mothers feel guilty because they think about what the birth child will think of them. They wonder how the birth child will feel about being placed up for adoption. The birth mother will wonder if the birth child thinks the birth mother was giving a child up for adoption because they weren’t wanted. Regret comes when the birth mother is going through counseling, and the counselor asks, “how are they doing?” The birth mother will wonder if they shouldn’t have gone through the adoption process at all. While the counselor will tell the birth mother that if they hadn’t gone through the adoption process. The birth child will grow up neglected since the birth child was an unplanned pregnancy.

Thinking of placing your birth child up for adoption but are afraid of the adoption process? 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 816-527-9800

Birth Mother Blog

The Difference Between Open Adoption and Co-Parenting

July 4, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

The Difference Between Open Adoption and Co-Parenting

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

As you’re going through the adoption plan, you come across the three types of adoptions. You see that there is an open, semi-open, and closed adoption. Being a part of the birth child’s life is something you’d like. But you don’t know if open adoption and co-parenting are the same. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we’ll help you understand the differences. Our agency has worked with many birth mothers planning on open adoption. With our agency, you’ll be in expert hands.

What is open adoption?

Open adoption is when the birth mother wants to have a relationship with the birth child. This is when instead of the adoption agency taking over the adoption process. The birth mother instead is going through the different steps. In this adoption, the birth mother will have a relationship with the birth child. But this depends on the adoptive parent(s). Whenever the birth mother and the adoptive parent (s) agree on a time and day, the birth mother will visit the birth child.

In an open adoption, the birth mother will be able to:

Visit the birth child
Communicate with them through e-mail or text messages
Send pictures and cards

What is co-parenting?

Co-parenting is when the parent and another party help take care of the child. This doesn’t mean the child goes back with the birth mother after an adoption is finalized. Nor that the birth parents will have any parental rights to the child. While being able to visit whenever the adoptive parent (s) are available. The birth mother will become someone close to the birth child.

Is open adoption and co-parenting the same thing?

With Adoption in Missouri, open adoption and co-parenting work together. But they’re not the same. In an open adoption, the birth mother placed the birth child up for adoption. The parental rights are taken away and given to the adoptive parent (s). Co-parenting is when two parents share custody of the child but take care of the birth child separately. In the open adoption situation, the birth mother had the parental rights taken. Open adoption and co-parenting are not the same things.

Will I be able to have a relationship with my child in an open adoption?

Some birth mothers want to have a relationship with the birth child but don’t know if they’ll be able to. They chose open adoption because the birth mother wanted to have a relationship with the birth child. Without having to take on the parental aspect of it. They wanted to be in the child’s life as someone they could talk to and rely on. Without having to take care of them. The birth mother placed the birth child up for adoption because they:

Weren’t ready to become a birth mother
Weren’t financially ready for a child

There are many scenarios in why the birth mother placed the birth child up for adoption. The birth mother wants to be in their life after the child has been adopted. So birth mothers place their child up for adoption. Just to visit them regularly. Doesn’t mean they’re giving a child up for adoption. It just means they didn’t want to be labeled as a birth mother. But as a family friend instead.

If you have questions regarding the adoption process and what you’re able to do. You can contact your local adoption agency. They will help with questions you may have.

Will I be able to have a relationship with the adoptive parent(s)?

While creating a relationship with the birth child. The birth mother could also take that time to create a relationship with the adoptive parent (s) since the birth mother is going to have an active role in the birth child’s life. It’ll be nice to know the people you’ll be around. So that if anything comes up, the adoptive parent (s) will notify the birth mother.

What are the different adoptions available?

In Missouri, there are three types of adoption. There is an open, semi-open, and closed adoption. If you plan on having a relationship with the birth child. Then you should choose open adoption. In an open adoption, you’ll be able to pick the adoptive family. While deciding whether the adoptive parent(s) will be in the room while you give birth.

Having the adoptive parent (s) have access to your information isn’t for everyone, which is okay. If you don’t want to share contact information with the adoptive parent (s). Or talk to them at all. You can choose semi-closed adoption. In this, the adoption agency will be the voice instead. Questions you may have about the adoptive parent (s) will be answered through the adoption agency.

Some birth mothers just want to separate themselves from the adoption process entirely. They don’t:

Want to choose the adoptive parent (s).
Want the adoptive parent (s) in the room during the birth
Want to spend the 48-72 hours getting to know the adoptive parent (s)
Or spending the 48-72 hours with the birth child before they sign the final adoption papers

Becoming a birth mother wasn’t something they planned. Instead, it was an unplanned pregnancy. So being involved in the adoption process. It isn’t something they want. If this is you, then you should choose a closed adoption.

As you’re choosing open adoption, you’re wondering if co-parenting and open adoption is the same. 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 816-527-9800

Birth Mother Blog

Types of Adoptive Families in Missouri

May 30, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Types of Adoptive Families in Missouri

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

As you go through your adoption plan, you come across the next step. The step toward finding the right adoptive family. In this step, you’ll have the option to choose the adoptive family for your birth child. At our agency, we have young, older, single, hetero, and same-sex families looking to adopt. So no matter your decision, your birth child will be in expert hands. Adoption Choices of Missouri help birth moms with various resources. Then, when it’s time to choose between the different types of adoptive families, we’ll guide you through the process so that it can be as smooth as possible.

What is the Missouri adoption process?

The adoption process starts once you’ve contacted a local adoption agency. Contacted them and said you’re planning on placing your child up for adoption. They’ll then ask you if you’d like to have a counselor. If you’d like, this counselor will be there every step of the way. The counselor will help you with :

Counseling
Choosing an adoption option
Being there during your birth
Being there after the child has been adopted.

During the adoption process, we will make an adoption plan. An adoption plan is a plan made when there is an unplanned pregnancy. When the birth mother considers placing their child up for adoption, since this was an unplanned pregnancy, the birth mother isn’t prepared. As a result, they needed an adoption plan.

At the adoption agency of choice, you’ll have the option to have a counselor who will guide you throughout your adoption process. They’ll go over the adoption plan steps:

Contact a local agency and ask them how to put a child up for adoption
Decide if placing your birth child up for adoption is something you want
Decide on which adoption option you’d like
Plan a birth/hospital plan
Decide if you’d like to seek counseling once the adoption process is complete

The adoption plan goes over all the things needed throughout the pregnancy. If the birth mother needs help financially. The adoption agency of choice will help them with that. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we help birth mothers with finances if needed. When going through an unplanned pregnancy. Financial problems are the last thing you want to think about, so we’re here to take that stress off your shoulders.

What do I need before I can create an adoption plan?

Before creating an adoption plan, look for adoption agencies near me after you’ve found an adoption agency. You’ll ask them for Pregnant help. This is an unplanned pregnancy, and you’re not prepared. Once you’ve done that, they’ll guide you towards an adoption plan.

Am I able to review the adoptive family before I place my child up for adoption?

When choosing an adoptive family, you can review their profiles, which helps you choose the right family for your birth child. Although, this choice is available. If you’re not interested in choosing the adoptive family or reviewing their profile. Your adoption agency of choice will do it for you. This option is available but not required.

How do I begin the matching process when looking for the different types of adoptive families in Missouri?

If this is the first time, you’ve gone through the adoption process. In the adoption plan, finding an adoptive family is one step toward placing a child up for adoption. Before you can begin the matching process, you’ll have to choose the type of adoption you’d like. In Missouri, there are three types of adoption options to choose from. First, there’s an open, semi-open, and closed adoption, depending on the adoption plan of choice. This will determine how you start your matching process.

With open adoption, you’ll have the ability to review and contact the adoptive parents of choice. You and the adoptive parents will have a constant stream of contact in this choice. Whenever you want to talk something over with the adoptive parent, you’ll be able to. In addition, both you and the adoptive parents will communicate regarding the birth child’s well-being.

In a semi-open adoption, you won’t have an open stream of contact with the adoptive parents. This choice is chosen because either the birth mother or the adoptive parent (s) have remained anonymous. So, if you’re not interested in contacting the adoptive parent (s), then this choice is for you.

Finally, with the closed adoption. You’ll be able to choose and review the adoptive parent (s). But since it’s closed, there won’t be a contact line. Most of the time, with this option. The birth mother has let the adoption agency handle everything regarding the adoption process.

Looking for an adoptive family could be stressful. But with help, you’ll find it doesn’t have to be. 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 816-527-9800

Birth Mother Blog

Adoption Resources for Birth Mothers in Missouri

April 28, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Adoption Resources for Birth Mothers in Missouri

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

You’ve been thinking about putting your child up for adoption. But you don’t know where to start. The blogs you’ve read all say the same things. They tell you to “start here, or start there.” But you don’t know what they mean. “Start where?” At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we’ll give you the answers to questions you may have. Don’t know what to ask? Just inform us. We’ll guide you in the direction you need to find the right adoption resources for birth mothers in MO. We won’t know what you need unless you tell us.

Don’t know where to start when putting a child up for adoption in Missouri?

Before considering putting a child up for adoption, make sure this is your decision. Once you’ve placed your newborn up for adoption in Missouri, you cannot regain custody unless the adoption is done under fraud, coercion, or duress. So, to not have to go through that. So, make sure that placing your birth child up for adoption; is a decision you’ve gone over.

When deciding to place your child up for adoption. First, find an agency in your state that specializes in adoption. At our local adoption agency, we specialize in helping birth mothers with unplanned pregnancies or unwanted pregnancies. Birth mothers who have decided becoming a parent isn’t for them. Who would like to place their birth child up for adoption?

Second, search up the different adoption methods. Like in other states, there are the three main adoption methods in Missouri. There’s an open, semi-open, and closed adoption. Open is where both the birth and adoptive parents have shared custody of the adopted child. The birth parents have the option to always be around the birth child on the adoptive parents’ time. All these methods are both the birth parents and the adoptive parents’ decisions. They make these decisions with the birth child in mind. What method you choose will determine how much you’ll see the birth child.

Semi-open adoption is when the birth parent (s) have decided they don’t want complete contact. Or the adoptive parents have kept their information anonymous. Since you don’t have the adoptive parents’ information, the adoption process will be done through the agency of choice.

Closed adoption is where the birth parents have decided not to be involved in the adoption process. They wanted everything involving the process to be done through the agency. They didn’t want to know anything concerning the potential adoptive parents. Once you’ve signed the adoption papers in Missouri, you can’t change your mind. You can’t decide this isn’t what you wanted. This is why choosing the right adoption method is important.

Is there a time limit for placing a child up for adoption in Missouri?

In Missouri, after you’ve given birth. You’ll have to wait for 48-hours before the adoption process can be completed. This is the case because in those 2-days you could spend it with the birth child. Or the adoptive parents can spend that time with the birth child. During this time, you could decide to place your birth child up for adoption isn’t something you want, which is why the state has given you this time. Once the documents are signed, you can’t say you made a mistake.

What is the hospital birth plan for placing a child up for adoption in Missouri?

Once you’ve picked the adoption method, you’d like to take. Next, it’s time for the hospital visit. When you get to the hospital, tell the nurse your plans if you’ve chosen a counselor from the adoption agencies of choice. You could have them inform the nurse instead. Depending on the adoption method will determine who will be in the room with you. If you’re doing this pregnancy alone, the counselor will be there for you.

After you’ve given birth, you’ll have to wait for 48-hours before the adoption process can be completed. This is done so that the birth parents can spend some time with the birth child. If you’ve chosen open adoption, this time is just extra time. You’ll be a steady figure in the birth child’s life with open adoption. But if you’ve chosen closed adoption, this time might not be something you’d like. This is why having the adoptive parents spend this time is an option. Once the 48-hours are complete, you and the adoptive parents can sign the adoption papers.

Finding the Right Adoption Resources for Birth Mothers in MO

Now that you have some insight into what to do. The next step is up to you.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 816-527-9800

Birth Mother Blog

What is an Adoption Birth Plan?

April 25, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What is an Adoption Birth Plan?

By Blessing E. Ikhimokpa

You’ve found out you’re pregnant. This wasn’t the news you were expecting. Nor was it something you were excited about. At this point in your life, you didn’t plan on becoming a parent. So, you weigh your options. But get stuck on where to start when placing your newborn up for adoption, where Adoption Choices of Missouri comes into hand.

We help birth parents find plans that best suit them at our agency. We help them figure out the best program for them. While offering counselors that will guide them through an adoption process if needed. We know this is stressful for some, and we don’t want birth parents to feel that way. This is why our counselors will help take the load off.

What does an adoption plan look like in Missouri?

An adoption plan is a set of steps birth parents are welcome to take. It goes over:

What needs to be done?
If the birth parents decide adoption is for them.
The different adoption types.
If they’d like to be a part of their birth child’s life.
How much they’d like to be in their birth child’s life?
If they’d like to have a relationship with the adoptive parents.

What steps are needed to place a newborn up for adoption in Missouri?

With Adoption Choices of Missouri, we’ll go over the steps. But, first, you’ll need to talk to someone about your decisions. Talk to them and ask them questions you may have. At our agency, we have counselors that will be the ones you can talk to.

Second, you’ll have to decide what comes next for your birth child. You’ll go over the possibly adoptive parent profiles. Depending on your type of adoption choice. Both you and the adoptive parent will communicate with each other. Go over how much you’d like to be in the birth child’s life.

In the third step, you’ll go back to the first step and ask the counselor about the different adoption choices. They’ll tell you that you can pick from 3 adoption choices in Missouri: open, semi-open, and closed adoption. Before, you can decide which adoption plan you’d like. Next, you’ll have to go over the post-placement agreement. This talks about how much you’ll get to see your birth child. In Missouri, the birth parent can regain full custody. If they decide, they can provide for the child. But for this to happen, the birth parent (s) will have to petition in court after the post-placement agreement is done. Then, the birth parent can decide which adoption plan is right for them.

In the fourth step. Once you’ve gone over which adoption plan you want to pick. You’ll plan a hospital birth plan. Depending on the adoption plan, you can have the adoptive parents be there for the birth. In this step, you’ll go over:

What type of birth are you planning on having?
Would you rather have pain medicine or none?
Who do you want in the room with you?
Do you want to hold the birth child first?
Do you want the adoptive parents to hold the birth child first?

Finally, in the fifth step. After you’ve given birth and completed the adoption process, you’ll want to seek post-placement counseling. At our adoption agencies near you, you’ll have your counselor be the one you talk to. Your counselor will make sure you’re doing well. Make sure they’re available wherever you need to talk. Make sure you don’t feel alone.

What are the different adoption plans in Missouri?

In Missouri, open adoption is when you’ll have a relationship with your birth child and the adoptive parents. You’ll have their contact information, and they’ll have yours. You and the adoptive parents can schedule it whenever it’s convenient for you to be around the birth child. It’ll be like you’re a part of the family in this method.

Semi-open adoption is like an open adoption. But, instead of full communication between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. It’s semi, where either you or the adoptive parent wants to be hidden. It’s more about keeping their information hidden than having full communication like the open adoption method. In this method, you’ll still be able to have a relationship with the birth child. But it wouldn’t be as often as open adoption. Hence, the name is semi-open adoption.

Closed adoption is where there isn’t any communication from either side. This means you’ve decided you didn’t want to be involved in the adoption process, unlike the other methods, where communication with both the birth child and adoptive parents was an option. In this method, you’ve decided communication isn’t something you’re interested. If you decide to choose this method, you won’t be able to have a relationship with the birth child.

During this time, remember you don’t have to handle this alone. Having people you can rely on during this process is a good thing. We’re here to take it step-by-step with you. 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 816-527-9800