Open adoption provides a path for moms and families to work together.
If you’ve been exploring adoption options, you’ve likely comes across the term “open adoption.” This is an adoption option that allows moms-to-be to have more say in adoption placement and in many cases allows future contact based on the desires of both families involved.
For decades, the majority of adoptions were closed. It was believed at that time that it was best for both the birth moms and adoptive families to have a clear break with no contact. In many cases, birth moms went through labor and delivery alone and never laid eyes on their precious bundle.
Recognizing that this practice may be doing more harm than good, open adoptions started emerging in the mid-1970s and were fairly common by the early 90s. Today, most experts believe that open adoptions are not only healthier for birth moms who no longer have to wonder what happened to their babies, but also better for the children, who get to grow up knowing their personal story and health history. There is no shocking announcement about being adopted later and a lack of photos and information that help children understand who they are and where they came from. Children will never wonder if they look like their mom or enjoy cooking like their grandma. They have the answers they need thanks to your involvement.
Open adoption welcomes you to be a part of your child’s story.
If you know that you don’t have the resources or ability to raise a child at this time in your life, open adoption can help you find a family who will love your baby as if she was their own. It will also keep the lines of communication open so you can receive photos, share letters and phone calls. The boundaries, which will be determined by the birth mother and adoptive parents, will be outlined in the adoption papers so everyone has a clear understanding how the arrangement will work.
That’s important because you need to realize that open adoption is not a joint parenting agreement. Your child will legally be adopted and all decisions regarding her health and well-being will be decided by her adoptive parents. Open adoption simply allows you to have a relationship with your child without parenting every day.
Open adoption is a good choice for pregnant teens if you believe adoption is your best option, but have doubts about never knowing what happened to your child. That can be a huge burden that may lay heavy on the heart for decades to come.
Instead, open adoption allows you to stay connected to your baby. It eases any fears you may have that you didn’t make the right decision or that you child isn’t well taken care of. Open adoption is the best of both worlds, giving you the access your heart wants while providing a solid foundation for your child’s future that your brain wants.
We know that choosing adoption is not an easy decision, but we also know the miracles that it can bring for everyone involved. You are not alone and it is not too late.
Connect with one of our Options Counselors today through the chat button, email info@openarmsadoptionagency.com or call (206) 492-4196 and ask to learn about your options for you and your baby at any stage.
