4 Tips on Involving Your Friends & Family in Your Adoption Plan
As a birth mother who has made the decision to place her child up for adoption, you have much to consider when it comes to your adoption plan. Though an adoption plan is nothing legally binding, it is an arrangement created by you to make sure your child is placed in a safe, positive environment with loving adoptive parents. What is an adoption plan? It is an outline that ensures you have all needed information before making any final decisions. After all, your goal is to do what is best for you and your baby.
Placing a child for adoption in Arizona is an emotional experience for a birth mother, her family, and her adoptive family. That’s why having close family around is just what you need during difficult times. If you want to bring along a trusted friend or family member with you, that is completely okay. We understand that your family might also have questions regarding the adoption, and how they can be involved.
Thankfully, Adoption Choices of Arizona is here to assist you. We have arranged this resource of four helpful tips on involving your friends and family in your adoption plan that is sure to prepare you for your adoption journey.
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 1-480-900-5520 or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.
Explain the Type of Adoption to Your Family
Many families are curious as to whether or not you will be able to see her child on a regular basis. Of course, this depends on if you have opted for a closed, semi-open or open adoption. While you are not obligated to explain yourself, you may need to describe why you chose the type of adoption you did for you and your child to your family. Especially if they want to be involved in your adoption journey and support you. Letting them know what each type of adoption offers will give them a better understanding of how life will look once the adoption process has been finalized.
Your family will, no doubt, will have their own opinions on your choice of adoption, and try to persuade you one way or the other, but let them know that this is what you felt was best. Remind them that this is your decision and you appreciate their feedback and concern.
Consider Who You Want to Come to Your Doctor’s Appointments
Throughout your pregnancy, you will have routine checkups with your doctor and healthcare team to make sure everything is going smoothly with you and the baby. It is here you will receive information on your unplanned pregnancy options and given resources if you want to place your child for adoption. Your doctor will also give you tips on how to eat healthy, what activities are okay, depending on the trimester you are in, and how to take good care of yourself overall. Your support system could also help you stay on track with your doctor’s tips on staying healthy.
Because these appointments are more personal, think about what friends and family you’d want to come with you. Would you consider allowing your child’s adoptive parents to witness their child in the ultrasound room? Do you want them to come with you for doctor’s appointments? Would you prefer your parents? Close friend? Think of who in your support system would best help and support you throughout these appointments.
Consider Your Adoption Hospital Plan
Giving birth is an experience an expectant mother should not have to go through alone. As wonderful as it can be, having a child comes with its difficulties. Having trusted friends or family members with you at the hospital the day you are to give birth is one of the most memorable options for involving your friends and family in your adoption hospital birth plan.
Who would you want in the delivery room with you? Who would you not mind holding the baby after the birth? Who would you be happy to see in the waiting room? Who do you want to take you home afterwards? The answers to these questions will help determine your support system, and who should be included in your hospital plan.
Introduce Your Friends and Family to the Adoptive Family
Allowing your friends and family to get to know your adoptive family will bring everyone closer together. It will help your struggling friends and family feel better about the adoption taking place. Once your support system sees how happy your adoptive family is with their new child, they will trust the decision you made for yourself and your child. They will trust that your child is going to a safe and pleasant environment.
Think about how you would prefer your friends and family to meet the adoptive family. What if everybody went out for breakfast or lunch together? Would you feel comfortable if everyone met at your home? What if the adoptive family suggested everyone gather at their home? This could be a nice way for you and your support system to see where your child will grow up.
Remember, Adoption is Your Decision
As the birth mother, it is your responsibility to do what is best for you and your child. Birth mothers all need support when making this tough decision. Though difficult, placing a child for adoption is one of the most responsible decisions any expectant mother can make. The goal is to make sure the child has the best life, knowing you are unable to provide that. It is possible you will experience judgement from others, but there are those who are supportive and understanding. Those are the people who you want by your side during your adoption journey.
For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are an prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the author: Amanda Glover is a recent graduate from Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, Georgia. She has earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Writing. Amanda is currently editing her first novel. Besides being a published novelist, her dreams include singing in a musical, becoming a figure skater, and traveling to Europe.
When she is not writing, she is reading a good romance or suspense book, painting a landscape on canvas, watching a comedy or thriller, or spending time with her friends and family. She loves fashion, books, music, pets, and all things Whimsical. Amanda currently lives in Decatur, Georgia.
