The Top 5 Reasons Why Birth Mothers should Recognize National Adoption Month
National Adoption Month happens every November, and is a time where the community comes together to celebrate all things adoption. This can range from informative seminars to guest speaking of leaders in the community, to many other celebratory events. It is a well-anticipated occurrence for all who want to learn about the adoption industry or who are already involved in it.
If you are a birth mother who is considering adoption in Missouri, this is an excellent opportunity for you to learn and educate yourself more about the adoption process, your available options and adoption as a whole. Not only could you find this helpful, but you’ll also become empowered and encouraged to make an otherwise difficult choice.
Here are five reasons why birth mothers should recognize National Adoption Month.
1. You will be Surrounded by Supportive, Loving Community
Being around like-minded people in similar situations can be such an illuminating experience for birth mothers and anyone in general. Whether pregnant or a new mother, the new transition to this journey can sometimes be overwhelming. It always helps to have some people or resources to help ease the craziness of it all.
National Adoption Month is a gathering of people from all walks of life and perspectives that can help enlighten and encourage you through any circumstances you may find yourself in.The various events and support options will remind you that, no matter what you are facing, you are not alone. Another expectant mother has or is going through a similar situation right now, giving you someone to find and connect with. Through this networking of communication, birth mothers can make new friends and possibly lifelong bonds that will only benefit you in the future. This includes our adoption agency.Adoption Choices of Missouri always works with love and support in mind.
2. You have Access to a Hub of Information
With so many people, organizations, and communities coming together, you have the amazing chance to learn about others’ adoption journeys, how you could get started and become informed about what to expect when you begin the adoption process. Knowing all of this can provide you with a great peace of mind and reduce your stress. It can also make adoption not seem as scary or overwhelming.
National Adoption Month definitely supplies you with a hub of information, where you can gather resources that could help with your pregnancy and decision to place your baby for adoption. Support groups are one of these available resources — especially if the group is created just for birth mothers. Here, you can feel comfortable asking your questions and voicing your concerns, because you know that you are in an encouraging and compassionate group of women who can understand and relate to what you are experiencing.
Birth mothers will have the chance to possibly learn about some new adoption resources that could help with their pregnancy or connect with others that can assist them on things they may be struggling with. Parenthood is an arduous path but not a lonely one, visionaries and leaders can provide some wisdom in helping you through those times.
Any questions or possible concerns you may have can be counseled and hopefully answered at these events. When acquiring this knowledge you will be equipping yourself to help another mother or person who may be seeking the same answers to questions you once sought after.
3. You can Share Your Adoption Journey
Whether you have placed a baby for adoption or are currently considering it as an option, National Adoption Month gives the opportunity to share your experience with others. This can be with friends, family, adoption professionals or other birth mothers. If you have established a relationship with them, the month of November could provide you with the chance to tell your child their adoption story and how you came to the decision you did.
It’s all too easy to feel alone as a birth mother, but National Adoption Month can change that for you. Attending an event, seminar or support group meeting is the first step and shows your appreciation for how the community is honoring and respecting how you chose adoption. From there, you can determine what you’d like to become more involved in and share what you are experiencing.
You may find that opening up like this will grant you insight into others’ adoption journeys as well, and that they may give you the name of the adoption agency — like Adoption Choices of Missouri — that they worked with. So, don’t be shy. Share your story. Learn from others. This is your moment, this is your time.
4. You are an Amazing Cornerstone in the Adoption Process
Birth mothers are one of the many cornerstones of adoption. The pillars who make homes, loving environments, and carry the mantle of responsibility of caring for and nurturing a child. Mothers and parents make sacrifices all throughout the year, whether during the pregnancy or after. When putting your baby up for adoption, you are making the ultimate sacrifice as a birth mother. You are willingly putting your child’s needs above your own and providing him or her with the chance to live their best life.
We understand the hardship and how bittersweet it can be to choose adoption for you and your baby. That you want what’s best for him or her, and doing everything you can to make that happen. We acknowledge the countless hours of worrying, thinking, and planning that goes in this decision. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy during National Adoption Month, know that you can reach out to one of our adoption counselors. This will provide you with a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental space for you to process your thoughts and emotions. To ask questions, to address your concerns, and to seek solace in the opportunities that you and your child will receive through the adoption process.
5. Others get to Celebrate You
Another one of the reasons why birth mothers should recognize National Adoption Month is because you are a valued member of the adoption triad. Without you, your child and the adoption process wouldn’t exist. There are so many who are grateful to you and other birth mothers, and who have had their lives changed because of your decision.
So, sometime this month, set aside time for you. Practice self care. Do an activity that you enjoy or something that you haven’t been able to do for awhile. Relax. Think of all the other birth mothers who have gone before you, and who may be currently going through what you are. You are important. Relish this, breathe in the positive energy and have some fun. Take pride that you play an important role in helping adoptive parents’ dreams come true. That you are providing a better future for not only yourself, but also your future child.
For Birth Mothers during National Adoption Month
To learn more about National Adoption Month, click here and take a deeper dive into what this beautiful time of year means. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 1-816-527-9800
Meet the Author: My name is Alexander Charles Cooper, I come from a family of four that originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I, along with my younger brother Greyson were born in North Carolina, three years after my parents had wed and moved to the state. Alexander shares his birthday with Maya Angelou, which he takes great pride in.
Growing up, Alexander had the privilege of having both parents in his life and a stable upbringing in which he was surrounded by family and friends. He believes that much of his family foundation is built on faith which has given him a discipline and practice that has allowed him to discover and build his spiritual self. He is also interested in politics and worldly news that allows him to excel in American literature, philosophy/ethics, and higher learning.
From that, his passion in writing bloomed and he found his true calling: “I wished to create and write for a living and know it will be what makes me happiest. My only wish is for me to bring about positive change for others both near and far and leave a lasting legacy that contributes to the overall wellbeing and joy of others.”