6 Common Adoption Misconceptions About Birth Mothers
Putting child up for adoption can be an extremely emotional and challenging decision for some birth mothers to make. Unfortunately, the negative stereotypes and portrayals of women who place a child up for adoption. It makes the woman appear lazy, careless, neglectful, or selfish. However, this is quite the opposite of birth mothers’ decisions when considering adoption.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma recognizes that adoption may stress some women. Here we will discuss common misconceptions about birth mothers and why they accurately represent the
adoption process.
Myth 1: Adoption Should Be Kept A Secret
A very common misconception is that adoption should be kept a secret. Adoption is not something to feel shame or embarrassment towards. While some women may want to keep it private for personal reasons, many feel grateful for their adoption experience. Adoption can be beautiful, especially when you can help a couple build their own family. Some families are very open about it, while others keep it private. It is important to be respectful.
Myth 2: Birth Mothers Don’t Care About The Baby
One of the most common beliefs is that birth mothers don’t care about their babies. However, every woman has a unique background. Meaning that they should not be generalized into a stereotypical idea of a birth mother. Most women make the hard decision to place their baby up for adoption. In truth, they want their child to have a quality life. Therefore, it can be an extremely hard choice for women to place their child up for adoption. Still, it comes down to them wanting to give an adoptive family the chance to have their own family and give the baby as many opportunities as possible.
Myth 3: Birth Mothers Are Irresponsible
Many people will argue that women should have to keep and raise the baby since they were “irresponsible enough to get pregnant.” However, it is ignorant to assume that every woman who places their child up for adoption had careless, unprotected sex. Some women are victims of rape. Others may have had failed contraceptives, they may have been planning for a child but realized they aren’t ready to be a mother, and some women get pregnant solely to place the child up for adoption and help a family who cannot conceive their child. Every woman’s situation is completely different. No matter their reasoning for choosing adoption, it takes a lot of responsibility and care to go through an entire adoption process.
Myth 4: Birth Mothers Move On Quickly
Many people assume that once the birth mother has the baby and places the child with the adoptive family, they return to their normal routine and life. However, it can be very emotionally overwhelming for a birth mother to go through an adoption process, even if they know it’s the best decision. Many women often need counseling or extra support after giving birth to cope with the emotions of giving up their baby. If someone you know has decided to place their child up for adoption, check in with them and make sure they are doing okay or ask if they need additional support.
Myth 5: Birth Mothers Receive Compensation
Birth mothers do not receive compensation for placing their child up for adoption. While many
adoption agencies nearby will support women financially through medical costs, housing, transportation, food, and other necessities during pregnancy and right after birth, there is no compensation for choosing adoption.
Myth 6: Birth Mothers Never See Their Baby Again
Lastly, many birth mothers still have a relationship or form of contact with their child after placing them up for adoption. While some women who choose closed adoption may have no contact or relationship with the child, women who choose an open adoption can still be a part of the child’s life and show support in other ways.
Choosing to Place Your Child Up for Adoption Despite the Common Adoption Misconceptions
Birth mothers endure a lot through the adoption process. However, showing kindness and support over judgment and hate can go long.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma’s website offers more information, articles, blogs, and testimonials to learn more about birth mothers and the adoption experience.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. 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:
405-201-6643 |
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