Birth Parents FAQ
Making an adoption plan is a special way of showing love to your child. You gave the child the gift of life, while putting his or her needs first with a future filled with opportunities. This will be explained to your child as he or she grows and develops. You will not be forgotten. We know from our adoptees, now young adults, who have told us that they are thankful their birth parents gave them the opportunity for a wonderful life.
Who are the families adopting through Adoptions With Love?
For your peace of mind and the welfare of the child, we carefully screen every prospective parent. We visit their home, run background and criminal checks. They are all healthy and financially secure. Since we are a small agency, we know all our parents extremely well and we can ensure that your child will be raised in a safe and loving home.
What kind of help will I receive from Adoptions With Love?
Adoptions With Love offers you medical care, counseling and maternity related expenses such as rent, transportation, utilities, maternity clothing and food allowance. We will continue to assist you financially for 6-8 weeks after the adoption. We work hard to take care of your needs.
Can I choose the adoptive parents for my baby?
Of course! We will talk with you about your special preferences for an adoptive family, such as religious beliefs, siblings, or a family with a stay-at-home parent. You can review details such as letters, pictures and written information about fully-screened families who meet your personal choices. You will be given the opportunity to evaluate detailed photo albums complete with letters from the prospective parents. In some situations, you may decide to leave the choice of an adoptive family to us.
Can I choose an open or a closed adoption?
Definitely! You can choose the degree of openness or have a completely closed adoption if you wish. You can meet the family or never have contact at all. You will decide what is best for your peace of mind.
What will happen before the baby is born?
A highly skilled, caring adoption counselor will meet with you in total confidentiality at your convenience. You can also meet with a lawyer who specializes in adoption. You may select the adoptive family for your baby, or leave that up to us. If you wish, you can meet the family you have chosen prior to the baby’s birth or speak with them on the phone.
What will happen when I go into labor?
No matter what time of day or night, it is important to contact Adoptions With Love and let us know you are going to the hospital. Our toll-phone number is 1-800-722-7731, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. There is always a caring person answering our phones.
What will happen after the baby is born?
Most women stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours after delivery, and you can have as much contact with the baby as you wish. Your adoption counselor will visit you to discuss your feelings and help you arrange plans for the adoption. You may request that the adoptive family spend time with you in the hospital.
Who will know about my adoption plan?
Everything is kept private and confidential. It is up to you to share your adoption plan with family or friends.
What help can I receive from Adoptions With Love after the baby is adopted ?
We are committed to you throughout the adoption process as well as afterwards. We do not disappear. Adoption counseling services are available to you and we will pay for $700 of your counseling bills up to a year after the adoption. We continue to maintain contact with birth parents who made an adoption plan with AWL over the last 25 years.
How can I reach Adoptions With Love?
Call us anytime. An experienced counselor is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In most cases you may be put right through on the phone or you can leave a private message and she will return your call. When we return the call, we not say we are calling from an adoption agency. We care about you and know that adoption is a difficult decision. We would like to get to know you and help you. Please feel free to call Amy, Nancy Karen or Christine at 1-800-722-7731. We care about you and your baby.