Having A Baby After Placing One For Adoption
By Nicole Hatton
If you are asking yourself, “Can I have a family after placing a baby for adoption?,” the answer is yes! Perhaps you are pregnant again and are considering adoption for your baby. Whether this time was an unplanned pregnancy or intentional, it’s important to think about what you want to do moving forward. Maybe, you are not pregnant and are simply considering adoption after placing a child up for adoption. Whatever your situation is, you may be experiencing different emotions, challenges, and/or other considerations for your next baby. All of these things are completely normal, whether you are considering adoption or starting another family. You will be supported by adoption agencies in Colorado, such as Adoption Choices of Colorado. Keep reading to learn more about why some birth mothers and parents may start another family after adoption and the resources available for support. We will also cover adoption after giving your baby up previously.
Different Life Stages and Being More Prepared to Start A Family
If you feel more equipped to start a family, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t if you want to! In many cases, birth mothers may feel unprepared at the time when deciding to do adoption the first time. Birth mothers can also find themselves pregnant and don’t want the baby. You could have had an unplanned pregnancy, complicated circumstances, financial stresses or other things that made parenthood difficult. Every person embarks on their own adoption and birth journey for their child. Previously placing a child up for adoption does not take away the desire for parenthood or your love for your children. It’s truly a wonderful experience that you can have at any time.
Sibling Connection After Adoption
You may be thinking about your first child and what things will be like as they progress through life. They could be the only child to their adoptive family. You could also want them to have someone on your side of the family to connect to. Whatever your situation may be, giving your first child a sibling can be an amazing experience. Your children can experience the joys of growing up together and have the comfort of knowing that they’re not alone. Staying connected can help them find more comfort in their lives.
Having A Stronger Support System For The New Family
Perhaps you did not feel supported by family and friends when you placed your baby up for adoption the first time. If you’re not experiencing these same circumstances this time, then having a strong support system can make parenthood less stressful. Your personal support network can consist of friends, family members, and professionals who can help provide emotional or financial support. You may also have a different significant partner that is ready to be there for you and your baby.
What If I Want to Adopt or Place This Baby Up For Adoption Too?
Not everyone who finds themselves pregnant again wants to become a parent. If you want to place your child up for adoption, you can do so! If you have already gone through the adoption process, you can still do it again. Giving the gift of parenthood to another family is a great option. It’s important to remember that everyone goes through their own adoption journeys.
However, if you want to adopt a child after giving one up, that is completely normal as well. Whether you are pregnant or not, starting another family is not weird or out of the ordinary.
Not Being Able To Give Birth Anymore
Some women may not be able to give birth anymore after going through the adoption process. Perhaps you gave your baby to another adoptive family in your earlier years. You are never too old, and it is never too late to start another family. There are many joys in parenthood and raising a child of your own is a wonderful experience.
Getting Support For Your Adoption and Other Concerns
Know that you are never alone in your adoption journey. There are numerous adoption agencies in Colorado that will support you every step of the way. You can also get free counseling support for adoption with Adoption Choices of Colorado. Your adoption counselor can help you understand the different adoption options, find a waiting family and more. If you feel more comfortable doing a private adoption in Colorado, that is also another viable option. You can also receive financial support through Adoption Choices of Colorado. Whether you need help with medical and legal fees, housing, basic nutritional needs or more, Adoption Choices of Colorado is there. Additionally, you can join a support group to share stories or struggles. If you would like to learn more about the experiences of other birth mothers, you can check out adoption stories. For any other concerns, Adoption Choices of Colorado has many adoption resources that you can check out!
Letting Go of Fears For Your New Child and Family
You may be having some doubts and fears about starting a new family. It’s completely valid to experience emotions of guilt, confusion, or shame. However, know that choosing adoption in the first place was a decision made out of love. Considering your baby’s best interest shows that you are a caring birth mother. Take all the time you need to process your emotions but keep in mind that you are not selfish or a bad mother. Don’t let criticisms stop you from having a family of your own because you are more than capable and loving.
Stephanie joined the Adoption Choices family in 2014 as the Child Placement Supervisor. Her love for adoption began in first grade when she made friends with twins adopted from Vietnam. Her heart grew strong over the years for adopted children and ultimately led her to graduate school where she continued her focus to her dream of working in the adoption field. Stephanie earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 2001. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked as a pregnancy counselor and as an adoptive parent counselor for foster care, international adoption and domestic adoption, writing hundreds of home studies for families, and helping build their forever families. Stephanie is married and has three boys ages 12, 9, and 5. Together with her family she enjoys riding bike, playing games, watching her three sons compete in their various sporting and musical activities and go on vacations.
Christy Ikeler, is our Executive Director and Birth Parent Director. Christy has been with Adoption Choices Team for 18 years, since opening the doors in 2002! Christy has a true passion for what she does and her true love is working with and helping each birth parent. Whether she is up all night on the phone talking with them, taking them to doctors appointments, out for their favorite treat, providing counseling or at the hospital during labor and delivery, Christy is very involved every step of the way. She has a contagious laugh and a spunky personality that our birth moms all can bond with and relate to. As an adoptive parent herself, adoption holds a very special place in her heart and she can relate on every level with both birth parents and adoptive parents. In her free time Christy loves spending time with her daughter, gardening, baking and taking vacations with her family. Christy is an excellent leader for our team at Adoption Choices and is truly one of a kind!! As Executive Director, Christy spends time with the staff, birth parents and adoptive families in order to ensure that the agency is running smoothly. She has placed a huge emphasis on community outreach and programs for birth parents. Christy loves the opportunity to lead the agency into a brighter future.
Ms. Mackenzie has built a successful counseling career over the past 20 years, supporting mothers and families, people of all ages and genders, students, community professionals and fellow clinicians. Liv values a diverse professional focus, including the entrepreneurial life of a sole proprietor, the evaluative process of certifying foster/adoptive homes, the insightful and mindful one-on-one one work with enthusiastic clients, and serving as an advocate for underserved populations. Liv is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a BA in Pre-Law and Economics from American University, an MA in Counseling from Adams University and a certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University. Away from work you will find Liv spending time in nature, biking to the farmer’s market and adventuring with her family.
Catherine A. Madsen, joined the Adoption Choices family as legal counsel in 2013. Catherine is responsible for providing legal guidance to the Agency, training and updating staff on developments in adoption law and legislation, and program development. Catherine
Virginia Frank is an adoption attorney accredited since 1991 with the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Ms. Frank is a leader in the field of private adoption and has completed over 4,000 adoptions in her career. Ms. Frank has a law degree from Oklahoma City University and a BA in both Political Science and Communications from the University of Oklahoma.
Cassidie has been with Adoption Choices since 2015, she has her bachelors in Interdisciplinary Affairs with concentrations in both Sociology and Business Management. Cassidie has additional training in Victim Advocacy, foster care and has been working in women’s services for over 10 years. Cassidie has always had a heart for adoption and it was her career dream to work in adoption. She started off doing volunteer work for advocacy programs, adoption organizations and worked in High Risk Maternal Fetal Medicine through the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Cassidie is also blessed to have personally experienced an adoption of her own in 2012, completing her family of five! Cassidie loves what she does as a case worker from initial phone calls, meetings, doctor appointments, interaction with the adoptive families to delivery and counseling. Cassidie has a passion for those in need and strives to help make a difference in the lives of the people she meets. She is a firm believer in being kind, compassionate and open minded in all situations. “Unless you’ve walked in their shoes, there’s no place for judgment. A kind word or compliment can go a long way!” The bittersweet moments in adoption reminds Cassidie each and every time, why she loves what she does!