5 Types of People You Need on Your Adoption Team
Choosing to place your baby for adoption is a complex and emotional decision. It’s not one that can be made or taken lightly. It’s also not one that any pregnant woman should have to make alone. This is true whether you are new to the adoption world or are placing for the second or tenth time. There are many moving pieces involved in your adoption journey, and you’ll want to make sure that you have the right amount of support for you every step of the way.
If you need help with adoption now, you can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here.
If you are an expectant mother, considering adoption as an option for you and your child, Adoption Choices of Texas is here to help you. Your health, safety, well-being — and that of your child — is important to us, and we understand that choosing adoption is not an easy decision to make. That’s why we have put together a resource that will give you information on the types of people you need on your adoption team to help ensure that you have the most positive and empowering adoption journey possible.
- Your Doctor and Healthcare Providers
As soon as your at-home pregnancy test shows positive, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor and/or OBGYN to confirm that you are, in fact, pregnant. This is because, while at-home pregnancy tests boast 99% accuracy, your doctor and healthcare team are going to be the best resources when it comes to that remaining 1%. In other words, depending on the brand and where it was purchased, an at-home pregnancy test — even if you took multiple — may show a false positive. But, the blood tests and urine samples ordered by your doctor will let you know for sure. Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, you’ll want to make sure that you keep up with all the routine checkups and prenatal care appointments to ensure that both you and your baby stay happy and healthy.
Your doctor and healthcare providers are essential people to have on your adoption team, as they know your medical and health history in-depth. They will be able to tell you any and all risk factors, how to best take care of yourself, and whether or not you can safely carry your baby to term. Knowing all this information can have a huge impact on how you decide to proceed in your adoption journey.
- Your Adoption Caseworker
When you choose to work with Adoption Choices of Texas, you will be assigned an adoption caseworker who will help you navigate the adoption process. They will be there to answer any questions, address any concerns and guide you through your adoption journey from start to finish. While you have full control over all the decisions and what your adoption journey looks like, your adoption caseworker will always be there for you every step of the way.
Your adoption caseworker is a huge advocate for you and another essential member to have on your adoption team. Not only will your adoption caseworker help you create an adoption plan that best fits your needs, but they will also be there in the hospital with you on the day of delivery should you change your mind about anything. Without the help and support of your adoption caseworker, the adoption process can feel extremely stressful and overwhelming.
- Your Counselor/Therapist or Mental Health Professional
It’s no secret that there are many emotions associated with adoption — both good and bad. This can greatly impact your mental health and overall well-being throughout your pregnancy and adoption journey. Thus, another type of person you should have on your adoption team is an adoption counselor or a mental health professional. Someone who can come alongside you in the tougher times and help you build coping skills, process your feelings and grieve healthfully.
If you’d like to speak with a counselor who specializes in adoption, our adoption agency offers free counseling services to all of our birth mothers. So, you can make an appointment with an adoption counselor at any time — virtually or in person. All sessions are safe, nonjudgmental and confidential. You can feel secure in whatever you share and gain the encouragement, comfort and support you need to help you through your adoption journey.
- Your Friends and Family
While it’s important to have medical and adoption professionals in your corner, other types of people you need on your adoption team include your friends and family. You don’t need to involve all of them if you don’t want to. But if there’s a trusted friend, family member or your partner or spouse who you feel comfortable opening up to that could come in very handy for you. Especially on days where you need a distraction or someone to get you out of the house to have some stress-relieving fun. Or on days where you need a shoulder to cry on and someone who will listen patiently and give you a hug.
Who do you go to during hard times now? Who is someone who knows you? They may be good people to call up and talk to. Ask if they’d be willing to be there for you through the good days and bad.
- Birth Mother Support Groups
We understand that having your friends, family or partner or spouse on your adoption team may not always be possible. If you are in this situation, that’s okay. There are other options available. Considering joining a support group. One that is specifically made for birth mothers or soon-to-be birth mothers. You can attend these either in person or virtually.
If you aren’t sure where to find birth mother support groups, try searching on social media. There are many groups available via Facebook, MeetUp and other similar outlets. You can also consult with your adoption caseworker to see if they can offer any guidance or provide any resources for birth mother support groups in your area.
Types of People You Need on Your Adoption Team
By yourself, adoption can feel stressful and overwhelming. That is why it’s so important to remember you are not alone. Whether it’s through our adoption agency, your healthcare provider’s office, your inner circle of family and friends or a birth mother support group, there are many people who are ready and willing to support you throughout your adoption journey. To ensure that you feel confident, valued, respected and loved every step of the way.
If you are a pregnant woman considering adoption, and wanting to learn more about how to begin the adoption process and build your adoption team, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our adoption agency has multiple locations across the state of Texas. We are located in Irving, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Corpus, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, and have helped expectant women and birth mothers from all walks of life have positive adoption experiences.
It doesn’t matter what you are facing or what your circumstances are — you are not alone. Adoption is an adoption, and we are here for you. As an expectant woman or birth parent, to learn more about adoption, contact Adoption Choices of Texas. You can call us at 945-444-0333, text us at 945-444-0333, or email us here. If you are hoping to adopt, please visit us here. We look forward to helping you through your adoption journey!
Meet the Author: Amy Goodrich is a recent graduate from UMBC with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She is very passionate about writing, and hopes to hone her creative and professional writing skills while learning about the publishing industry. One day, she hopes to work in a publishing house in New York.
As a child, Amy wanted to be an astronaut because of her love of the night sky. Today, however, she is content to stargaze and study the mysteries within books and the internet. When she isn’t reading or writing, Amy can be found hanging out with her friends.
