Unplanned Pregnancy? Giving Your Baby Up for Adoption?

Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy is not easy.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy there is no easy choice. Parenting a child when you are not ready is not easy and is not always best for the child. Abortion can seem like an easy answer but it is a choice that can haunt you throughout your life. Adoption is not easy but it is a very loving and unselfish choice, a choice that gives your baby the gift of life.

Choosing adoption means you put the life and happiness of your child above your own needs.

Facing an Unexpected Pregnancy is Emotional and Confusing

When facing an unplanned pregnancy it is normal to feel many emotions. As you decide what to do it is important to draw support from the people you trust.  Although the support of loved ones is important only you know what is best for you and for your baby.

Seek the help of neutral people who can listen and help you sort through all of your feelings.  Do not let anyone pressure you. You will need to be able to express every thought and feeling without judgment as you make this decision.

If you are not sure what to do a pregnancy counseling center can help you weigh your options. If adoption is your choice we are here to help you get all of the help you need as you go through your pregnancy.

Open Adoption or Closed Adoption- Your Call

If you decide that adoption is your choice you can create an adoption plan that focuses on your needs and desires.

Every woman is unique and not everyone wants the same type of adoption.  Some women want a very open adoption with ongoing contact throughout the years, while some prefer a closed adoption with very little involvement between them and the adopting family.

The most typical adoption is one where you select the family you want to adopt your baby. You meet them and get to know them as you await the birth of your baby.  You get pictures letters and updates through the years. This type of adoption is called semi open.

Fully open adoption means you would have ongoing face to face visits through the years. Some women want this and feel it is comforting and others feel that visits would be too difficult emotionally.

We have families that are open to whatever level of contact you want or need.

 As you start the adoption process you may not have any idea what you will want or need. You will be provided guidance from an adoption professional to help you make these decisions.

If Adoption is Your Choice Where do You Begin?

The most important part of the adoption process is finding the right adoptive family for your baby. Only you know who that is. Most women say their heart guided them to the right family and they just knew that was where their child was meant to be.

Do not be limited or let anyone push you to select a certain family. You should be able to specify all the things that are important to you and to choose from families who fit your specific criteria.

Things that may matter to you could be their age, where they live, their lifestyle. Some women get very specific and look for families who share their interests and passions and some are just drawn to a family for no specific reason.

Make sure you have options and that you find the right family. Make sure that the family you choose has completed an adoption home study. That is the only way you can be sure they have been carefully screened.

Once you have selected the family you may not know what questions to ask or what services you are entitled to.

You should have someone who can provide you legal representation at no cost to you. Counseling by a trained adoption counselor who can offer you emotional support throughout your pregnancy, should be offered to you. Any medical expenses that are not covered by your insurance should be covered by the adopting family.  Most states allow you to receive some help with your pregnancy related living expenses. Every state has different laws regarding expenses. Be sure to ask what is allowed in your state.

You should feel great about the professionals you work with. You should feel that they are there for you and that they do not make you feel judged or pushed.