Being a birth mother and putting your baby up for adoption is physically, mentally and (most of all) emotionally challenging. It is not only smart but essential to find sources of support who will lift and encourage you throughout your process. Unsure where to find that support? Here are a few places to start your search.
Support Groups
Remember this important fact: you are not alone! There are hundreds of birth mothers going through what you are, each at different parts of the process and each with circumstances that you can relate to. Find support groups of birth mothers, where you can empathize and feel empathy from other women who understand how you feel. There is a sense of trust, loyalty and community found in support groups that is difficult to find elsewhere—a sense of safety and comfort that is extremely valuable to you as you maneuver the emotions and concerns of being a birth mother. Whether you join this group via an online forum or a local group, this format of support system is one worth the effort to participate in.
Counselors
When you process your adoption through an agency like Open Door Adoption, you have access to counselors and resources that can connect you to counselors or therapists. A big part of the “support” you need is simply a reliable, kind, trustworthy listening ear who can reassure and validate your feelings and concerns. Trained professionals like counselors and therapists offer not only that sincere listening care, but can also suggest legitimate coping strategies and practices that will help you feel energized and confident in every step.
Adopting Families
Finally, consider communicating with adopting families as a source of support! Building relationships with these good families can become a motivation to you. Don’t shy away from speaking to families who have adopted children… hearing about their experience with adoption, the joy they have felt because of their family, and the importance of women like you who make all that possible, that is an incredible means of support that you can access.
You can also read the stories of other adopting families and birth moms on Open Door Adoption’s blog, and get more helpful insight into how to make this process (and all the struggle that goes with it) a smoother, more encouraging process to you. Get the support you need during this time where you deserve the utmost quality of care and kindness.