Building a Solid Support System
Sometimes, when an unplanned pregnancy happens, your loved ones may not come supportively to your side, as you had perhaps hoped for or envisioned. In fact, sometimes their reactions are the complete opposite, even hurtful.
For those considering adoption, the decision-making process can be especially fraught with opinions … coming from everyone and everywhere. Interestingly, you will find those with the strongest opinions about adoption are those that know the least about it!
If you, in your quest to do what is best for your baby, are leaning towards adoption instead of abortion or parenting (if you feel you cannot provide like you dream of one day doing), realize that there are millions of people out there who do believe in adoption as one of the most loving and selfless decisions a woman facing unexpected pregnancy can make.
Even still, only you know what is right for your baby. During this decision-making period, it is important you surround yourself with people who are ready and willing to support you through whatever your ultimate decision.
American Adoptions suggests the following list of things to and people to talk to who will likely be supportive of you and your decisions:
- Choose a family member you have a special connection with, who won’t feel so close to the unexpected pregnancy that their own opinions and emotions will get in the way. If you do not feel you have access to someone like this, don’t feel alone. Many people do not. There are many others out there!
- Find an unplanned pregnancy support group. If you have access to the Internet, simply research “pregnancy support group” combined with the city in which you live.
- American Adoptions hosts an online community for women facing unexpected pregnancy – check out http://www.americanadoptions.com/adoption/forums to learn more or to join. Here, speak with other women experiencing the same thing as you are.
- Speak to a counselor. Though many counselors you will find in the realm of unplanned pregnancies are trying to steer you in the direction of one decision or another, true counselors, regardless of their associations, keep a neutral focus. Find a counselor who is willing to speak candidly with you about the pros and cons about each path, from abortion to parenting and adoption. You can call our counselors 24 hours a day at 1-800-ADOPTION.
- Talk about your feelings with a friends you know and trust. A good friend should have the ability to listen to you without offering any “I know what I would do if I were in your situation” or passing judgment. If your friend begins telling you what he or she thinks you should do, first, as to simply be heard. If it continues, it is time to move on and speak to someone else. That is not to say your friend is a bad friend by any means, only that it is a better idea to speak with someone who is willing to listen to you, which is what you need the most at this time!
American Adoptions -- America's Adoption Agency
