Adopting in Oklahoma During COVID-19
This pandemic has changed so many things in life. Meetings have gone virtual, wearing a facemask everywhere we go has become mandatory, and social distancing guidelines have greatly altered every aspect of our lives. Things, unfortunately, are not the same way that they used to be. However, this does not mean that everything in the world has to stop. There are still socially-distanced ways to participate in almost every part of life. Adopting in Oklahoma during COVID-19, for instance, is one area of life that is still possible. While things might look a little different, it is still possible to place your baby for adoption during the current coronavirus pandemic.
At Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, we never want you to feel discouraged from placing your baby up for adoption. It is still possible, and our amazing team will make sure to comfort you to their best ability throughout the process.We have compiled a list of the ways in which it is different and hopefully ease your concerns about adoption through these crazy times.
Adopting in Oklahoma During COVID-19
Is it Still Possible to Place Your Baby for Adoption?
Absolutely! Babies have their own schedule and enter the world whether there is a global pandemic going on or not. While the process might look different, it is still completely possible to place your baby for adoption safely during COVID-19. One thing that will never change is Adoption Choices of Oklahoma’s support to you — the birth mother. We will still be there every step of the way, communicating with you and guiding you through whatever changes there have been in the process.
Communication During COVID-19
Due to social distance guidelines, the way people communicate has also changed. While before there would be a lot of in person meetings, things have now changed to become more virtually-based to prevent all physical spread of the virus. For example, some meetings might be held over a phone call or video conference rather than in person. The switch to a mainly virtual way of communicating is to ensure the safety of all parties involved. However, the messages we communicate and the process is still entirely the same.
Also, for bonding between you and the adoptive family, it might be easier to call or text each other rather than trying to meet up in person. While some worry about having issues connecting with the adoptive family virtually, it is still possible to develop those deep connections over phone or video chat. As a birth mother, you can still find the right adoptive family over video, and both parties can still ask and discuss all the questions they have been wondering about.
Will COVID cause delays in my adoption process?
Delays in the adoption process will vary from person by person due to the different ways of communication. Normally, if things were happening in person, we could sit you down in an office, have you sign paperwork and answer any questions you have all at once. However, since we are working remotely for the time being, it might be quicker or slower than normal. The length of time it takes depends on how quickly you take to email or call back.
The Hospital Experience
As with most hospitals, many in Oklahoma do have restrictions on visitation to a hospital room during COVID. There are over 144 hospitals in Oklahoma, though, so visitation rules are different depending on the hospital that you pick. While some might not allow any visitors, others might have one or two visitors allowed in the room or in an adjacent room after childbirth. It all will depend on the hospital. This is one of the many reasons why communication is so important. Your adoption caseworkers will work with your child’s adoptive family and with you before the delivery of your baby to ensure everyone knows the proper procedures of that hospital.
Travelling During COVID
One of the biggest fears during the adoption process is that the adoptive families will not be able to make it to childbirth in enough time. As of right now, there are no statewide restrictions for travel in Oklahoma. However, if your child’s adoptive family is travelling from a different state, there might be restrictions when it comes to airline travel. Most planes are limiting the amount of people on them, including leaving the middle seat empty or having one person per row. Also, masks are being required in the majority of airports and airplanes.
A lot of adoptive families, however, are deciding that it would be easier (and more fun!) to simply make a road trip out of it. That way, they are in their own car and do not have to worry about being around others. This is a perfectly acceptable way of travelling as well and allows them to plan accordingly to make it in time for your child’s birth.
We are Here For You
We know that these times we are living through are very different. We know it is tough. However, Adoption Choices of Oklahoma just want to remind you that we can get through it together. We will always be there to support you and guide you through any of your adoption-related needs.
Although the ways we reach out and connect now might be a little different, we are still here to help you through it all! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions, or need any further assistance.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
Meet the Author: Taylor Papadakis writes for organizations and movements she defines as incorruptible. Born in Texas and raised by wolves, she now resides in a town that refers to themselves as the Palm Springs of Washington. In 2019, Taylor graduated from Central Washington University (CWU) where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Philosophy. Once the treasurer for CWU’s Environmental Club, she assisted in initiating the sustainability garden project and happily educated students, staff and faculty members about the benefits of switching to metal instead of plastic silverware in the dining halls.
Taylor is a first-generation college graduate, former NAIA lacrosse leading scorer, and an avid believer that social media is melting away the youth of today. She actively advocates for social justice and equality, and describes protesting as “a Constitutional right we need to take advantage of because the stake of our future freedoms is incomprehensible.”
When she’s not writing, she’s most likely hiking, biking, sewing or making guacamole.
