Adoption FAQ for Birth Mothers

By Ryan Yau

If you are a pregnant woman who is considering your options, you may have some questions about adoption. Don’t worry, as Adoption Choices of Oklahoma can help answer any questions you may have about the adoption process. There are many things you may not know, and we believe being informed allows you to make the best decision. Here are some common questions that you may want answered:

Will I have to go through the adoption process alone?

Adoption Choices of Oklahoma provides you with the services of an adoption specialist. They will help you with your adoption plan, which outlines how you want your adoption process to go. Your plan will cover any financial or medical needs you may have, as well as additional services like counseling. We can also provide you with any legal help or advice necessary. You will not need to go through the adoption alone and can receive help along the way.

Is it selfish to choose adoption?

There is sometimes a stigma associated with adoption that claims mothers who place their children for adoption are selfish. However, this is untrue. This stigma partially comes from the societal expectation for women to be mothers. It’s perfectly okay to be unable or unwilling to raise a child, and acknowledging that is what’s best for your child. Through adoption, you also give other couples a chance to raise a child, making it a selfless act.

Can I choose adoption without the consent of the father?

It is possible to choose adoption without the birth father’s consent in Oklahoma, but only in some situations. If the birth father is negligent or unsupportive, you can pursue adoption on your own. This also applies if the birth father is not known. If you have further questions about this, Adoption Choices of Oklahoma can legally assist you in knowing your options.

Can I choose adoption at the last minute?

Adoption can be chosen at any stage of pregnancy, and a last-minute adoption is always an option. This allows you to take your time to make the best choice for you and your child. In fact, you can choose to place your child for adoption at the hospital.

Will I get to see my child after adoption?

Choosing an open adoption allows you to remain in your child’s life after adoption. In an open adoption, you exchange contact information with your child’s adoptive parents. This means you can visit them and potentially play a role in their life.

There are many different types of adoption that can fit your needs. You can also choose alternatives based on how much contact you want with your child. In a semi-open adoption, you receive updates from your adoption agency but do not have the adoptive family’s contact information. In a closed adoption, you do not receive the adoptive family’s information and cannot visit your child.

Can I choose my child’s adoptive family?

You get to play a part in choosing your child’s adoptive family. With the adoption agency of your choosing, you can select and even visit parents interested in adopting your child. You can rest assured that your child will be with a family that you can trust.

Even if you choose a closed adoption, you can pick from different families. However, their names will not be disclosed for anonymity.

How can I know my child will be in good hands?

Don’t worry, as Adoption Choices of Oklahoma screens all adoptive families beforehand. Potential parents are screened and interviewed to make sure that they will provide loving and caring environments for children. They also need to prove that they can be financially stable in order to raise a child. Though you get the ultimate say in choosing a family for your child, all candidates will meet these standards.

Will I be sad after placing my child for adoption?

Some women experience a form of grief after placing their children for adoption. Birth mother grief is experienced due to separation from your child, even if your child is still physically around. Carrying a child through pregnancy creates a unique bond, and separation from this can lead to grief.

However, there are ways to ease this grief. Choosing an open adoption may help, as being able to visit your child may ease feelings of separation. Adoption Choices of Oklahoma can also provide counseling or support groups that can help work through this grief.

Will I regret choosing adoption?

Choosing what to do with your baby is a very personal decision, so adoption will carry a lot of weight. You may fear that you will regret the decision to place your child for adoption after it is too late. However, keep in mind that if you currently are unable to raise a child, you are making the right decision for yourself.

Does support end after I give birth?

Adoption Choices of Oklahoma provides you with services throughout your adoption process, which includes after you give birth. Your adoption plan will include a hospital plan, which outlines your needs for your hospital stay. This includes who you want in the delivery room and even who you want to hold your baby. Additionally, we can provide services like counseling well after you place your child for adoption.

If you have further questions about any aspect of adoption, Adoption Choices of Oklahoma can inform you about the process.