Adoptions With Love Blog

How to Handle the Holidays When You Are Pregnant and Considering Adoption

For many Americans, the last two months of the year can be an emotional time. The holidays are often filled with family gatherings and feelings of nostalgia. For some, this can bring about feelings of cheer, and for others, feelings of grief. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, being pregnant during the holidays can feel especially overwhelming. You may be left confused and wondering how to cope with your pregnancy during what is typically considered “the most wonderful time of the year.”

You may be someone who usually enjoys the season, but finding out the shocking news that you are pregnant can certainly make the holidays feel different. If being pregnant during the holidays was not on your wish list, try not to stress. We can help you navigate this difficult time.

The Most Emotional Time of the Year

The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but they are often stressful and emotional. There are many studies that show an increase in loneliness, depression, and anxiety for many people  during this time of year. An unplanned pregnancy can evoke all of these feelings at any time. Add the holiday season into the mix, and it can amplify everything.

Being pregnant during the holidays can also feel emotional if you know that you are not yet ready to be a parent. As you watch families gather together, you may be upset that you are struggling with such a major life decision during this time of year.

Consider All Your Options

As you ponder how to cope with unplanned pregnancy, you should take the time to consider all your options. Depending on where you live, you can choose between the following:

  • Parenthood
  • Abortion
  • Adoption

Parenthood may be an option that you are considering. It is important to think about how you will support your growing family. How will you cover the costs for childcare? Who will you depend on for babysitting on nights and weekends when you need additional time to run errands or take a break? If you are a student, will you continue to pursue your education? Do you have a safe and stable home environment for a baby? These are just a few examples of the questions to ask if you are considering parenthood.

Abortion has been restricted or banned in several states across the country. If you live in one of these states, and you want to explore abortion, traveling to another state is legal. It can also be expensive. With that in mind, there are several organizations that have been pledging to support those in need of an abortion across state lines. They can help you cover the costs of traveling to another state and getting a safe and legal abortion.

Adoption is another option you may want to consider. It is important to acknowledge that adoption is not an alternative to abortion. These are two very different paths. If you know that you are not yet ready to parent, however, and you do not – or cannot – get an abortion, you may be considering adoption. Adoption can be a positive choice that offers many benefits for both birth mothers and their children.

You may be familiar with the term “give baby up for adoption.” This is not a term that is currently used within the adoption community. Making an adoption plan is anything but giving up. It is a brave, selfless, and loving decision. If you are thinking about making an adoption plan for your baby, you are placing your child’s needs before your own. You are considering your child’s future and how you can give them the best opportunities that life can offer.

How to Find Pregnancy Support During the Holidays

If you are pregnant during the holidays and considering adoption, you can get the support you need. At a full-service, non-profit adoption agency like Adoptions With Love, you can take comfort in the fact that your adoption will be handled safely and legally. You can also rely on an experienced and compassionate organization to treat you with the respect, compassion, and dignity that you deserve.

At Adoptions With Love, all expectant/birth mothers who choose adoption have access to free supportive services. These services include financial aid, legal assistance, and comprehensive counseling – before and after the adoption is complete. The list of supportive services for expectant/birth mothers includes:

  • Housing assistance. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
  • Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, food, transportation, and maternity clothes, as needed.
  • Medical coverage. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable, and cover any uninsured medical bills related to the pregnancy and birth, reimbursed after the adoption is complete.
  • Counseling services, from experienced and compassionate adoption counselors, before and after the adoption is complete.
  • Legal support. Our adoption attorneys will ensure that your adoption is handled legally and answer any questions you may have along the way.
  • Adoption planning assistance. We can help you custom design an adoption plan that meets your needs and fulfills your wishes.

Learn More About Adoption

Being pregnant during the holidays – when you have not planned for it – can feel overwhelming. You may be considering adoption, and while it is a positive choice, it is never an easy one to make. You do not need to face this experience alone. You can get the support you need right now and find peace during the festive season.

If you want to learn even more about how to cope with unplanned pregnancy, contact Adoptions With Love today. You can learn about the adoption plans we offer expectant/birth moms, risk-free. You are never obligated to carry through with an adoption before you are ready to sign the consent forms. Adoptions With Love wants you to make this decision and decide which type of adoption plan is best for you and your baby.

Call 800-722-7731, text 617-777-0072 (confidentially,) or contact us online. We can help you navigate this unplanned pregnancy and put your mind at ease this holiday season.