Are You Worried About How You Will Handle An Open Adoption? 4 Ways Birth Parent Counseling Helps
by Martin Franklin
Adoptions today provide options that empower you to make the best decision for yourself and unborn baby. While you may hear many success stories about open adoption, you may also have natural worries such as how you will handle watching someone else raise your baby. The truth is that every adoption option has its challenges, and it helps to know that you can find support through birth parent counseling services that help each step of the way.
1. Make Sure It Is the Right Option
Your first step is to make sure that an open adoption is even the right choice for your situation. Counselors frequently work with birth parents from the very beginning to discuss each of the options that you have. For instance, you may prefer to have a semi-open adoption that allows you to receive pictures as your baby grows without making in-person visits. Your counselor can help you to create an adoption plan that best fits your needs.
2. Get Your Extended Family's Support
It helps to have as much support as possible during the adoption process. If you still live at home, then your parents play a big role in helping you to manage things such as visits once the adoption is complete. Birth parent counseling can also involve serving as a mediators with extended family members. Helping your parents realize why you chose this option enables them to be ready to give you support.
3. Learn How to Accept Your New Role
Many birth parents go through a grieving process as they mourn the loss of their parenting role. During the time that you were pregnant, you may have bonded with your child. Those feelings do not immediately go away after you give birth. If you are struggling with feeling sad about seeing your child, then it is important to talk about. Working with a counselor to get through these stages of grief opens you up emotionally to find the positive aspects of your new role as the birth parent.
4. Understand How Consistency Builds Trust
You may also be worried about whether or not you can uphold your end of the bargain with an open adoption. Whether you struggle with transportation issues or have a busy life, you may feel like you might not be able to show up for visits or phone calls. During your counseling sessions, you can learn ways to be consistent with your new role. By reaching out to the adoptive parents and communicating about each visit, you can be sure to build trust that enhances your relationships.
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About Me
As a lifetime sufferer of depression, I have spent a great deal of time in therapy. One thing that I learned early on was the importance of having a good attitude and trying to figure out how to cope with some of the suggestions that my counselors gave me. I realized that when it came to having a good experience, the bulk of the responsibility fell in my lap. I started working hard to take their suggestions in stride and carefully analyze my life and my behavior. This blog is all about improving the counseling process by having a better attitude.