BraveLove has created this short video to help expecting women and families understand the basics of how adoption works.

How Adoption Works from BraveLove on Vimeo.

Your Next Steps

To learn more about our exact process and support, reach out today. We are available 24/7. Call or Text 765-325-1110 to talk with our support specialist.

We can help you navigate the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with placing your child for adoption.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post How Adoption Works appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

Some women decide to only share with people who they believe will support their decision; some choose to keep the adoption secret from everyone; and some tell everyone they know. Every woman’s situation and personality is different, so it’s up to you how many (or how few) people you’ll tell about your decision.

Here are a few tips for telling loved ones about your adoption plan:

Approaching Family Members

First, try telling family members or friends who you believe will best support your adoption plan. This will help you build the confidence you need to tell others who may be less understanding. You can even have someone by your side who supports your decision (like an adoption agency coordinator) when you share with the rest of your loved ones.

It’s important to remember that telling some people about an unplanned pregnancy and adoption plan at the same time may be overwhelming. So, if your pregnancy is still a secret, you could just share that information for now. If they ask how you’re going to raise this child, you may tell them you’re exploring your options — including placing your baby for adoption.

But if the opportunity presents itself and the timing seems right, feel free to tell your loved ones about your pregnancy and your intentions of pursuing adoption.

What To Expect

You may have had weeks or months to come to terms with your pregnancy, consider all of your options, and learn about adoption. However, the people you’re sharing with are hearing about all of this for the first time — but it can still be hurtful if they’re not supportive right away.

This typically happens because many people still believe that adoptions are cold and impersonal, but small agencies have changed for the better since then. So don’t be afraid to tell your loved ones what you’ve learned about adoption during your pregnancy.

Try to not take other peoples’ responses personally and to understand where they are coming from. Once your loved ones have time to digest everything you’ve told them, they may be able to discuss the situation from a less emotional place and give you support.

After You Tell Them

Having a strong support system will help you in many ways throughout your adoption journey. If you feel comfortable, share with your loved ones what led you to this decision, or invite them to be involved in your adoption plan. 

You could also tell them it would mean a lot to you if they’d attend appointments with you, help you choose an adoptive family, or be with you at the hospital when you deliver the baby. Placing your child for adoption is a selfless yet emotional decision, so having people to support you during and after your pregnancy can bring you comfort and peace of mind.

No matter whom you choose to tell about your adoption plan, remember that this is your decision. While it may be difficult to cope with loved ones who don’t agree with your choice, you know what is truly best for you and your baby.

We can help you navigate the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with placing your child for adoption.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Telling Others About Your Adoption Plan appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

If you’re looking for post-adoption support and resources for birth moms, we have a list of podcasts, support groups, books, and more to guide you.

Podcasts & Content

We’ve provided a podcast, video content platform, blog, and national organization that can help you find support and community during and after your placement experience. 

Twisted Sisterhood

The Twisted Sisterhood podcast is hosted by two birth moms, Ashley Mitchell and Kelsey Vander. In this podcast, Ashley and Kelsey discuss the hardships and emotions they and other birth moms have experienced. 

• instagram.com/twistedsisterhoodpodcast/
• Ashley’s Instagram: @bigtoughgirl  
• Kelsey’s Instagram: @fromanthamotha 
• https://linktr.ee/twistedsisterhoodpodcast

Knee to Knee

Ashley Mitchell, cohost of the Twisted Sisterhood podcast, founded Knee to Knee. She creates video content for women who have made a huge loving sacrifice to place their child for adoption. In Ashley’s videos, she is open and raw about her experiences and journey as a birth mom. She also provides lifting content and resources for fellow birth mothers.

• Ashley’s Instagram: @bigtoughgirl
• vimeo.com/kneetoknee 
• sitkneetoknee.com/birthmothers

The Grace Bond 

The Grace Bond is an initiative by Leah Outten, a woman who lovingly placed her daughter for adoption at the age of 16. Now an adult, and a mother to five, Leah is an advocate and spokeswoman for birth moms. 

• instagram.com/thegracebond/
• facebook.com/thegracebond

BraveLove

BraveLove is a national organization that acknowledges the pain birth moms go through by making the brave decision to place their children for adoption. BraveLove shares stories written by many birth mothers. You can also find videos where birth moms discuss their experiences and stories. 

BraveLove holds both in-person and virtual events throughout the year to support women who have chosen to place their children for adoption. 

• instagram.com/joinbravelove/ 
• bravelove.org

Support Groups

While there aren’t many support groups local to Lafayette, we have included some groups and event possibilities in Indianapolis and Chicago area, as well as some virtual options.

BraveLove

You can find birth mom support events at the link below. BraveLove also hosts birth parent-focused retreats. Because it’s is a national organization, you can search for events throughout the United States. 

• bravelove.org/events 
• Go to bravelove.org/post_adoption_support and click on the bold red “varied list” to find a list of groups and retreats throughout the United States.

Adoption Support Center’s Support Group

This agency provides support groups in the Indianapolis area. 

• adoptionsupportcenter.com/birth-moms-post-placement/
• 317.255.5916 or 800.274.1084

Open Adoption, Double the Love

This is a private Facebook group comprised of all members from the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees). Members share and support one another in their open adoption journeys: facebook.com/groups/openadoptiondoublethelove.

Adoptions of Indiana

Adoptions of Indiana is an adoption agency that also facilitates a private Facebook group for birth parents. They ask that you call their office to be added to the group. 

• adoptionsofindiana.org/life-long-support/
• 317.505.0935

On Your Feet Foundation

This foundation focuses almost completely on the referral and support of birth moms. 

• onyourfeetfoundation.org
• facebook.com/groups/1410222069003975

Books & Articles

There are many reading materials (including these short articles) which you may find useful now or at some point down the road.

“Birth Parent Loss & Grief”

This two-page article by Patricia E. Roles walks through the grief process birth parents (specifically mothers) go through.

She describes the numbness and denial which may occur in the initial stage, followed by an eruption of feelings that occurs after the shock and denial start to pass. These feelings can be sadness, emptiness, anger, fear, panic, and anxiety; all are normal. Patricia concludes with the “accepting the adoption” stage. Click here to read the article.

“Choosing for One Child & Not Another”

In this two-page article based on her own experiences, Brenda Romanchik describes how to navigate an open adoption and the questions the child might have down the road. Click here to read the article.

“Grief & Open Adoption”

This article is also by Brenda Romanchik, who goes into further detail about the feelings involved with placing a child for adoption. These emotions include shock, denial, sorrow, depression, anger, guilt, acceptance, and resolution. Click here to read the article.

Looking for more post-adoption support? We can help.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Resources for Birth Moms appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

If you’re looking for post-adoption support and resources for birth fathers, here’s a list of support groups, books, articles, and videos to help you.

Support Groups

On Your Feet Foundation

While this foundation focuses mainly on assisting birth mothers, they also have a private Facebook support group for birth fathers: www.facebook.com/groups/160712467788760/.

Books & Articles

“A Birth Father Story”

In this two-page article, Paul Weber tells the story of his experiences as a birth father in a closed adoption. While he doesn’t go into many details, Paul describes his thoughts in the years after the adoption. Click here to read the article.

“Stepping Out of the Shadows: Birth Fathers Speak Out”

This article summarizes a book titled Out of the Shadows: Birth Fathers’ Stories. Author Mary Martin Mason describes the interviews she had with different birth fathers. Click here to read the article.

Ever After: Fathers & the Impact of Adoption

In this book, Gary Coles (an adoptive father) focuses on the impact adoption has on the birth fathers. You can buy the book on Amazon here.

BraveLove

While BraveLove mainly focuses on assisting birth mothers, they’ve also shared some stories from birth fathers: bravelove.org/tags/birth_father.

Videos

These videos are all under 5 minutes long and feature a birth father discussing his experiences throughout the pregnancy and adoption process. 

• Tim’s Story: Finding Out About the Unplanned Pregnancy
• Tim’s Story: The Role of a Birth Father
• Tim’s Story:  Advice to Other Birth Fathers
• Tim’s Story: The Decision-Making Process
• Tim’s Story: Open Adoption & Choosing an Adoptive Family

Looking for more post-adoption support? We can help.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Resources for Birth Fathers appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

Expecting moms often don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing an adoption path and getting guidance throughout the process. But if you’re interested in creating an adoption plan for your child, we’ll walk you through everything you should expect during your pregnancy and adoption journey.

Here are the steps you’ll take to create an adoption plan:

1. Learn your options and ask any questions you have.

Whether you just found out that you’re pregnant, or you’ve been weighing your options for a while, you can text or call 765.326.1110 to speak with our Birth Family Coordinator. She can answer any questions you have about pregnancy and your options.

Many pregnant women don’t think about this, but there are other paths besides parenting and abortion. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your baby is to make the loving, selfless decision to place them for adoption and give them a more secure future. But we won’t pressure you into choosing adoption or even working with Gifts of Grace. This is your journey and decision.

2. Share your story, needs, and desires with us.

When you meet with us in our safe, welcoming office, we’ll invite you to share your story and pregnancy journey so far. Whether you know what you want for your baby, or you have no idea what to do or where to turn, our team can support and comfort you.

Our Birth Family Coordinator will also work with you to review your pregnancy and birth options, discuss your immediate and long-term goals, and understand what you want for your child. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re ready to raise a baby, we can walk through this questionnaire with you.

3. Become a client and create an adoption plan.

We know placing a child for adoption is a hard decision, but it’s one you’re making out of love and selflessness. If you choose this path for your baby, you’ll sign an agreement to become a Gifts of Grace client!

Once you’re officially partnered with us, we’ll review your needs and discuss community resources that may benefit you. These include housing expense assistance, transportation to doctor’s appointments, help in getting health insurance, and more. Having these things in place will help you form a secure adoption plan and give you peace of mind.

4. Receive ongoing support during your pregnancy.

An unplanned pregnancy can be a scary experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you already have a great support system, or you need a shoulder to cry on, our team will be here for you throughout your pregnancy and adoption journey.

Along with providing emotional support, we’ll work to understand your preferences for an adoptive family match. We’ll also discuss your desires for the future — specifically, whether or not you’d like to form a relationship with the adoptive family and/or receive post-adoption support from us.

5. Match with an adoptive family of your choice.

Our Birth Family Coordinator will present waiting families to you and help you match with the best one for your baby. This is a major decision, so take your time learning about each family and considering what you’re looking for in an adoptive couple.

No matter whom you choose, you’ll see lives change when you make the loving decision to provide a bright future for your child by placing them with a great adoptive family.

6. Meet the family and make a hospital/delivery plan.

Once you match with a waiting family, you can meet with them if you’d like. Both our Birth Family Coordinator and Adoptive Family Coordinator will help you in building a relationship, setting up communication (and boundaries), and more.

You’ll also work with our Birth Family Coordinator to develop a hospital and delivery plan, which we’ll share with the family you’ve chosen. This will help you (and the adoptive family) feel confident and make sure things go smoothly once your baby is born.

7. Deliver your baby and sign placement forms.

Once you go into labor, we’ll take you to the hospital (if you need transportation) and help you make sure your delivery plan is followed. After you deliver your baby, you and the adoptive family can spend as much time with him or her as you’d like.

Then, you and the adoptive family will sign and notarize all the required legal documents. This is usually a very emotional time for birth moms as they officially place their baby with another family, so we’ll be by your side the entire time for support.

8. Stay connected with (or say goodbye to) the adoptive family.

After your baby goes home with the adoptive family, you can continue a relationship with them and your child, if you like. Some birth moms decide to stay in touch with the family and baby so they can watch their child develop and thrive.

Other birth moms know the emotional toll of seeing their baby raised by someone else will be too much, so they choose to part ways with the family and child after the adoption. That’s perfectly fine, too; we’ll respect your decision either way.

9. Receive support from Gifts of Grace (if you’d like).

Even after your pregnancy and delivery, we’ll be here for you if you’d like post-adoption support. That includes free articles and resources, support groups with other birth moms, and more. 

Many birth moms experience a wide range of emotions after placing a baby for adoption; relief, guilt, sadness, anxiety, confusion, and so on. A strong support system — whether that’s our team, your loved ones, or both — can help you process these feelings.

Ready to create an adoption plan? We’re here to help.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Creating an Adoption Plan: What to Expect appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

The following questionnaire will help you consider your finances, support systems, beliefs, and long-term goals as you decide which path to take for your child.

Here are a few things to consider when trying to decide if you’re ready to be a parent: 

Home & Emotional Support

• Who will emotionally support me during my pregnancy? Will they still support me if I decide to parent my child? 
• Do I have people in my life who can help me raise/take care of the baby?
• Where will I live if I choose to raise my child? Do I have room in my home for them?

Income & Financial Resources

• What are my financial resources and/or income? 
• What income will I need to pay for rent, formula, diapers, daycare, and baby supplies? 
• Who will help me financially? (parents, a spouse/partner, etc.)
• Do I qualify for certain resources that could help me raise my child? (WIC, government assistance, etc.)

Personal Goals & Parenting Beliefs

• What are my long-term goals for myself? How will pregnancy and parenting affect those goals? 
• What are my goals for this child? 
• What is my concept of being a good parent to a child? 
• How will I approve/disapprove of myself if I make an adoption plan?

Pros & Cons of Your Options

• What options have I considered? 
• What are the immediate and long-term consequences of those options? 
• What are the potential pros and cons for myself if I choose adoption? 
• What are the potential pros and cons for myself if I choose parenting?

Still unsure whether you should raise your child or place them for adoption?

We can help you review your options while supporting you during your entire pregnancy.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Are you ready to be a parent? appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

Hear from Jocelyn, a Gifts of Grace birth mom who lovingly placed her daughter for open adoption.

Could you tell us your name?

My name is Jocelyn. I am 23 years old, and I am a birth mom. 

How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant?

I was scared and terrified. But it was happening. I was pregnant.

Were you initially considering adoption?

No. We (the birth father and I) were planning to parent. At 26 weeks, we learned Paisley had Down Syndrome. At that moment, we were still planning on parenting, but we had also learned that she had a hole in her heart and stomach.

As we began to research Down Syndrome, though, we realized we were not ready to take on a role like that. We weren’t mature enough. We knew one of us would have to stay home full time to care for Paisley. We both financially needed to work. We knew in that moment that adoption would be best for Paisley.

What advice did the doctors give you regarding Paisley’s medical needs?

The doctors wanted me to abort Paisley. With her disability and the hole in her heart and stomach, they said her quality of life wouldn’t be good. They said I would most likely give birth to a stillborn baby. I told them, either way, I was having this child.

What was it like working with Gifts of Grace?

It was challenging. I never thought I would go through an adoption process with my firstborn child. Meeting with my Birth Family Coordinator weekly helped me feel better about it. And I knew that I got to choose the family for my daughter. It wasn’t an agency picking a family I didn’t know or strangers for my child.

Do you still have a relationship with your child?

Yes. We have an open adoption. We (the adoptive family and I) reach out a lot via email, and I get to visit Paisley once every other month. I still have a life and relationship with her.

What has been the greatest reward of adoption?

I still get to see Paisley and have a relationship with her no matter what. I still get to see her take on life challenges and achievements. She gets to grow up around me. It’s the best reward I could ask for through this adoption process.

What advice would you give to a woman considering adoption?

If you are considering adoption, it is not a bad thing. It is the most selfless and brave thing you can do for your child. I would suggest an open adoption so you can still have a relationship with your child. 

We can help you navigate the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with placing your child for adoption.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Meet a Birth Mom Named Jocelyn appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

Here’s a story from Trista, one of our birth moms who worked with a local agency that truly cares about expecting parents like her — before and after a child is born.

What led you to choose adoption? 

I thought I had a miscarriage earlier in the year, but the hospital was incorrect. It wasn’t until I was in labor that we learned I was pregnant. I had to make a choice to either create an adoption plan or bring my son into a terrible situation of homelessness, financial strain, and unprepared parents. 

What did you think about adoption before and after? 

​I had no idea what to think about adoption. Now I think it’s one of the best things for not only adoptive parents who can’t have children of their own, but also for expectant mothers who might be in the same situation I was. 

​Why did you pick Gifts of Grace? How was your experience? 

I picked Gifts of Grace because I just had a good feeling about them when I was looking at the list of agencies. Everyone I worked with truly cared about me. ​I remember after I signed the adoption papers the Gifts of Grace staff stayed with me and cried with me. 

​What’s your greatest wish for future birth moms? 

​My greatest wish is for future birth moms to know that it gets better over time and that they aren’t alone. 

We can help you navigate the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with placing your child for adoption.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Trista: A Birth Mom appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

In this post, you’ll hear from a brave Gifts of Grace birth mom who chose the perfect adoptive family for her son after an unexpected pregnancy.

Not many people know this, but about three years ago, I had an unexpected son.

I didn’t show, I didn’t gain weight, I didn’t have morning sickness or any other pregnancy symptoms. I had a regular period and everything. But one day, I started just bleeding very very badly, so I went to the emergency room. Come to find out, I was in labor. I had no idea. I was not prepared, and I didn’t know what to do.

So I decided to talk to a woman from an adoption agency. And she was an angel from above. She helped me through all my questions. She explained everything and brought me six different books on potential adoptive families.

The first book I looked at … something in my heart told me it’s them.

I looked at all the other books, but I couldn’t change my mind. I knew they were the ones. 

I pray every night that [the adoptive family] will be safe and that someone will see what I saw. They are beyond amazing. They made me not regret my choice ever. They made me a better person. I’ve since had another son and introduced him to them. It’s like we are one big family. ​

They will always be part of me. And I’ve finally decided to share my story.

We can help you navigate the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with placing your child for adoption.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post If You Ever Need a Choice: A Gifts of Grace Birth Mom Story appeared first on Gifts of Grace.