Choosing after Delivery Adoption as a Birth Mother in Colorado
A lot of what we do here at Adoption Choices of Colorado revolves around preparing future mothers to not only place their child for adoption, but also give birth. However, not every situation follows that exact pattern. Some women are already birth mothers, have had their child, and — in the weeks and months following the delivery of their newborn — have come to the realization that they may not be prepared or able to raise a human being. That is completely okay, and everyone that goes through the adoption process comes from slightly different backgrounds. Your needs are important, which is why we will act to assist you and inform you as much as possible about after delivery adoption.
How Long after My Child’s Birth Should I Start the Adoption Process?
A lot of this is really up to your discretion. If you are considering placing your child for adoption, you probably do have important reasons behind your thought processes. Some of your reasons may even be quite urgent. Still, it is recommended that you wait a period of time after giving birth before fully deciding to place your child for adoption. You will truthfully be going through a lot of strenuous events around that time, so it is best to find your footing and not make any knee-jerk choices.
Something to keep in mind is the age of your child. While adoptions of older children do happen, there is usually (not always, but usually) a sweet spot under age 4 or 5, depending on the adoption agency you are dealing with. If adoption is the choice for you, you likely want to operate in that window where you wait long enough after delivery to make a sensible decision, but not too long to the point where transitioning to a new family will be difficult for your child.
How Different will the Adoption Process Be for Me if I have Already Given Birth?
Honestly, the process will not be that different at all. No matter when you decide to start with Adoption Choices of Colorado, the process of preparing yourself, giving birth, and placing your child for adoption stays the same. The only difference of note in that progression will be that you choose your child’s adoptive family after birth, whereas some birth mothers may have chosen their child’s adoptive family before giving birth.
Really, though, there’s no reason at all to panic. It won’t be equivalent to something like getting a homework assignment later than everyone else — you’ll simply be on a different time table, but spend all the same time and care as everyone else picking a potential adoptive family. It helps that we gather a lot of the necessary information for you. You likely have an image about who you want to care for your child. That’s why we make sure to screen all of our prospective adoptive parents, consult with them, and compile a bunch of information about them into easily-digestible scrapbook format. It is just something we like to do to ease your stress a bit and not have you be overwhelmed with textbook-style details.
Where can I Find Other Adoption Resources?
If you are considering after delivery adoption, your adoption caseworker through Adoption Choices of Colorado will be one of your most important guides for whenever you have questions. While the internet can be helpful, the great thing about having an adoption caseworker is that they are specific to you and your story. Whereas you are probably new to the whole adoption process, they have been around the block and helped a variety of birth mothers in the past.
Is My Post-Birth Adoption Situation Okay?
Yes, absolutely yes — not every potential birth parent who chooses to place their child for adoption comes into contact with representatives here at Adoption Choices of Colorado before they have given birth. Sometimes you don’t know what is best for you until after giving birth and that is okay. There’s a lot of factors at play, so no need to be fearful that there is a “normal” way to go through the adoption process. Your adoption journey is unique, even though others have taken similar journeys.
At the end of the day, you get a lot of say and influence over how the adoption process will work for you. It’s largely based on your input and values, whether your child is already with you or will be present in the near future. Whatever the case, we are here to help you and make the ride less bumpy. Do what you feel is right for you and your loved ones.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn more about your adoption options, contact Adoption Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Meet the Author: Nathan Dyer is a university student majoring in Communication Arts with a radio/TV/film focus. He enjoys writing professionally and dealing with hands-on problems in real-world scenarios. Among his hobbies is hiking, which always encourages him to explore new places. He looks forward to crafting written materials in the future that serve to help people from all walks of life.