Birth Mother Bill of Rights for Adoption in Missouri

November 11, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Birth Mother Bill of Rights for Adoption in Missouri

Are you currently pregnant in Missouri? Have you been considering adoption for your child? If this is you, then you’re probably going to want to continue reading! An adoption is a great option. It gives you the ability to take the reins and make important decisions for your child’s future. If you’re wondering what rights you have as a birth mother, you came to the right place. Adoption Choices of Missouri has put together a Birth Mother Bill of Rights.

1. You have the right to consider adoption as an option for you and your child without any pressure. When choosing adoption, be sure to keep this in mind. People may have opinions about what they think you should do. However, the decision is completely yours. No one has the right to choose for you or even coerce you into making a certain decision.

2. You have the right to create your personalized adoption plan. Creating your Missouri adoption plan is your way of coming up with a game plan for your adoption. It includes all of your preferences and wishes that you would like carried out during your adoption journey. This may be helpful for those in your support system to have a clear guide of what you want your adoption to include.

3. You have the right to choose your child’s adoptive family. Choosing the adoptive family is something that is completely your decision to make. Keep in mind that choosing an adoptive family will only be possible depending on the type of adoption you have. If you choose an open adoption or semi-open adoption, you do have the right to know the names, contact information, and other details about the adoptive parents.

4. You have the right to choose adoption through an adoption agency or private adoption. This decision is completely yours to make. You can choose adoption through an adoption agency in Missouri, such as Adoption Choices of Missouri. There are certainly benefits to using an adoption agency. You also have the choice to do a private adoption where an agency is not involved in the process at all.

5. You have a right to choose to receive counseling. The adoption journey may bring about various emotions and feelings. It is not uncommon for many women to receive counseling during the adoption process or even post-adoption. You certainly have the right to seek counseling services if you feel like you may need them.

6. You have the right to receive financial assistance for the adoption. This financial assistance may be for hospital fees, fees during your pregnancy, living expenses, etc. Financial assistance may also be available after your pregnancy and adoption to help you get back on your feet.

7. You have the right to create a birth plan or hospital plan. Creating a birth plan is similar to an adoption plan. It allows for certain details and wishes to be expressed when you are at the hospital and about to give birth. You can even include which hospital you would like to give birth at.

8. You have the right to name your child after giving birth. The name you gave your child may be special to you. However, it is important to remember that the adoptive parents do have the right to change their child’s name once the adoption is finalized.

9. You have the right to see your child before you place them up for adoption. Seeing your child before placing him or her up for adoption is based on personal preference. Some birth mothers do not want to see their child before adoption, while others do. This decision is based solely on what you are comfortable with. Seeing your child before adoption also includes seeing them at the hospital.

10. You have the right to change your mind about the adoption before a judge makes it official. The adoption process may not always be the easiest. You may feel very confident in your decision for adoption, or you may be questioning it a bit. It is important to know that you have the right to change your mind about placing your child up for adoption. However, once a judge legalizes the adoption, you no longer have the ability to change your mind.

Adoption in Missouri Is An Option

As a birth mother, it’s important to remember that an adoption is always an option. Whether you are just learning, you’re pregnant, or whether you are going to give birth soon. These rights still apply to you as a birth mother. If you still have questions about any other rights you may have as a birth mother, reach out to Adoption Choices of Missouri. We are here to help make sure that your adoption journey is easy and memorable.

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

Meet the Author: Natalya Castro is originally from New York but has lived in Florida for most of her life. She is currently working towards earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Most people who know her would say she is outgoing and very extroverted. She is a creative person who loves to express herself through various artistic outlets such as pottery, painting, and cosmetics. When Natalya is not working on her studies, you can find her connecting with others and her loved ones, swimming in the Sunshine State’s beautiful beaches or binging shows from her favorite streaming services. Above all, Natalya is passionate about utilizing creative means to reach people and helping others. Through her writing, she hopes to help others feel supported and cared for during the present journey in their life.

What I Learned As a Birth Mother Who Chose Adoption

November 5, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What I Learned As A Birth Mother Who Chose Adoption

The pregnant adoption process is certainly filled with highs and lows. It poses certain challenges and rewards like no other. There is a lot to learn and discover in the midst of your journey. Everyone who goes through the adoption process has a unique perspective about the adoption process. Today we’re going to hear about Kelly Ann a birth mother who chose adoption, this can help give you a glimpse at the valuable information she learned in the process.

Adoption Choices: Hi, Kelly Ann. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us today. We are excited to discuss what you have learned throughout your adoption journey. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you learned in this process.

Kelly Ann: Hi! My name is Kelly Ann. I am 31 years old, and I’m from Missouri, born and bred. I have my child up for adoption in MO when I was 30, so it wasn’t too long ago. As a birth mother, I learned a lot, actually. More than I initially thought I would. When looking into choosing adoption for my baby, I thought I had everything all figured out. I have known people who have chosen adoption for their child. I thought hearing their experience was enough for me to be prepared to begin my adoption journey. Well, little did I know that there is a lot more that goes into the adoption process than I realized.

There were really three main things that I learned:

1. Do your research. The first thing I learned as a birth mother is an importance of researching adoption. Take time to learn all that you can about the process before actually going through it. Take time to learn as you are going through it as well. I researched: the different types of adoptions offered in Missouri, adoption agencies in Missouri, my rights as the birth mother, and even why adoption was a good option. Having this knowledge truly made a difference in my adoption journey. It was as smooth as butter.

2. Take time to understand what your wants are. Since I had done all of my research prior to beginning my adoption journey, I basically knew what I wanted throughout this process. This made it super easy to create an adoption plan filled will all of my wishes. It also helped with creating my hospital plan, which listed all of my preferences for delivery at the hospital. It also helped to have a clear picture in my mind of what I was looking for when choosing adoptive parents for my child. This made choosing the adoptive parents easy. I figured out whose values and lifestyle lined up with what I wanted for my child.

3. Know why you are choosing adoption. This is an important one! I urge women to know why they are choosing adoption. Make a list of the reason or s few reasons why you are placing your child up for adoption. I did this. I kept that small list in my purse 24/7! So, whenever I had a difficult time in the Missouri adoption process, I would take out my list and read it until I felt better. Having a list of reasons why I chose adoption helped me have confidence in my decision! I was already reminded that I was doing the right thing.

4. Use your resources— find an adoption agency in MO. The last thing I learned is that I didn’t have to go through this process on my own. At first, I felt as if I was going crazy with planning and having to handle every aspect of this process alone, but that wasn’t the case. I was so thankful to have found Adoption Choices of Missouri. They have so many resources available to birth mothers, from financial assistance to help with choosing an adoptive family for my child. They even helped with post-adoptive resources such as counseling. This was super helpful to me! Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Create a support system, so you don’t have to go through the adoption process alone.

Overall, I really learned a lot going through the adoption process as a birth mother. I wouldn’t change a single thing about my journey. I hope these tips help other birth mothers who are considering adoption.

Learn More About Adoption and the Birth Mothers Who Chose Adoption

Kelly Ann’s adoption journey is so inspiring. She has truly learned a lot about adoption, and it made all the difference in her adoption process. Thankfully Kelly Ann had help from the resources around her, like Adoption Choices of Missouri.

If you or someone you know is considering adoption, reach out to us today. Our team is equipped and ready to help walk you through our adoption journey. 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

Meet the Author: Natalya Castro is originally from New York but has lived in Florida for most of her life. She is currently working towards earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Most people who know her would say she is outgoing and very extroverted. She is a creative person who loves to express herself through various artistic outlets such as pottery, painting, and cosmetics. When Natalya is not working on her studies, you can find her connecting with others and her loved ones, swimming in the Sunshine State’s beautiful beaches, or binging shows from her favorite streaming services. Above all, Natalya is passionate about utilizing creative means to reach people and helping others. Through her writing, she hopes to help others feel supported and cared for during the present journey in their life.

Birth Mother Blog

How Private Adoption in Missouri Can Help with Unplanned Pregnancy Options

October 8, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

How Private Adoption in Missouri Can Help with Unplanned Pregnancy Options

Oftentimes, pregnancies occur when least expected. Perhaps it arrives at a time where you are not able to care for a child. In other circumstances, expectant mothers may not feel ready to be a parent. Unplanned pregnancies can be very difficult to handle. Thankfully, as a birth parent, you have options and ways to help. Adoption Choices of Missouri can surely be one of those options if you are pregnant and considering adoption.

What Is Adoption?

Adoption is a formal process, conducted and facilitated by adoption agencies in MO, that is made legal by the courts. This process involves a birth mother, her child, and prospective adoptive parents. Adoption is a very helpful option for birth mothers who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy but do not want to terminate the pregnancy. As a birth mother, choosing adoption in MO for your child provides reassurance that they will have stability, and be taken in by a loving family. Although the decision to choose adoption may be difficult, it is certainly rewarding for all of the parties involved. The Adoption process does require patience and time, as well as courage and selflessness. As a birth mother, adoption is choosing to put your child’s needs above your own.

Advantages of Private Adoption With an Unplanned Pregnancy

Now that we know what adoption is, you may be wondering if this is a good fit for your unplanned pregnancy. Well, rest assured knowing that adoption can definitely help if you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Private adoptions provide numerous advantages for birth mothers, and it is very important to know what those advantages are for you and your child. As a birth parent, participating in a private adoption is a voluntary process. The decision is yours to make whether you want to opt-in to the private adoption or withdrawal from it. An independent voluntary placement is when a birth parent voluntarily places their child for adoption directly with the family of their choice. This differs from public adoption, where the Department of Social Services takes custody of the child, and the birth mother has no say where the child is placed. Having the ability to choose the home your child is going to is a major advantage to private adoptions. Another advantage of private adoption is that it does offer more options concerning post-placement contact. As the birth mother, if you choose an open or semi-open adoption, there are private adoption agencies that can assist you in keeping in contact with the adoptive parents you have chosen and the birth child. You have the option to determine what type of contact you would like with your child. Then adoption agencies will match you and your child with hopeful adoptive parents that fit your desired criteria.

Retaining Control By working with a Private Adoption Agency in Missouri

Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy may make you feel like you have lost all control. That is not the case! With adoption, you can take control of your future and your child’s. When working with a private adoption agency in Missouri, your adoption plan can be highly customizable. A private adoption has clear adoption goals set in place by you, the birth parent, but also paves the way to reach those goals. Going the route of private adoption also provides the hopeful adoptive parents with that same advantage. As an expectant mother, you have the control to decide pivotal details. These details include choosing the adoptive family, deciding the type of adoption to pursue, and the type of contact you would like with your child. Not only do you have the right to make these vital decisions, but you also reserve the right to change your mind. This can occur at any point in the adoption process up until relinquishing your parental rights.

Adoption Choices of Missouri Can Help With Your Unplanned Pregnancy

If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, the option to have a private adoption is, without a doubt, possible. Private adoption does present many advantages for the birth mother and even the adoptive parents. Moreover, it allows you to make decisions based on what will be best for you and your child’s future. During an unplanned pregnancy, deciding to have a private adoption provides control and confidence when that may feel impossible. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want you to know that hope is not lost, and providing the best life for your child is possible. We want to be with you every step of the way. It’s never too late to choose adoption, and our team is here to help you do that. Reach out to 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

Birth Mother Blog

How Can Adoption Create a Better Future for a Missouri Birth Mother?

October 1, 2021 Adoption Choices of Missouri

How Can Adoption Create a Better Future for a Missouri Birth Mother?

We all know that life happens, and so does pregnancy. It can surely feel like a whirlwind of emotions when you learn that you are expecting a child. You may be questioning what this means for your life or for your future. Maybe you had planned before pregnancy that you feel like you need to give up in order to put your child first. Perhaps you are asking about adoption and what that entails, or maybe you’re questioning if adoption is a good fit for you and your child when you are considering adoption in MO. Being a Missouri birth mother can change your life in more ways than one. Despite what you may be thinking, or feeling, here at Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want to be your supporter throughout your decision and adoption process. We want to give you reassurance in knowing you have an amazing opportunity to better your future — through adoption.

Adoption Can Be a Second Chance For You

Pregnancy does not always come when we want it to or when we are expecting it. Some birth mothers find themselves in a situation where pregnancy comes at a point in their lives when they cannot raise a child. Others may find themselves feeling unprepared to be a parent. Despite the circumstances that may be true in your life, adoption in MO can be a path to a better future for you. “How?” you might ask. It’s simple. Adoption gives you a unique opportunity for a second chance. It allows you to redirect your focus on your goals and dreams in the long run. This may be continuing your education, working towards a promotion, or even pursuing your dream job. Maybe this was your plan before getting pregnant. Well, through the opportunity of adoption, you can pick up where you left off. Adoption brings forth new opportunities; for you, your child, and even the adoptive parents you choose.

Adoption Yields Personal Growth

As a Missouri birth mother, the question of whether or not to choose adoption is not the easiest. There are many factors that play a role in making this decision. First, it requires you to examine your life and put your child’s needs before your own. Deciding to put your child up for adoption takes courage, selflessness, and vulnerability. When you decide on adoption in Missouri, you are exemplifying these very characteristics. Taking the time to assess what is best for your life and how to have your child’s best interest at heart is a direct result of personal growth. You have taken the initiative to do something that may have been a difficult decision to make. Taking a step towards adoption yields self-improvement, bettering yourself for the future.

Adoption Provides Confidence and Positivity

When choosing adoption, it is normal to worry about what the future looks like for your child. However, adoption can create a better future for you as a Missouri birth mother through the assurance that your child will be well taken care of. If pregnancy is a source of stress or anxiety, adoption could provide a stable alternative; one that promotes peace of mind. This can be done by creating an adoption plan, which is certainly something Adoption Choices of Missouri can help you with. With an adoption plan, you have the ability to remain in control during a process that may feel overwhelming. As the birth mother, you have the freedom to choose who your child’s adoptive parents will be, ensuring your child is loved and well cared for. Adoption provides reassurance for you in knowing you have chosen to do what is best for your child. You will be able to look forward to the next season of your life with confidence and positivity.

Adoption Can Be the Path to Creating A Better Future

Pregnant adoption can present a variety of opportunities in your life as the birth mother. Yes, this process may be difficult at times, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. If you are having trouble seeing it or seeing the bigger picture, Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help. We are here to guide you during your pregnancy, adoption process, and planning for a better future.

We want the best for you, your future, and the future of your child. If you are trying to figure out how to put your baby up for adoption, reach out to us. We aren’t just another adoption agency in Missouri. We have numerous resources to help you get started on your adoption journey, and we are here for you. It’s never too early or too late to do what is best for you and your baby.

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

Meet the Author: Natalya Castro is originally from New York but has lived in Florida for most of her life. She is currently working towards earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Most people who know her would say she is outgoing and very extroverted. She is a creative person who loves to express herself through various artistic outlets such as pottery, painting, and cosmetics. When Natalya is not working on her studies, you can find her connecting with others and her loved ones, swimming in the Sunshine State’s beautiful beaches, or binging shows from her favorite streaming services. Above all, Natalya is passionate about utilizing creative means to reach people and helping others. Through her writing, she hopes to help others feel supported and cared for during the present journey in their life.