Differences between the Expectant Mother and Birth Mother Experiences

On the surface, it might seem like “expectant mother” and “birth mother” are interchangeable terms. However, they both represent different types of pregnancy journeys that have their own unique challenges and outcomes. If a pregnant woman is able to understand the difference between them, she can be more sure of her identity as an expectant mother or a birth mother and what she can expect along the way. 

Through illustrating the progression of expectant motherhood and birth motherhood, Adoption Choices of Nevada aims to improve your understanding of the differences between the expectant mother and birth mother experiences.

Beginning Your Journey as an Expectant Mother

As soon as you discover you are pregnant, you have just entered into expectant motherhood. Perhaps you’re terrified at the idea of some opportunities in life disappearing before you. Maybe you don’t know how to feel yet, or you feel conflicted during this uncertain time. You might be a student or early in your career, and you aren’t ready to be a parent. In any case, you are embarking on your pregnancy journey, anxiously anticipating what’s on the horizon. Just processing this and coming to accept this constitutes its own journey. 

Considering Your Options as an Expectant Mother

As the revelation sets in, you begin to wonder how you’re going to move forward as an expectant mother. You begin to envision different scenarios for how life will play out for you and your baby, depending on whether you choose to parent or place your baby for adoption. In your heart, you may feel compelled to parent this child, but you might not have the means to support yourself and a baby. Or you could find yourself in an unsafe or abusive environment that you don’t want to expose a child to. As you begin to connect with the baby you carry, you know you need to figure out what’s best for the both of you in the long-run.

Seeking Answers in Your Pregnancy Journey as an Expectant Mother

As you mull over how you want your future to unfold, you realize that some external guidance could be enlightening and bring clarity. Maybe you’re considering adoption, but you’re worried that you won’t have access to services if you are uncertain of your choice at this time. Even if you aren’t sure whether to pursue adoption, you can still reach out to Adoption Choices of Nevada for support and guidance during this time of discernment. We will listen to your story and understand what your needs are. We can provide you with counseling free of charge, and we will provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice to either remain an expectant mother or to choose adoption and become a birth mother. 

Embarking on Your Adoption Journey as a Birth Mother

The moment you pursue adoption, you go from being an expectant mother to being a birth mother. Maybe you knew from the very beginning that this was the right path for you and the child you carry. Or it might have taken some introspection and external guidance to come to this decision. Even though you still have full parental rights during your pregnancy and up until placement, your destination is to place your baby with an adoptive family who will relieve you of the burdens of parenthood so you can get back on your feet. 

Going through the Adoption Process as a Birth Mother

To forge a clear path forward, you take charge of creating an adoption plan that will lead to a successful placement. As part of this adoption plan, you get to map out all the major decisions along the way, such as who will raise your birth child and what type of adoption you will enter into. You also plan out your hospital stay from the transportation logistics and labor pain management to the smaller details, such as whether you want soothing noises to play in the background while you give birth. You know what’s best for you and your baby. That’s why taking the lead in planning out your adoption journey will make you more confident that you are making the right decision. 

Life as a Birth Mother After Placement 

Placing a child for adoption doesn’t end your journey as a birth mother. Rather, it simply marks a new chapter in birth motherhood. You now get to live out the birth mother role you envisioned for yourself when you were putting together your adoption plan. While you may feel a sense of relief during this stage, you are also likely grieving over letting go of the child you carried for nine months. Just as you weren’t alone during the adoption process, you aren’t alone now. Adoption Choices of Nevada will continue to provide you with the emotional support you need at no cost to you. You are still in control of your adoption journey, and so we encourage you to take control of your healing journey. 

Discover if being a Birth Mother is Right for You!

By understanding the differences between expectant mothers and birth mothers, you are taking the first step in determining which path is right for you. With the guidance and support of Adoption Choices of Nevada, you can feel confident that you are taking a step in the right direction toward the decision that will best serve you and your baby.

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.