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"I Knew He Was Not Mine" - How Naimah Chose Adoption at the Hospital

Naimah is a brave birth mother who chose adoption to give her baby a life full of love and opportunities. If you feel inspired by her story, contact us today or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information about the adoption process.

On the evening of March 22, 2015, I went into labor. At 12:59 a.m., I gave birth to Elijah. It was beyond scary not knowing I was pregnant and seeing his sweet face that looked just like mine. But on those first two nights I prayed for guidance, and I knew he was not mine to parent.

I found the American Adoptions website and got in touch with Emily, and everything moved quickly. I literally saw Tom and Jenn’s profile at the last minute, and I knew in my heart it was them I was looking for. I had decided on Friday, and I needed them to arrive by Saturday because Eli was a fighter and, although he was in the NICU, he would be getting out in days. Once they said yes, I was ecstatic. I could not wait to meet them.

Waiting in the lobby to meet them and for Elijah to meet them was frightening, but the moment I saw their eyes, those feelings went away. I was so happy and thankful his parents were there. They were amazing to me then and have continued to be ever since.

With this scholarship, I hope to be able to fully pursue my passions in life through my education in esthetics. I’m excited to learn every part about the field and to service my community by being able to educate other about the benefits of skin care.

I also want and need to further my education to make sweet Eli proud. I want him to look at the position I was in, be able to say thank you and be proud that I was able to make something better of my life all because of my love for him.

All I’m wanting is to do the best I can so that I will never to have to make such a difficult decision based off of what I am unable to provide at that time in my life. I’m applying for the scholarship because I’m currently paying out of pocket what is not covered by student loans and working part time at a salon. I would love to be able to get a little ahead on payments and attend a class trip that I may not be able to attend otherwise. I will try to make every day and every penny count.

Ready to find out what adoption can do for you and your baby? Contact us today at 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information and support.

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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.

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