What to Expect as a Birth Mother Following the Adoption
In the days following the adoption, you as the birth mother are probably going to intermittently experience mixed feelings about your decision. We at Adoption Choices of Arizona are here to reassure you that you made the best decision, and it only gets better from here on out. Here is what you should expect in the days following the adoption:
Expect grief but a worthwhile healing process
You may begin to regret your decision once the pain of feeling alone sets in, but it’s important to remember you’re not alone at all. You are surrounded by a plethora of loved ones who will be there to remind you that you indeed did make the right choice. Pain has a funny way of forcing people to doubt their choices, but if you were confident enough to go through with it initially, you knew what you were doing. Don’t let anything change your mind.
Expect occasional updates for open adoptions, nothing else for closed adoptions
Of course with an open adoption, you’re bound to be anticipating update after update. However, don’t expect them regularly. When you signed the papers, you promised the adoptive parents and your child a new life, and that doesn’t mean you’re going to hear about every move they make. You should go over these expectations before the adoption is finalized, though. As for closed adoptions, the process is completely over. Don’t expect any further contact, if there was any in the first place.
Expect a different outlook on life
Anyone who says any part of the adoption process is easy clearly has never been involved in one. It’s going to have a lasting impact, and with that may come a renewed outlook on life. It may feel strange at first, but you just have to let it happen. If you’re not comfortable with how you’re feeling, talk to someone you trust. If you’re discerning things you’ve never noticed before, that’s evident you’re growing and healing.
Adoption is life-changing. Talk to someone you love about how you’re feeling, and keep in mind that you did what you felt was right. That’s all that really matters.
For more adoption resources, visit Adoption Choices of Arizona or text us at 1-480-900-5520.
