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Kelly's Adoption Story

No one could have prepared me for the whirlwind of emotions that came with my unexpected pregnancy. At 19, my life was as "normal" as anyone else's. I was attending school with a bright outlook for my future. When I discovered that I was pregnant, all of my goals and hopes for life seemed to changed in an instant.

The inital shock was more than enough to make me re-evaluate my life, and I had looked into other options before settling on the idea of adoption. After viewing online profiles of hopeful parents-to-be, I knew immediately that the adoption process was a win-win situation for everyone. Through adoption, I have ensured that my child will have the opportunities in life that I would not have been able to provide while, at the same time, fulfilling the dreams of two wonderful people unable to have children of their own. Not once have I been ashamed or embarassed of the decision I have made.

Although I will admit that the placement in general was not easy for me emotionally, everyone at American Adoptions helped make it a more positive experience. I now, however, realize the importance of my future and the birth mother scholarship offered through American Adoptions has helped me tremendously in achieving my goals. There was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to continue my education, and I am currently attending school in North Carolina. Within the next two and half years I will have completed a degree in nursing.

Looking back over the last two years I feel so thankful for everything that has happened. The entire experience has made me stronger, and I now feel like I can tackle anything that life may throw my way. I use to believe that life had a funny way of working itself out for the best, but now I KNOW it does.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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