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.
