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Mary's Adoption Story

When I got pregnant I thought it was the end of the world. The father was nowhere to be found after the night of conception and I was only 20 years old. I worked a minimum wage job and like most 20 year olds I just wanted to have fun. Over the months I was pregnant I thought how can I do this? My parents didn’t even know until I was 5 months along. I was afraid to tell them because I expected them to kick me out. How could I raise a child when I still depended on them to take care of me? Their response was overwhelming; the support they gave me was great. 
 
I began thinking about the life I could provide for my child and I was disappointed, I wanted more for him. He deserved more than what I could give to him. I began to look online at adoption stories and different web pages with families who wanted to adopt. One family I saw stuck out a little more than others, and that is how I came across American Adoptions. I knew that I was making the best decision for my son.
 
When he was born I thought to myself, he is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. He stayed with me for the next 48 hours after he was born. I talked to him the whole time we were together, I just kept telling him that he was my angel and I would always be with him.  When I left the hospital I took him to his adoptive parents and I met them for the first time. They were so happy and seeing that reassured me that I was making the right choice. This whole experience was the hardest and greatest thing I have ever done in my life. Before I got pregnant I was on a downward spiral and now I have no where to go but up, and the sky is the limit.

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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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