The adoption is complete. Your baby is with their family. And now you're wondering: what happens next?

Life after giving baby up for adoption doesn't come with a roadmap. You might feel relief, grief, numbness, or all of these at once. You might wonder if you'll ever feel "normal" again.

Here's what we want you to know: Everything you're feeling right now is normal. And you don't have to walk this path alone.

What Happens After I Give My Baby Up for Adoption?

The legal process continues. In Montana, you couldn't give legal consent until 72 hours after birth. After you sign consent, there's a finalization period where the court reviews everything and issues a final decree. This typically takes several months.

The emotional journey begins. The first few days can feel surreal. Some birth mothers feel numb. Others feel immediate, overwhelming grief. Both experiences are completely normal.

Your relationship with the adoptive family continues. If you chose open adoption, you'll start finding your rhythm for communication. Early contact is often frequent, then it settles into a pattern that works for everyone.

Your life moves forward. You'll return to work or school, reconnect with routines, and slowly figure out how to integrate this experience into who you are.

Learn more about life after adoption and what other birth mothers have experienced during this transition.

Post-Adoption Counseling Options for Birth Mothers in Montana

We're still here for you. Your relationship with American Adoptions doesn't end at placement. We offer free, ongoing counseling services for as long as you need them. You can call or text 24/7 to talk with your adoption specialist who understands.

Professional mental health support is available. We can connect you with licensed therapists who specialize in adoption and post-placement grief.

What counseling can help with:

• Processing grief, guilt, and loss
• Managing triggers like your baby's birthday
• Navigating your relationship with the adoptive family
• Building coping strategies
• Planning for your future
• Addressing post-adoption depression if it develops

Post Adoption Support Groups Near Me

We can help you find the right support. Not all support groups are the same, and some may not align with your positive adoption experience. We can connect you with birth mother support groups that understand and respect your decision.

How we help:

• Connect you with vetted local support groups in Montana
• Refer you to online communities that are birth mother-friendly
• Help you find groups that match your specific needs and situation
• Provide ongoing support if a group isn't the right fit

Montana support group we recommend:

• St. John's United Family Services Birthmother Circle - Virtual support group meeting the 1st Wednesday of every month. Call (406) 549-0147 for information.

Why working with us matters: There are online communities and groups that can be critical of adoption or make you feel judged for your choice. We know which groups provide genuine support and which ones might be harmful to your healing. Let us help you find the right fit.

 

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.