This is the third part of our Unplanned Pregnancy series. A common question for those who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy is what support is available to them. It is important for those making this difficult decision to know what support is available for each option. New Life Adoptions’ Expectant Parent Social Workers are committed to offering ongoing support to those who are in the decision-making process whether they choose to parent or to place their child for adoption. A parenting decision does not mean that the expectant mother will be left high and dry to find her way on her own.
We want to see each client we work with flourish in their unique situation whether that is through building the support needed to parent or through ongoing support when choosing adoption.
During the decision-making process, our social workers will talk with each expectant parent about his or her unique situation. What resources would they need to successfully parent? What resources would they need if they choose adoption? Is there other support available that will help make this decision easier for them? We want to see each client we work with flourish in their unique situation whether that is through building the support needed to parent or through ongoing support when choosing adoption.
Parenting Support
We want to empower expectant parents to think about each option to determine what may be the best choice for them in their current situation. We talk through what it looks like to parent including budgeting, needed resources and supplies, and exploring what support they may have from family members or friends. Choosing to parent does not mean that our Expectant Parent Social Workers’ job is done. We want to make sure that each parent is fully prepared to step into their parenting role.
New Life Adoptions is unique in that we also offer pregnancy and parenting support services within the same organization through our five First Care locations. When an expectant parent makes a parenting decision, we make the seamless transition to help these parents get connected with baby clothes, diapers, wipes, equipment items, and most importantly, ongoing parenting education and support. We want to see these parents thrive as they move forward in their parenting decision.
We want to make sure that each parent is fully prepared to step into their parenting role.
Adoption Support
Our social workers offer ongoing support during the decision-making and adoption process. When an expectant parent decides that adoption is the right option for them and their child, we offer adoption related resources to help them feel supported in their decision. We know that this is a difficult choice for anyone, so it is important that each unique need is met along the way.
Grief Counseling
One common aspect of adoption for expectant and birth parents is the grief that they will experience. We know that there can be grief and other hardships with all pregnancy options including adoption. Most birth parents experience grief most intensely around the time of placement, and the intensity lessens over time. We are here to walk with birth parents through the grief, offering guidance, support and resources.
Throughout the process, we want birth parents to know that they are not alone in their grief, and that experiencing grief does not equal a “wrong” decision.
Our social workers offer ongoing grief counseling before, during, and after a placement. We provide referrals and resources to help birth parents get connected to adoption competent therapists, support groups, and birth parent support organizations. Throughout the process, we want birth parents to know that they are not alone in their grief, and that experiencing grief does not equal a “wrong” decision.
Ongoing Post Adoption Support
Our support does not end as soon as the placement happens. Minnesota law requires adoption agencies to provide a certain level of post adoption services. While some may address this by just fulfilling the basic requirements, we view it as more than that. Our Post Adoption Department offers ongoing support to all parties of adoption with any adoption related needs that may arise. We are continually looking for ways to improve and grow the services that we offer to best fit the needs of the birth parents, adopted adults, and adoptive families we work with. Because we want expectant and birth parents to feel confident that they are not walking this road alone, we will continue to be there for them as they walk their unique adoption journey.
What is Right?
So, what is the right decision for a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy? The simple answer is that only she can determine that. New Life Adoptions is available and equipped to talk through this important decision, provide information about all of her options, and help connect her with the resources that she needs to feel confident in her decision, whatever that may be.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, or you know a woman who is, contact us today to learn more about our services.