Common Questions for Pregnant Mothers [FAQ]

It’s normal to have a lot of questions when pursuing adoption because you want to ensure you have a positive adoption experience. We have answers.

All adoption questions are good adoption questions. Many of our adoption specialists are birth parents or adoptive parents and have firsthand experience with the ins and outs of the adoption process. They’ve been through it all and had a lot of the same questions that might be running through your mind. This allows us to provide you with the most empathetic and informed service possible.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the common adoption questions we get from expectant mothers and their answers into an adoption FAQ. You can also contact us now to get in touch with an adoption specialist who can provide you with the answers you need.

Will I See My Child Again?

This is an adoption question many expectant mothers have. You certainly can. One of the biggest factors that keep expectant mothers on the fence when it comes to choosing adoption is whether or not they’ll be able to see their child again. Even if you know that adoption is what’s best for you and your baby, it doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye forever.

Almost all modern adoptions are open adoptions or. Open adoption is a post-placement contact agreement between you and your child’s adoptive family. With open adoption, you are able to stay in contact with your child and their adoptive parents through:

• Texts

• Phone calls

• Email

• Video chat

• Photos

• In-person visits

Open adoption is beneficial for everyone involved in the process.  Being able to stay in touch with your child makes the adoption transition easier, and you’re able to stay updated on how your child is doing. The adoptive family can speak openly about the adoption of your child and build a relationship with you.  And most importantly, your child will never have to wonder about their birth family and will get the privilege of having two loving families.

How do I Choose an Adoptive Family in Missouri?

Being able to choose the family that will raise your child is one of the biggest parts of your adoption plan. You are always 100% in control of your adoption plan, which means you get to choose all of the qualities you’d like the hopeful adoptive family to have. Our adoption specialists will be there to help.

Your adoption specialist will sit down with you to figure out what kind of adoptive family you want your child to have. Some questions to ask yourself could be:

• Where do you want your child to grow up?

• Do you want your child to have older siblings?

• What kinds of traditions do you want them to grow up with?

• Do you want your child to be raised in a religion?

• What hobbies would you like the adoptive family to have?

These are just a few things to consider when figuring out what kind of adoptive family you want for your child. Your adoption specialist will take all this information and find adoptive family profiles that match your preferences.  You’ll be able to review these profiles until you find the perfect match. Once you’ve chosen an ideal family, you’ll be able to get to know the adoptive family before the baby is born if you’re comfortable with that.

How do I Know if I’ve Chosen the Right Family?

When you work with American Adoptions to complete your adoption, we will do everything in our power to help you find the perfect family for your child. You know what’s best for your baby, and we’ll help you find a family that embodies that. 

“I spent the next several weeks combing through what must have been dozens of wonderful families. Then, I found them — the couple that I immediately felt connected to,” Carmen said about her search for the perfect adoptive family.

You’ll be able to choose the qualities you’d like to see in the family that will raise your child. You’ll even have the opportunity to get to know the potential adoptive parents before the baby is born. Your adoption specialist can help you get started and even mediate contact if you need. It’s also worth noting that if you choose a family and over time realize that they might not be right for your child, you can change your mind any time before the adoption is completed.

How Much Does Adoption Cost in Missouri?

If you’re a prospective birth parent considering adoption, adoption comes at no cost to you.

Many expectant mothers faced with an unplanned pregnancy choose adoption because they are not financially equipped to adequately support a child.  In fact, we’ll even provide you with financial assistance. When you choose American Adoptions, we will work with the adoptive family to cover your living expenses and pregnancy costs throughout your pregnancy such as rent, utilities, groceries, medical bills, etc.

You can find out more about our financial assistance here.

Does the Birth Father Have to be Involved in the Adoption in Missouri?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. If you have a relationship with the birth father or if you know who he is, and if he is supportive of your adoption decision, he can be an active participant in the adoption process with you. His support could be helpful during your pregnancy as you move through the adoption process.

If you’re unsure who the birth father is, cannot get in contact with him or simply do not feel comfortable involving him in the process, American Adoptions or an adoption attorney can inform him of your decision on your behalf and explain his options for being involved.

If You Put a Baby Up For Adoption, Do You Have To Put Your Name On The Paper in Missouri?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions we get from expectant mothers. “If you put a baby up for adoption, is your name on the birth certificate or that of the adopting parent?”

The answer is both. As the birth mother, your name is required to go on the original birth certificate. If this concerns you because you want your adoption to remain private, some states will seal the original birth certificate after the adoption is completed.

If you’re worried that having your name on the birth certificate affects the adoption, it does not. If you’re asking, “Can you put a baby up for adoption if the dad isn’t on the birth certificate?” the answer is yes. His name is not required to be on the birth certificate, but it can be if that is what you want. This is something you might want to discuss with your adoption specialist or your attorney.

Once your child has been placed with the adoptive family and the adoption has been finalized, the adoptive parents will receive an amended birth certificate.  The amended birth certificate will list the adoptive parents’ names and will be the birth certificate your child will use as official documentation.

Still Have Questions?

These are all good adoption questions. If this article doesn’t answer questions you might have or you need more information, our adoption specialists are available 24/7 to answer these questions. Contact us today to get the support you need throughout your adoption process.

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