By Isabelle Sitchon

One of the biggest barriers to adoption is the stigma surrounding it. As an expectant mother, you may have heard stories, testimonies, or news about adoption that may make you hesitant to consider it as an option for your baby. There may also be some judgment and negativity from other people, which can prompt fear for mothers and adoptive parents from choosing adoption. It’s completely understandable to be aware and afraid of this stigma. At Adoption Choices of Nevada, we want to address your questions and concerns about adoption. Adoption in Nevada can be one of the most life-changing options for you and your baby if you are a birth mother going through an unplanned pregnancy. We’ll talk a little more about the adoption process as a whole and a few fears that make people afraid of adoption.

The adoptive family won’t be right for the child

If you want to put your child up for adoption, one of the most important parts of the adoption process is choosing a family for your baby. This can be difficult, especially knowing that the parent(s) you choose will raise them for the rest of their childhood. So the main question is: how do I know that the adoptive family is right for my child?

When adoptive families choose adoption, they come into it with their hearts ready to give out love. They are ready to welcome your child into their family. What’s important in searching for an adoptive family is their ability to love and accept your baby into their home. Adoption Choices of Nevada thoroughly screens our families through home studies and background checks. We do this because we want to ensure that your baby will go to a loving home. 

In parenthood, raising a child is not easy. For adoptive parents, it may be even more difficult–it’s inevitable to avoid problems throughout their childhood. However, rather than finding the absolute perfect family, finding the adoptive family you believe will give your child love and raise them with care is important. When going through this part in the process, your caseworker will be there to guide you. They will introduce you to family profiles, which you can discuss further.

You won’t be able to see your baby anymore after adoption

In an adoption in Nevada, the parental rights of the child are given to the adoptive family when placement occurs. However, this does not mean that you won’t be able to see your baby anymore post-adoption. The level of openness between the adoptive family and the birth parents depends on which type of adoption you choose. There will be no communication between the adoptive parents and the birth mother for a closed adoption, aside from an exchange of social/medical information. The two parties can contact each other for a semi-open and open adoption. An open adoption, the most popular choice among birth mothers, involves the most direct communication out of the three options.

Open adoption allows the birth mother to keep in touch with the adoptive family. She may be able to send letters and emails or contact them through phone calls and video chats. In some open adoptions, the birth mother can see how the family is doing with an in-person visit. 

Unfortunately, the ability to communicate with your child after placement may be difficult with a closed adoption. However, we encourage you to choose the options that you feel are best for your baby. Our adoption specialists at Adoption Choices of Nevada will thoroughly inform you of each process step. We want you to be fully informed to make the appropriate decisions for your child. 

The process will be a long, financial burden 

Each birth mother’s experience regarding adoption is unique. Depending on your circumstances, you may encounter problems–which is completely normal. While it’s not guaranteed that your adoption journey will be smooth-sailing, it may also be one of the most momentous decisions you’ve ever made. Some birth mothers’ adoption journey starts from the very beginning of their pregnancy. Others, may choose adoption after their baby is born. Your choices as a birth mother are valid, no matter when you start to tread the path of adoption.

If you are worried that the adoption process may take too long or will become a financial burden, Adoption Choices of Nevada can help you. While we cannot change the length and steps of the process, we will be there to help you navigate your journey. You will be assigned a caseworker to help address any questions or concerns. In addition, they may be able to assist you with services, such as pregnancy expenses, medical care, or transportation. 

You’ll be judged and will feel like you failed as a mother

The adoption process can be a difficult journey. You may have thoughts of self-doubt and insecurity. At times, some birth mothers feel as if they have failed as a mother because they’ve chosen adoption. Other birth mothers’ loved ones might oppose adoption, making it hard for her to consider this option. We want to tell you that choosing adoption does not mean giving up. When you decide on this route, it’s important to recognize that you have your reasons. With adoption, a birth mother gives both the adoptive family and her child a chance to new beginnings. 

While these fears are normal for many birth mothers, it’s essential to understand that you shouldn’t be afraid of adoption. We encourage you to believe in what is best for your child, despite what may scare you or cause doubt. If you are looking for assistance with adoption in Reno or other areas in Nevada, Adoption Choices can help. You don’t have to walk in your adoption journey alone. Adoption Choices of Nevada has provided adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can 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) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).