The most important thing in pregnancy is the health and well-being of an expecting mother and her child. It is natural for an expecting mother to feel overwhelmed about what to do while considering adoption, and it’s important to provide them with support, understanding, and compassion.
As a non-profit adoption agency serving families in Kansas and Missouri, Adoption & Beyond supports the expecting birth mothers and hopeful adoptive families we serve in many ways, including education. Here, we will discuss the best way to support an expecting birth mother and her child through the adoption journey.
Listen and Support the Expecting Birth Mother
Watching a friend or loved one make a difficult decision often encourages the opinions and advice of others. For an expecting mother considering adoption, this advice can be more problematic than it is supportive. What many women need most during this process is an ear to listen and some emotional support.
It is important to understand that while you have opinions on the subject of adoption, an expecting mother is the expert on her own body, her baby, and her personal situation. Meeting her without judgment and with plenty of love will help her most.
Educate Yourself on Adoption
No two adoptions look exactly alike, and it is important to know a bit about the adoption process in Kansas and Missouri. A birth mother may choose to have no contact with the adoptive parents and child in the future (which is extremely rare). Or, she may choose to have an open adoption and remain in contact with the adoptive family as the child grows up.
A birth mother has the power to decide the adoption type and the adoption process that best suit her and her child. If you are wondering how to support a prospective birth mother throughout adoption, a great place to begin is by learning about the adoption process and letting her tell you about the choices she is making that are right for her unique situation.
Accept the Adoption
For a mother considering adoption, the subject of adoption is likely all that is on her mind. Simply stated, choosing adoption is not easy. The expecting mother may need guidance or support through her pregnancy, birth, placement, and lifetime beyond.
It is important to respect the privacy of a mother who is considering adoption for her child. Allow her to bring up the subject, ask opinions, or simply speak about her worries and concerns. If she doesn’t want to discuss the adoption, respect her choice, and just be there for her.
Contact an Adoption Agency Today
If you or a loved one is pregnant and seeking more information about adoption, please feel free to reach out to Adoption & Beyond on our 24/7 Birth Parent Line: 913-271-3554.
Interested in learning more about placing your child for adoption in Kansas and Missouri? Check out our entire guide here.