Understanding How to Support a Pregnant Woman during the Adoption Process in NY: A Guide for Family and Friends
Have you ever experienced a moment in your life when you felt isolated or confused? Do you like that feeling? Yeah, we don’t either. If you’re close to someone who is going to place her baby for adoption, it can be difficult to know how to support her. Sometimes, when people don’t know the best way to react, they just decide to ignore the situation instead. However, this will just make your loved one feel more isolated.
At Adoption Choices of New York, we know that women facing unexpected pregnancy need someone to rely on. This is why we offer counseling and other services to support pregnant women before, during, and after their adoption journey. However, we know that we cannot replace her friends and family, and we’re happy you’re here to learn more about how to support her.
4 Ways to Support a Pregnant Woman during the Adoption Process
Every woman’s adoption journey is unique, and it’s important to avoid making generalizations. One aspect of adoption that is true across the board, however, is that it is easier to navigate with support. If you know someone who is considering adoption, these 4 tips will help you assist them throughout their adoption journey.
- Support Her Decision of Adoption
Pregnant women are often not sure how their loved ones will react when they tell them they are choosing adoption. They’ve likely run through worst-case scenarios in their head about how you’re going to react, and wondered if you’ll support her during this time.
One of the best things you can do right for her right now is be there. Understand that adoption is her right to choose, and she knows what’s best for her. If you display kindness and understanding, she’ll be incredibly grateful.
- Help Her Get Started on Her Adoption Journey
Beginning the adoption process can be overwhelming, especially if a woman has to face it by herself. There are a lot of decisions she’ll have to make, and she will likely appreciate if you help her do some research. Here are a few questions of what you could explore:
- What are some nearby adoption agencies in NY?
- What are the differences between open, semi-open, and closed adoption?
- What does the adoption process look like?
Remember, every woman is different, and she may be more comfortable looking into her options by herself. If this is the case, respect her decision, and support her in other ways.
- Listen to Her Feelings about Her Choice
Many times, people feel the need to give advice and “fix” a problem when all they need to do is listen. Adoption is an emotional time, and no one understands that more than pregnant women facing it head on. Being able to sit back and listen without offering any input — unless she asks for some of course — is a great skill.
If you’re able to provide her a safe space to air her feelings without judgement, it’ll make the adoption process much more bearable for her.
- Check in with Her When the Adoption is Finalized
A woman’s adoption journey doesn’t end when the adoption is finalized. She’ll still be dealing with the aftereffects, and what that looks like will vary from woman to woman. It’s important to reach out to her and see how she’s doing. She’ll appreciate the fact that you understand she still needs support.
How Else can I Offer My Support to a Pregnant Woman Considering Adoption?
If you want to learn more about how to support a pregnant woman during the adoption process in NY, the best way is by continuing to educate yourself. At Adoption Choices of New York, we have a blog dedicated to birth mothers. Feel free to check it out and to browse the rest of our website to learn more about adoption.
Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email
About the Author: Alexandra Georgiton is a fourth-year student at the University of Cincinnati studying Rhetoric and Professional Writing, and is receiving certification in Copyediting and Publishing. She has been passionate about the English language for her entire life, and reading and writing have always been her favorite hobbies. She enjoys professional writing and editing because she loves to use her talent and love of writing to make a difference in the world.
