If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, you are no doubt wondering what to do next. Your situation is unique to you, and only you know what’s best for your future. We want you to know there are options, and one of them is adoption.
Choosing Adoption
Adoption is a lifelong parenting relationship for a child. It is not a situation of “shared custody” or “co-parenting.” It means you have decided to put the needs of your child first. You’re creating a complete circle for your child’s story.
Deciding to make an adoption plan is one of the most challenging yet loving decisions any woman can make. Some women make an adoption plan for their child even before giving birth. Others realize they are unable to parent their child weeks, months, or even years after they’ve made a choice to do so. Neither option makes a woman any less of a mother.
Even though you choose to work closely with an agency or an attorney, you are in complete control. Through them, you select the adoptive family, the overall environment you want for your child, and the amount of contact you wish to have with everyone. Of course, you can also let the adoption coordinator choose the family for you.
Making an Open Adoption Plan
Today, most adoptions are considered “open.” An open adoption plan means you are able to have a face to face relationship with the birth child. The child would know you as the birth parent or biological parent. The birth family literally becomes an extension of the adoptive family, creating relationships that benefit everyone.
You and the adoptive family agree on the type of relationship you wish to have. There may be an awkward tension at first between birth parents and the adoptive couple. A birth mother may worry whether the adoptive couple will include her in their new family. The adoptive family worries the relationship will be too confusing for their child.
By being involved in your child’s new family, you can explain that you chose adoption out of love for them. Open and honest communication helps to calm concerns. A special bond will begin to form between your child, you, and the adoptive parents in time.
How Can We Help You?
At PRC Grand Rapids, we want to discuss your current situation and how we might help now and in the future. We can listen and provide information to assist you in making your decision.
Give us a call and set up an appointment to look more closely at the option of adoption. Our services are always free to our expectant mothers and women who have already given birth.
No one can or should make this decision for you, but we can help. It is a new and challenging journey you are beginning, but we know it will be beautiful.