7 Ways to Communicate in an Open Adoption in Nevada

When you enter into an open adoption, you get to look forward to building a relationship with your birth child and the adoptive family you selected for them. Direct communication is central to open adoption as it serves as a bridge between you, the adoptive family, and your birth child. Maintaining that communication is key to having a fulfilling relationship with your birth child and their adoptive family. Equally important to consistency in communication is setting and respecting each other’s boundaries to avoid conflict in the roles you play in your birth child’s life.

Adoption Choices of Nevada wants you to be able to successfully communicate with your birth child and the adoptive family you have chosen for them. That’s why we put together this list of ways to communicate in an open adoptionto help give you some ideas of how to stay in touch as a birth mother.

1. Exchanging Letters and Emails

Exchanging letters and emails with the adoptive family and your birth child is a great way to keep each other updated about your respective lives. In the early days of your life as a birth mother, you might even find writing to be therapeutic. As you collect letters over time, you can revisit them to see how your relationship with your birth child and the adoptive family has evolved and blossomed over the years. These letters tell the story of your life as a birth mother that did not come to an end once you left the hospital.

2. Sharing Photos with Each Other

Not only do photos compliment any letters or emails shared between you and the adoptive family, but they can communicate so much on their own. The photos you receive from your birth child can give you a glimpse into their daily life. Seeing those images of how joyful they are with the adoptive family you carefully selected for them can reassure you that you made the best decision for them.

3. Sending Gifts through the Mail

Since you share your contact information with the adoptive family, and they share theirs with you, a fun way to connect is to mail each other gifts. Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or even just a nice surprise, it can be a thoughtful gesture. Sending your birth child gifts can also make them feel special and not forgotten.

If it’s feasible for you, one way to show your appreciation to the adoptive family is by ordering food for them or signing them up for a food delivery service shortly after placement. Taking care of a newborn is exhausting and time consuming, and finding the time to cook a meal can be very difficult. This simple way of helping them out can mean so much to them and make their lives a little easier

4. Keeping in Touch through Texting

Texting with the adoptive family is a great way to communicate because of its flexibility. If you are too busy for an in-person visit or phone conversation, sending a brief text to the adoptive family can be a good way to show that you are thinking of them. Also, texting might be preferred in the early days after placement as a way to ease into regularly communicating with them if talking to them directly feels a little awkward initially.

5. Using Social Media to Connect and Stay Updated

Social media can be an effective tool to stay up-to-date with what’s going on with your birth child and his or her adoptive family. It’s an easy way for you and the adoptive family to stay in touch with each other, especially if they live far away from you. When the child is old enough, social media can also serve as a way for them to connect with your family members so he or she can develop a relationship with them.

6. Making Phone or Video Calls

Finding the time to visit your birth child and their adoptive family can be difficult at times, especially if you do not live close to each other. Being able to make a phone or video call can take some of that pressure away while still allowing you to see and hear from each other. If you aren’t quite ready to meet up with the adoptive family and your birth child, speaking with them over the phone or video chat might be less overwhelming for you.

7. Reuniting in Person

One of the things you get to look forward to in an open adoption is reuniting with your birth child in person. You might get together for birthdays and holidays, or you might even see each other on a regular basis. As you are putting together your adoption plan, you and the adoptive family can work together to figure out how often you want to see each other in person to make sure you are on the same page. While spending quality time with your birth child is important, it’s equally important that you and the adoptive family respect each other’s time and space.

Which Ways to Communicate in an Open Adoption Appeal to You?

As with any kind of relationship, communication is key to keep your bonds strong and long-lasting. Finding ways to stay in touch that work for both you and the adoptive family can make your adoption experience so much more rewarding. You are also in a better position to take control of your adoption journey when you can successfully communicate, which is empowering.

If you feel drawn to all the possibilities that open adoption has to offer, reach out to Adoption Choices of Nevadaso you can get started on your open adoption journey!

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can also call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno) | 775-738-4673 (Elko) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).

Meet the Author: Mary DeStefano is an Ohio native currently living in northern Virginia and works in the litigation consulting industry where she has experience in antitrust, product liability, and mass torts matters. She holds a B.A. in Economics (‘15) and an M.A. in Applied Economics (‘16) from the University of Cincinnati. 

Mary is passionate about empowering and supporting those involved in the adoption and surrogacy processes. She finds great meaning in wielding the written word to develop impactful narratives and to help people stay informed. In her spare time, Mary can be found beachcombing and going on other adventures with her dog along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She also has an affinity for antiquing and loves a good 80’s movie marathon.