If you have experienced an unplanned pregnancy, you should know that you’re not alone. 40% of pregnancies in the US are unplanned. If you have come to this website, you may be considering the idea of adoption. Adoption is a brave choice to make, and it is a choice that warrants very careful consideration. You should take into account the resources that are available to you.
- Pregnancy Resource Center
A pregnancy resource center may be your first stop upon discovering that you are facing an unplanned pregnancy. A trained clinician will be able to offer you a free pregnancy test. A counselor there will listen to your specific needs and will be able to connect you to resources that are available in your area according to your unique situation.
- Health Care Provider
In addition to offering medical attention that is free and/or budgeted in a way that suits your income level, there are health care providers that can offer specially trained staff that can refer you to adoption agencies or other resources in your area. The staff at a place like this may discuss all the options available with a neutral disposition for one choice or the other. They respect that your choice is very personal for your individual circumstance.
- WIC
Women, Infants, and Children is a federal program that provides support such as supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
- TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is also a federal program that will provide support for a pregnant woman in the form of food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical.
One of the most important things you may need as a birth mom is a strong chain of support through people who have gone through similar circumstances. Birthmom Buds is a faith-based organization which will pair participants with another birth mom to share and receive support. If participants choose to attend, Birthmom Buds hosts an annual weekend retreat for participants to relax and enjoy time with one another. Birthmom Buds also sends new birth moms a beautiful care package at the time of adoption as a gesture to help during that emotionally trying time.
From their website: “On Your Feet Foundation was founded in 2001 by adoptive parents, adoption professionals, and a birth parent who recognized the need for practical help for women who had chosen adoption for their child. “We are a small, nonprofit 501c3 organization that provides personal support to birthparents to help them get ‘back on their feet.’” OYFF offers case management and monetary support to birth parents living in Illinois and Indiana.
This support network encompasses the relationship between birth mom, the child, and the adoptive mom. From their website: “No BirthMom leaves the hospital without a community of support that will honor her choice, help her heal and equip her with resources that will launch her forward with great promise for the future.” Three Strands celebrates the heroic gesture of the birth mom to put the needs of her child before her own, and recognizes the immense need for support through that. Three Strands brings each birth mom a bag filled with over $250 worth of various items meant to aid the birth mom out the door of the hospital following delivery. Along with the bag will come some supporters from Three Strands to join with the birth mom to offer their support.
Are you considering adoption and want to give your child the best life possible? Let us help you find an adoptive family that you love. Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98.
