Understanding the Difference between an Expectant Mother and a Birth Mother in New York
Researching and understanding the adoption process can be a bit tricky, especially if you haven’t had any exposure to adoption in the past. There’s a ton of lingo and adoption jargon all over the internet, and although it’s nice to have so much knowledge at your fingertips, it can also be a bit overwhelming.
At Adoption Choices of New York, we want to help make your adoption journey as manageable as possible — no matter what stage you’re at. Understanding the difference between an expectant mother and birth mother is simple — the biggest difference is where you are in your adoption journey.
We know that every woman seeking adoption is doing the best she can for herself and her child, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
The Difference between an Expectant Mother and a Birth Mother in New York
While terminology may differ across different agencies and states, in most adoption spaces, an expectant mother simply means a pregnant woman who may be seeking to place her child for adoption. A birth mother is a woman who has already placed her child for adoption.
Being an expectant mother doesn’t necessarily mean you will give your child up for adoption. There are plenty of pregnant women who decide that adoption isn’t the best option for them. If adoption is right for you, you can use your time while being pregnant to create an adoption plan. You will not be classified as a birth mother until after you have given birth to your baby and the adoption has been finalized. You have the right to change your mind up until that point.
Parental Rights
It is important to remember that after your adoption has been finalized and you become a birth mother that your parental rights will be completely relinquished. There is no turning back from this decision so it is important for you to make sure you have considered your options carefully.
You can Choose What being a Birth Mother Means for You
When you have considered whether or not to place your child for adoption, you may be scared that you won’t be able to participate in the life of your biological child and their adoptive family. If this is the only thing preventing you from considering adoption, know that this doesn’t have to be the case.
Most adoptions in the United States are either an open or semi-open adoption, which will allow you to negotiate with your adoptive family and decide what kind of relationship you would like to have in the future. There are several waiting families who would prefer this kind of arrangement, so you won’t be forced to eliminate contact unless that is something that you want yourself.
How can I Learn more about the Adoption Process?
Adoption Choices of New York is a nonprofit adoption agency dedicated to empowering you throughout your adoption journey. We know that the best way to help you throughout the adoption process is by making sure you have all of the necessary information to make informed decisions that work best for you.
We have trained adoption specialists who can provide counseling and help you navigate any questions you may have about adoption. We also have a blog dedicated to exploring topics related to birth mothers and their adoption journey.
We hope we were able to help you understand the difference between an expectant mother and a birth mother in New York. If you have any more questions about adoption, feel free to reach out to us.
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.
