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Amanda's Adoption Story

The minute I knew I was pregnant I felt my whole world start caving in. After lots of research and heart felt talks with my boyfriend, we both decided that adoption was the best option for us. We both knew that if we were to keep our child we would not be able to give her the life we always dreamed of giving. American Adoptions helped us to find a family who wound up being the perfect family for our child. This family made us feel like we were a part of their family from the moment we met them. The minute we chose adoption everything started to look up. Good things were coming out of a bad situation.

One of the biggest reasons that we chose adoption was the fact that neither of us had finished college yet. When I found out that I was pregnant I had just started to pursue my major in Social Work. I had gone through several majors up to that point but Social Work really spoke to my heart. I was not quite sure what direction I was going to take though. After going through the adoption process I knew that I wanted to help other birth mothers and their adoptive families.

Receiving the scholarship through American Adoptions helped me in several different ways. The obvious way it helped me is financially. This scholarship also gave me the inspiration to get myself back into school even when I wasn't sure that I was ready. It turns out that I was and I am really excited about all the things that I am learning and the ways that I am growing. This scholarship is also going to give me inspiration later on when I feel down. I can always look back and remember that someone else saw what I could do and believed that I could exceed in my life. This scholarship reminded me of the promise I made to my baby the day she was born. Once again good things are always coming out of bad situations.

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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.

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.

The Best for Her Babies - Why One Birth Mother Doesn't Regret Her Decision

Lindsey was already the mother to one baby with special needs when she found herself pregnant again. A single mom in the midst of a divorce, she knew adoption was the way to give both her daughters what they deserved.

Read the Story