There’s no doubt about it; choosing adoption for your baby is a big decision. So, it’s common to feel unsure if adoption is right for your life and your baby’s future. Many women considering adoption worry that they might regret this decision in the future. You might be thinking, “But what if I change my mind about adoption? Can I place my baby up for adoption and get him back later?”
Adoption is a decision that’s ultimately up to you. If you’re unsure if the adoptive parents you chose are the right ones, make sure to voice your concerns to your Adoption Coordinator. But if you’re not sure about adoption in general, the smartest thing you can do right now is to get as much information as possible. We want to provide you with all the information and resources possible so that you can make an informed decision about adoption.
Why Adoption?
Before you decide to parent, it’s important to remember why you chose adoption in the first place. Ask yourself a few questions:
Has anything changed in my life that would make parenting easier?
Why did I start the adoption planning process?
Common reasons why women create an adoption plan:
- Can’t afford to support a child
- Not living in an environment that’s safe for raising a child
- Her parents won’t let her live at home with her baby
- Father of her baby won’t provide child support, and she can’t support a child on her own
- Have children already, and doesn’t have the resources to raise another
- Too young to become a parent
- Future goals, or is still in college
- Desire to provide her child with a better life than the one she can right now.
- Doesn’t believe in abortion.
Take the time you need to genuinely consider your feelings, plans, and what’s going to work for the long-term. Be up-front with your Adoption Coordinator. Communicate clearly with them, and with the adoptive couple you’d already chosen to raise your baby.
Remember, it’s never too late to choose adoption. If parenting doesn’t go as you’d hoped, you can always come back to adoption.
No-Cost, Unbiased Counseling
We encourage you to get counseling throughout your adoption planning process. At no cost to you, Lifetime Christian Adoption can connect you with a licensed third-party counselor. By “third-party,” we mean that the therapist has no personal interest in whether or not you end up doing an adoption. The counselor is there to help you navigate the wide range of emotions you might be feeling right now.
Peer support is also available to you for free. With this option, you can chat with a mom who chose adoption. Since she’s been where you are right now, she’s able to share what to expect as you get closer to your baby’s birth. Make sure to share with her if you’re having hesitations about going through with the adoption.
Get All the Information You Can
The best thing you can do right now is to prepare yourself with as much information as possible. Search for support as you make this big decision, whether it’s from a close friend, counselor, or even your Adoption Coordinator. Adoption is a tough decision to make, and even when you’re on the right path, you may have moments of doubt.
Lifetime isn’t here to pressure you into making an adoption plan. Remember, you have rights and choices with adoption.
To get access to no-cost, unbiased counseling and peer support, call or text Lifetime Adoption at 1-800-923-6784.
You’re not alone as you think about whether adoption is right for you!
Written by Heather Featherston
As the Vice President (VP) of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
You’re not alone as you think about whether adoption is right for you!
As the Vice President (VP) of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
