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Mary's Adoption Story

I didn’t find out I was pregnant until 7 months in. All the symptoms could be explained away until my stomach started getting very hard. I was very scared at first as I did not have the means to support myself let alone take care of a baby. I never had planned on having a child so it was a big surprise. When I found out I was pregnant I realized I had to quickly gather my thoughts and look for an adoptive couple for my baby. From the first e-mail with the adoptive couple I felt a bond with them that only grew stronger the more we communicated. At the time I lived with a friend and due to the circumstances I was unable to tell any of my friends that lived close to me. Through the entire pregnancy I had to take care of everything and had little emotional support from anyone besides the family, American Adoptions, and a few friends who lived further away. It was very hard but incredibly rewarding to know I was making such a loving decision. I don’t regret one minute of it. I love Tom and Linda and feel so blessed to have found them. I know the baby will always be loved and supported in whatever he chooses to do. He now has so many opportunities that I could have never been able to provide for him. Seeing them with him made me so happy. It’s an amazing feeling being able to do something so life changing for someone else. It also pushed me to want to make something better of my life. The adoption is open so when my son wants to make contact I will be able to show him his adoption story and where he was born. I will be able to show him that adoption not only gave him a great life but also helped me to make more of my life.

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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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