I’m Pregnant and Considering Adoption as an Option

If you are pregnant and considering adoption here are important steps when exploring adoption as an option:

1 – DO Your Research

There is a lot of different information you can find on the internet about adoption including different agencies or facilitators you can work with. Do your research on each professional or agency you are considering using. It is important that you work with someone who advocates for YOUR needs. Ask them to speak with women who have worked with them so you can hear first-hand experience. Also be sure to explore ALL your options. Adoption and parenting aren’t the only choices and it’s important to gather facts so you can make the decision that is right for you.

2 – TALK with People Who Have Parented and Those Who Have Placed

Talk with people on both sides and listen to their experiences. You situation and feelings about adoption may vary from them but talking with women who have decided to place as well as parent can help give you a better idea of the bigger picture. Make sure to also talk with women who placed several years ago and see how their experience has changed.

3 – FIND a Great Support System

Whether you stick to your plan of choosing adoption or if you are feeling more unsure, this is a difficult time emotionally and physically and you will need support. If you don’t have family members or friends who are able to support you, online support groups can be another great way to find others who you can confide in and lean on when you need to. Your support system needs to be able to put their own opinions aside and focus on your needs and desires during your pregnancy.

4 – THINK About the Type of Adoption You Want Now and Hope for in the Future

Right now you are considering adoption based on your currently situation. When considering adoption, make sure you also think about how you hope your adoption looks in the future. Does it include visits and updates? Open adoptions in particular have the ability to change over time. Setting a common foundation for how you want that to look now and in the future is an important part of selecting the right family for your child.

You are facing one of the toughest decisions you will make. You are the only one who can make the best decision for yourself and for your child. Family and friends will be quick to share their opinions however your decision will have life-long affects and so you need to listen to the voice within you as to whether or not you parent or place. No one else can make that decision for you.