Birth Mother Blog

Choosing Adoption in Missouri: Being In A Domestic Violent, Abusive Relationship

Choosing Adoption in Missouri: Being In A Domestic Violent, Abusive Relationship

If you are in an abusive relationship, know you are not alone, and there is help. If you have an unplanned pregnancy, you are not alone, and help is here. If you are in both these situations, know Adoption Choices of Missouri is here for you. We understand this can all be confusing and difficult; we want to be by your side, supporting you. We know that choosing adoption might seem difficult given your current situation, but just know that we at Adoption Choices of Missouri are ready to help you in any way possible.

Domestic Violence Aid: 9-1-1

If you find yourself pregnant and in a domestic, violent, abusive relationship, know that you are not alone. You can always call 9-1-1 whenever you feel you are in danger. If you are unable to speak candidly with the 9-1-1 operator, you can always speak in code, such as asking for a pizza and being insistent on needing that pizza at your address as soon as possible. A smart operator will understand what you need and send help as soon as possible. 

If you need to use non-verbal communication, there are options for dialing 9-1-1, which can be found on many domestic violence advocacy sites. Many of these sites are built so you can leave quickly if you are afraid of being watched and if you feel it is necessary.

Domestic Violence: Missouri Women’s Shelters

Suppose you need to be in protective custody for yourself, your baby, and any other children you may have. In that case, you can contact a Missouri women’s shelter, such as the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence. There is often free legal aid through these centers if you need assistance gaining a restraining order or protective order. Remember, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. We know this is scary, but you do not need to live in fear.

In An Abusive Relationship? Know You Are Not Alone

If you are in an abusive relationship, what you need to know, above all, is it is not your fault. Some people have their own demons that they take out on others and use violence to cope. That does not excuse what they do by any means. You need to know that regardless of what they do, you do not deserve it. You do not deserve to be hurt by someone who is supposed to love you. No one deserves to be hurt that way.

Unplanned Pregnancy

If you are in a domestic violence situation and are now unexpectedly pregnant, you have options. If you do not wish to terminate your pregnancy or raise your child yourself, whether it be in the situation you are currently in or not, you can always choose to place your baby up for adoption. Adoption Choices of Missouri is a great organization that can help you look through and examine your options.

Placing Your Baby Up For Adoption In Missouri

If you choose to place your baby up for adoption, your Missouri adoption agency can help you find somewhere safe to stay throughout and following your pregnancy. Your agency can also help you with any financial issues, such as utilities, rent, and medical expenses during your pregnancy.

Missouri Adoption: Medical & Mental Health Aid

If you need medical care during your pregnancy, your caseworker can help with this too. This applies to your mental health, as well as your physical health. Whether you need counseling help due to your living situation, postpartum depression, or adoption, help is here. Your assigned caseworker can offer on-site aid or off-site aid from therapists we have relationships with nearby.

Missouri Adoption: Legal Aid

Your assigned caseworker can connect you with a legal representative for anything adoption-related or related to your abusive relationship. Besides restraining orders, your legal aid and caseworker can help you look into removing your partner’s rights to your child or in asking them to agree to place your baby up for adoption.

Missouri Adoption & An Abusive Relationship

If you are in a domestically violent relationship, remember there is help. Emergency services and Missouri Women’s Shelters are great resources if you need immediate help. Adoption Choices of Missouri is also available to help you. We are ready to help you with your unplanned pregnancy and help you do whatever you think is best for you and your baby. We will treat your situation, your baby, and you with the utmost respect and care. You can trust us to handle your case with love and care. Contact us today and know that you will be in great hands.

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

CarlyMeet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.

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How to Create Your Adoption Birth Plan With Adoption Choices of Missouri

How to Create Your Adoption Birth Plan With Adoption Choices of Missouri

This may seem like a really overwhelming and scary time. Besides being pregnant before you planned, you’re considering putting your baby up for adoption, and now someone has reminded you about your birth/hospital plan. What are those, and why is there even more stuff to think about? Breathe! Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Adoption Choices of Missouri knows exactly what to do and how to help you.

What Is A Birth Plan?

A birth plan is your plan for how you wish to give birth, such as who is in the delivery room with you, would you like to have a water birth, is your baby being delivered by a midwife? Is there a chance you may need a c-section delivery instead of delivering naturally? You may want to discuss pain management with your practitioner in preparation for your delivery. There is nothing wrong with pain management techniques or drugs during labor when administered by medical professionals; just be sure to consult with your physician.

This can be especially important if you may be allergic to a certain ingredient in a drug or to make sure the drug is in stock and noted in your chart as a possibility of being used during delivery. If you are making your birth plan during your fifth or seventh month and have decided you do not want pain medication during your delivery, this is something you can let your doctor know. This may change during the delivery, but it is something good for the doctor to be aware of your wishes. You can always change your mind about this later on.

These are all things you can discuss with your OB/GYN if you have any concerns or need any help planning ahead of time. Of course, deliveries cannot always be planned to perfection, so know that it’s ok if things don’t go completely according to plan. Just know that whatever happens, you have the support of your medical team, your friends, your family, your child’s adoptive family, and your Adoption Choices of Missouri family.

What To Know When Placing Your Baby Up For Adoption: Hospital Plan

A birth plan concerns your plans for the hospital and the adoption. If you are placing your newborn baby up for adoption, the hospital is probably where your baby will be handed over to their adoptive family. You may decide you do not wish to be at this handoff or that you do wish to be there to say goodbye. You may wish to hold your baby and take some pictures before your baby is handed to their adoptive parents and leaves the hospital, or you may not. These are decisions you can make before your delivery. You can always change your mind about these decisions later on if you so choose.

A hospital plan can also include deciding on what you wish to pack in your bag for the hospital. You may wish to have a change of clothes, some pajamas, maybe something comfortable with easy access during the delivery, and some shampoo and conditioner to clean up after the delivery. You may also want a speaker and a playlist if you wish to have music during the delivery or something you wish to give the baby before they are handed off to their adoptive family.

Missouri Adoption: Pandemic Restrictions

The pandemic may affect who can come to visit you in the hospital and how many individuals may come to represent the adoptive family in the official handoff. Due to these restrictions, you may only be allowed one person by your side in the delivery room, as well. These restrictions can be annoying but are in place to protect everyone from the spread of infection, including your baby and yourself. Your newborn may not be equipped with a proper immune system yet and needs to be protected. In addition, after delivery, you will be in a weakened state and also possibly immunocompromised, so it is best to play it safe for everyone involved.

Post Delivery & Adoption: Postpartum Care

It is also important to note in your hospital plan which will be taking care of yourself post-delivery. Besides the possible emotional and mental ramifications, such as postpartum depression or grief, you may need some help getting around, depending on how difficult your delivery was. For instance, if you have a c-section, that is some major surgery that includes being careful of bending to not disturb the staples in your abdomen. If you have to have stitches or an episiotomy, which we hope you won’t have to worry about, this can make moving and getting up and down painful and difficult.

Even if you have a fairly easy birth, you are still advised not to lift over a certain amount of weight, which could be about ten pounds or so. You may also have to worry about postpartum vaginal care or any bad reactions during postpartum, where you may need to go back to the doctor. If the latter is the case, it is nice to have a friend or family member there to monitor your condition and help you when necessary.

Help If You’re Placing Your Baby Up For Adoption

There are many parts to a birth and hospital plan, including visitors, pain management, information to tell your doctor, postpartum care, and the type of birth you are considering. It’s a lot to think about, but you got this. You’re not alone in any of this. We are here to help you. Now, are you ready to explore your Missouri adoption options with Adoption Choices of Missouri today?

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

CarlyMeet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.

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Self-Care Tips For Birth Moms During The Adoption Process

Self-Care Tips For Birth Moms During The Adoption Process

Are you pregnant and considering adoption in Kansas City, Missouri? If you are looking for self-care tips for women during the Missouri adoption process, have you considered a healthy diet, exercise, prenatal massage or spa treatments, meditation, following doctor’s orders, or even taking part in something fun like a hobby or quick getaway? All of these options are great ways to cope with any anxiety, issues, or concerns throughout your unplanned pregnancy and the Missouri adoption process. Adoption Choices of Missouri understands the importance of self-care. Here are a number of self-care tips for birth moms going through the adoption process:

Healthy, Unplanned Pregnancy: Healthy Diet

Whether or not you are placing your child up for adoption in Kansas City, a healthy diet is a great way to take care of yourself and have a healthy pregnancy. Try to include healthy fats, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and proteins. Foods with folic acid are also good at aiding in your baby’s neural tube growth, prevents neurological birth defects, and prevents anemia for you. Such recommended foods include leafy greens, cooked fish, chicken, beans, yogurt, milk, nuts, and seeds.

Healthy, Unplanned Pregnancy: Exercise

If you are putting your child up for adoption in Missouri, low-impact exercise can also aid in a healthy pregnancy, while aiding in your own self-care whilst going through the Missouri adoption process. Yoga, taking a walk, swimming, stationary cycling, aerobics, pilates, and strength training are all good examples of ways you can exercise and work off any stress. Exercise is good to treat anxiety and depression, aid in brain function, lower blood pressure, and aid in cardiovascular health as well.

Unplanned Pregnancy Self-Care and Stress Relief

If you need something to take your mind off of the Missouri adoption process or relax and have some fun, a brief getaway or hobby can help. Missouri has some great sights to see, such as the Missouri Botanical Gardens. You can always take in the fresh air and nature, absorb some sun, and take a nice walk through the gardens to unwind and release tension. There are many great museums, zoos, and other tourist attractions you can go to and see to have some fun.

A hobby is another great way to help your mind focus on something and relax. Painting, crocheting, knitting, reading, or journaling are all great hobbies you can take part in. There may be some groups or clubs in your community you can join to do these activities with and seek some company, as well.

Self-Care and Stress Relief During An Unplanned Pregnancy

A good way to relax during your pregnancy and the Missouri adoption process is a prenatal massage. Prenatal massage is a good way to increase cardiovascular health, improve sleep, and reduce back and joint pain. Just as prenatal massage can aid you in these ways, meditation can also be of use. There are many guided meditations online through videos, apps, music, and podcasts to help you. Essential oils can also help you relax and get into the right mindset for relaxation and meditation. Remember, meditation can aid in sleep and rest is an important thing to get a lot of throughout pregnancy.

Unplanned Pregnancy: Medical Health

If you are placing your child up for adoption in Missouri, to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy, be sure to take your prenatal vitamins and attend all of your OB/GYN doctor’s appointments. Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid to aid in neurological tubular growth and development. You can always get them over the counter at your local pharmacy. Your doctor is also here to help you address any concerns, no matter how small.

Unplanned Pregnancy: Mental Health

Anxiety, grief, and depression, or postpartum depression are possibilities during and/or after your unplanned pregnancy, especially during the Missouri adoption process. Know that We are here to help and support you in any way, especially by listening to you and aiding in any mental health issues. We have a relationship with New Perspectives Therapeutic Services, a great counseling service ready to aid in assisting you throughout and following the Missouri adoption process.

Missouri Adoption Self-Care Tips for Birth Moms

We hope you appreciated these tips for self-care. Adoption Choices of Missouri understands the importance of self-care throughout the Missouri adoption process. We also understand the difficulty of this time and how much stress you may be under. Self-care can be very helpful during this time. Know that you are not alone and we are here for you. These tips are only suggestions to help you through this time and process. We are ready to help you through this process. We are here to provide support; rely on us if you need anything at all.

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

CarlyMeet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.

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Why You Should Never Say “Give Up Baby” For Adoption

Why You Should Never Say “Give Up Baby” For Adoption

People used to think infant adoption was an abandonment of one’s child, a mother giving her baby up without caring about what happened to the child. That is completely wrong and untrue! You love your baby, and we all know you are making a beautiful sacrifice to give your child a loving, caring family with all the opportunities you may not have had. This may also be the best decision for you and your life.

There is nothing wrong with that. It is completely valid to want what is best for you and your baby, even if that means you are not going to raise that baby yourself. It is completely valid to not want to raise your child, but instead, help them start life with their adoptive mommy who will care for them and always put them first. Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to stand by you and help everyone see the error of the phrase “giving up your baby” for adoption in MO. We know the true courage, love, value, and merit of infant adoption and this decision.

“Giving” Your Baby Up For Adoption

The phrase “giving up your baby” makes it seem you do not care about your baby or that placing your baby up for adoption in Kansas City is an easy decision. This phrase and way of thinking make it seem like you did not spend hours upon hours agonizing over this choice to give your baby a better life. This amazing sacrifice is you trying to give your baby and yourself better lives and do what is best for the both of you. It is not an easy decision. But it is the right decision for you both.

Counseling Services Following Placing Your Baby Up For Adoption

You care so much about your baby that you are making this big sacrifice to give them a better life and a loving family. This is not an easy decision, and you may be wracked with anxiety and guilt over this decision. I am sure you did not come to this decision easily. You may have some unresolved anxiety, guilt, or depression about this choice. You can seek professional pregnant adoption help through your Missouri adoption agency caseworker. They can set you up with a counselor at New Perspectives Therapeutic Services to help you find peace with your decision.

The Positive Language of “Putting” or “Placing” Your Baby Up For Adoption

Many prefer positive language, such as “placing your child up for adoption” or “putting your child up for adoption,” in order to show respect to all individuals involved in the adoption process. Think about it. If you were a baby “given up for adoption,” how would you feel? Rather than a baby “placed for adoption” with a loving family? It seems like a big difference in those phrases. One holds so much sadness and negativity, while the other holds positivity and happiness.

Once your baby is placed up for adoption in Missouri, you never give up on them. You are giving them a chance to have a great life with a loving family. Birth mothers can even stay in contact with their children post-adoption. If you were “giving your child up,” you wouldn’t be able to see them later on, right?

Adoption Agreements: Semi-Open, Open, Closed Adoptions

If you wish to see your baby in the future, you can choose a semi-open or open adoption. If you choose to have no contact with your baby in the future, you can select a closed adoption. The types of adoption you choose must be agreed upon with the adoptive family prior to the finalization of your child’s adoption.

How to Find the Right Support During Your Adoption Proces in MO

“Giving a child up for adoption” connotes negative emotions that can only aggravate your negative feelings towards yourself and the situation. There is no reason to make yourself feel worse. As wonderful as the process of adoption is, you may need time to grieve and heal from it. You are placing your baby with a loving family, but you are also losing the chance to raise them yourself. You have every right to feel anger, pain, sadness from this, but also happiness and peace.

You can work through these feelings with a counselor from New Perspectives Therapeutic Services or other counseling resources. This is what your counselor is for, to support you through this process. Adoption Choices of Missouri is by your side through both the good and the bad. You are not giving up on your baby or on parenting. You are starting a difficult but rewarding journey that Adoption Choices of Missouri fully supports. We are by your side no matter what. We will help you see the value in your choice and that you never “gave up” your baby but are helping them find all the love you wish them to have!

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

CarlyMeet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.

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Placing A Newborn Baby Up For Adoption Post Delivery

Placing A Newborn Baby Up For Adoption- Post Delivery

If you are pregnant and considering putting your baby up for adoption after they have been born, Adoption Choices of Missouri is ready to navigate the adoption process with you. Whatever reason has brought you to this decision, know that it is valid, and you are making a beautiful choice in your baby’s best interest, as well as your own. Placing a newborn baby for adoption is no easy task, however, if you choose Adoption Choices of Missouri as your Missouri adoption agency, we will help you to find the family who will love and care for your baby.

Adoption Post Birth

If you are choosing adoption after your baby is born, know that you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with your decision to place your baby up for adoption in Kansas City, Missouri, whether you choose to do so before or after they are born. Your choice could be due to anything from finances to support, to space, to time. You could even decide you do not want to parent your baby directly following your baby’s delivery. Know that all these decisions are valid. Raising a baby involves a fair amount of time, support, space, and money. You may not be in a position where you are able to financially support your baby, have the space to house them, or have the support of your friends, family, or the baby’s father. You may already be raising children and decide that another baby is more than you can handle. This may be more stress and anxiety than you need, or be wary of how your mental health has been affected as a parent. The difficulty of being a parent may be too much, especially if you are suffering from postpartum depression. If this is the case, ask your adoption agency caseworker for help, and they can connect you with a counselor at New Perspectives Therapeutic Services.

Our Adoption Agencies Near You

Upon choosing to place your baby up for adoption, the next step is to choose an agency to help you through the process. Your agency will assign you a caseworker who can help you to find an affiliated foster family to care for your baby while you look through family profiles of prospective adoptive families. You may otherwise continue to take care of your baby until you have chosen a prospective family for your baby. If extended family foster care is unavailable, you can also look into temporary or permanent familial adoption. This is where someone from your extended family can care for your baby until you choose a permanent adoptive family. If you choose permanent familial adoption, one of your family members could permanently adopt your baby.

 

Infant Safe Haven Laws

If you are afraid to go to a Missouri adoption agency yourself to place your baby up for adoption or do not wish to choose the adoptive family either, you could also turn to a Baby Safe Haven drop off-center. Infant Safe Haven laws, apply to any babies under 30 days old and must be turned into an infant Safe Haven location or provider, such as a staff member at a hospital, a firefighter on duty at a fire station. Another option is turning your baby over to an infant Safe Haven volunteer, such as through a church or adoption agency. You can be of any age and face no legal charges so long as your baby is relinquished to the proper Safe Haven authorities.

Placing A Newborn Baby Up For Adoption When You Are Raising Other Children

If you have other children in your household and change your mind about parenting your newest baby, you may need to think about how you want to explain to your other children why their newest sibling has not come home to live with them. They may not completely understand what is going on, but being honest with your children can help them to feel more included in what is going on. If you have chosen a type of adoption with some sort of contact and communication, your children may even have the opportunity to have a relationship with your youngest baby at some point later in the future. This may help them to feel more connected to your newest baby and less anxious about the situation. Of course, this depends on how much contact you wish to have with the baby in the future, which is why you should reflect on what type of adoption agreement you would like to have with your baby’s adoptive family.

Choosing An Adoptive Family For My Newborn Baby

If you decide to choose the family for your baby, think about what kind of family you want your baby to be raised by. What do you want to see in the family that may raise your baby? All families go through extensive background checks, interviews, and home studies. The family you choose may help you with any expenses you may have from your pregnancy and hospital bills as well.

Choosing to Place Your Newborn Baby for Adoption in MO

Reading all of this information may have set your head spinning, but know that Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to hold your hand and be by your side. We will find your child their forever home, and we will not abandon you after your child’s adoption is finalized. You are making an amazing sacrifice, and we will not abandon you even after the last paper is signed. Adoption Choices of Missouri sees your strength, and we will stand with you no matter what until you do not need us anymore.

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

CarlyMeet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.

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Placing Your Second Baby Up For Adoption With The Same Adoptive Family

Placing Your Second Baby Up For Adoption With The Same Adoptive Family

Have you placed a child up for adoption in Missouri in the past? Are you now pregnant and considering adoption again? Are you contemplating placing your second baby up for adoption in Missouri, just as you did in the past?  Adoption Choices of Missouri knows these situations exist and wants to help you. It can often be beneficial to both birth parents and their children if the children are placed with the same family as their biological siblings.

Placing Your Second Baby Up For Adoption

A great thing about choosing the same family for both your children is that you know the family. You went through the Missouri adoption process and knew the family you chose the last time you went through this process. They are not strangers, and if you have an open adoption, you know how they treat your elder child and if this child is truly being raised the way you wish them to be raised.

This could make your choice of who to adopt your second child an easier decision than the first time you made it. You have a relationship with these people and may even feel like they are an extended family to you. Wanting your second child to be raised with, in the same household, and in the same way as their elder sibling can be a beautiful wish. It can be a load of stress off of you to know the perfect family is out there, ready to be picked by you because you have already picked them. They have also already been approved by your Kansas City, Missouri adoption agency in the past and have gone through this process before.

Adopting More Than One Kid

However, before you get your hopes up, know that they may not be ready to adopt another child if you have not discussed this with the adoptive family yet. The family may not be financially ready for another child, may not have the space, or may not want to raise a second child. Unfortunately, if this is the case, you have to accept this and look for another family for your second child. Luckily, you have been through this process before and know what you are looking for in a family for your baby.

Missouri Adoption Agreement With Your Child’s Adoptive Family

If you haven’t been in contact with the family that adopted your first child, you can try to reach out through your Kansas City, Missouri adoption agency caseworker. Do you have an open adoption with your first child? If not, maybe you and the adoptive family should sit down and discuss this if you want an open adoption with your second child. The type of adoption you choose should be similar to the type of adoption you chose the first time around if both of your children will be living under the same roof.

It may be best for both children if you have the same adoption agreement if they are living together and being raised together. It isn’t very fair to one child to see you come visit their sibling and not have any contact with them. If the children know they are related and were both placed up for adoption by you, it may be best for them to receive the same type of treatment. If you visit one child, the other would feel left out if you did not visit or show you thought of them as well.

Open Adoption: Visitation

Another thing to keep in mind when visiting the children is the amount of attention you give both of them. Visiting one child, you can give him or her all of your attention, but visiting two or more can mean you may need to divide up your attention for each of them. As with all siblings, older siblings often feel they need more attention to keep up with the new baby sibling’s attention. If you have an open adoption and visit the children, maybe keep this in mind when interacting with them on visits.

Communication and Adoption Agreement With The Adoptive Family

If the family is alright with adopting your second baby and raising both children together, make a plan and decide with the adoptive family if you will talk about what is happening before or after the second baby’s delivery with their sibling. If there is a possibility you will change your mind about parenting, maybe you should wait until after the birth and then decide with the family how to explain this to the older sibling who the family adopted first. Decide what to say if the baby is the other child’s half or full sibling. Depending on how old the elder child is, they may need to have this explained to them, or you and the family may decide the half or full status does not matter and does not need to be disclosed. That is your decision as a familial unit discussing how to handle all of this.

Our Kansas City Adoption Agency Will HelpYou Place Your Second Baby Up For Adoption

In the end, keep the channels of communication open. Think of what is best not only for yourself but for your children. If your elder child’s family is able to take their baby sibling, that is a wonderful thing. Just keep in mind that it is not always a viable option because not everyone is able to adopt more than one child, especially at the exact time you’re pregnant. Adoption Choices of Missouri knows how precarious these situations can seem, and we want to help you make this dream a reality, but we are also ready to help you find the perfect family for your new baby if plan A falls through. We hope it won’t, but we are ready to support you in any way we can.

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

CarlyMeet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.

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The MO Adoption Process From The Adoptive Parents’ Perspective

The MO Adoption Process From The Adoptive Parents’ Perspective

Adoption Choices of Missouri is a well-respected adoption agency in Missouri that has experience aiding both birth mothers and adoptive families through the MO adoption process. We have the utmost respect for those who choose to adopt and for the mothers who choose to put their baby up for adoption. If you, a birth mother, are considering adoption and would like to know more about the Missouri adoption process, especially for those who may adopt your child, this article may be of some interest to you.

Why Choose Adoption in Missouri?

Individuals can choose adoption in Missouri for any number of reasons, such as issues conceiving biological children. Some prospective parents may have been a child of adoption themselves and chose to adopt a child of their own, just as their parents adopted and cared for them. Some families just want to build their family and help a child who is entering the world and cannot be cared for by their biological parents. The families who choose to adopt one or more children to build their family are all vetted through your chosen Missouri agency. They may have had fertility issues and are looking into alternative ways to create the family they have dreamed of having. These families want to give all their love to a child in need of love and care. As the birth mother, may even choose the family who will raise your child as their own.

Choosing Adoptive Parents For My Baby

As a birth mother, you have the right to choose the family that will care for your child. Your decision can be influenced by anything from belief systems you wish the chosen family to instill in your child to choose a family with a similar or dissimilar ethnic or religious background from your own. You may choose a family similar to your own to maintain the cultural traditions you grew up with for your child.

Adoption Agency Near Me In Missouri

Your chosen adoption agency will help you through the MO adoption process of choosing a family for your baby. Just as you choose an adoption agency that aligns with your views and is most receptive to your needs as a birth mother. Prospective adoptive families in Missouri can also go through an adoption agency in Missouri that they feel will best help them build their family. You may find your child’s family through your Missouri agency, such as Adoption Choices of Missouri. We help prospective adoptive families build a profile that you, the birth mother, can look through to see if you would like to meet with any of the families whose profiles you view.

How To Find A Family To Adopt My Baby?

If you do not find a family you like through the profiles on your Missouri agency’s database of prospective parents, you may also look through ads on social media. Many families find a cost-effective way to put the word out that they are looking to adopt a child by putting personal ads on social media or other adoption-related websites and chat rooms. Otherwise, word-of-mouth is very helpful in spreading the word that you are looking for a family to adopt your baby or hear that someone is looking to adopt a child.

Just because you may find a family through unconventional means does not mean that the adoption will not be by the book, and every legal avenue will be taken into consideration. Your Missouri agency can help you to finalize adoption details and maintain your best interest and rights as the birth mother. Even if you bring the adoptive family to your caseworker at your Missouri agency, they will still have to go through a home study to prove they are able to support and care for your baby.

What Is A Home Study and How Has COVID-19 Affected It?

A home study is a thorough criminal and financial background check, as well as interviews with anyone who may come in contact with the child, and a study of the home. This is all to check to see if the prospective adoptive family is able to take care of your baby. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal home study processes have been adjusted in order to prevent exposure to the disease and protect all individuals involved in the process.

This could mean interviews and checks of the home being done over video camera or Zoom call. Unfortunately, this is not for the best, but caseworkers and parents are all adjusting as best they can to keep everyone safe. Court processes surrounding adoption have also been moved to video conferences in order to maintain social distancing and limit personal interaction while the pandemic continues.

Will Adoptive Parents Help Me Financially?

Your child’s chosen family will most likely put aside money for your expenses as a birth mother. Your Missouri will help establish a trust with the money that you have access to for your medical and living expenses throughout your pregnancy. Adoption Choices of Missouri understands this process and will help you through all legal, emotional, and financial matters with your pregnancy and adoption. We know this can be a lot to take in, but we are committed to finding you the best family for your child and helping you in any way we can.

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

CarlyMeet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.