The Best Books for Expectant/Birth Parents Considering Adoption

Choosing adoption is one of the most difficult, but also most selfless, decisions a mother can make for her baby. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be looking to learn more about adoption. Perhaps you are wondering about the benefits of adoption, or looking to read stories from other women who have made this choice. This is a very responsible thing to do. By researching adoption, you are taking control of your situation. You may not have planned to get pregnant, but you can prepare for all that is ahead.

One of the best ways to learn more about adoption is to speak with an adoption professional, such as a licensed social worker at an adoption agency. This person can talk to you about your current situation, in a confidential environment, and answer any questions you may have. Adoption agencies are a great resource for information, and contacting one will not bind you to adoption. They are there to help you explore your options, and walk you through the process if and when you are ready.

At Adoptions With Love, we recognize that this is YOUR choice. We are here to educate you about adoption, as well as termination and parenthood, and help you arrive at the best decision. We will respect any choice that you make. We will also provide you with educational resources about adoption, and can put you in touch with other women going through the process, if you would like.

To help you start your journey in learning more about adoption, we have also put together this list of adoption books. These books are designed for expectant/birth mothers considering adoption, and can help you through this emotional journey.

1. The Open Adoption Experience by Lois Ruskai Melina
   Although this book was published in 1993, it still holds great value for both birth parents and adoptive families. This book teaches all about open adoption and the many benefits it can bring to a child. It also prepares both families for an open relationship, and shows how to make an open adoption successful over the years.
2. Pregnant? Adoption Is an Option by Jeanne Warren Lindsay
   This book is designed for pregnant young women who may not have the resources to raise a child. It discusses the positive choice of adoption, as well as all the other options that expectant mothers have when facing an unplanned pregnancy. The author does a wonderful job of weighing each option, and explaining how each choice can affect the birth mother, the birth father, and the child in different ways. Ultimately, the book shows that adoption is a very difficult, yet positive decision for birth mothers.
3. The Third Choice: A Woman’s Guide to Placing a Child for Adoption by Leslie Foge and Gail Mosconi
   Much like the title implies, this book is designed to guide women through the adoption process. It explores the many decisions that a mother must make, including open vs. closed adoption. It also covers topics such as what to expect after adoption, how to choose adoptive parents, and the legal process.
4. Given in Love: For Mother’s Who are Choosing an Adoption Plan by Maureen Connelly
   After placing a baby for adoption, birth mothers can expect feelings of loss and grief. This book, with great compassion, helps to prepare women for the emotions ahead. It dives into the grief you may experience after the adoption, and helps you begin the healing process by recognizing adoption as an act of pure and selfless love. This book also covers topics like naming the baby and saying “goodbye.”
5. Adoption & Loss: The Hidden Grief by Evelyn Robinson
   Adoption & Loss was written by a birth mother, for birth mothers. This is Evelyn Robinson’s first of four adoption books, all of which we recommend. It details her own adoption story, and the decisions she made and the emotions she experienced as she placed her son for adoption. It also dives into topics such as what birth mothers can expect after the adoption, and how to overcome or honor feelings of grief along the way.

For more resources about adoption, you may also visit the Adoptions With Love resource library. Click the ‘Birth Parents’ tab and gain access to many free eBooks about adoption and the process. Some of our helpful eBooks for expectant/birth mothers include:

• I’m Pregnant, Now What? A Guide
• A Guide to Your Pregnancy and Adoption Options
• How to Place Your Baby for Adoption
• How to Choose an Adoption Agency

Remember, an informed decision is the best decision. The more you know about adoption, the more you will understand what is right for you and your baby. The more you read, the more confident and comfortable you will be in your choice. If you would like more resources about adoption, please do not hesitate to contact Adoptions With Love. We can set up a confidential counseling session, connect you with other expectant/birth mothers choosing adoption, or help you get started on your own adoption plan. No matter your situation, we are here for you. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.