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.

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.