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Open adoption is a positive, thoughtful, and loving choice. If you are living in Maryland and facing an unplanned pregnancy, or you have already given birth, you may be considering making an open adoption plan. It is never too late to choose open adoption in Maryland.
While placing your baby for adoption can be difficult, it does not have to mean goodbye. Today, expectant/birth mothers in Maryland have the power to choose an open adoption plan for their baby. Open adoption allows expectant/birth mothers to meet and speak with their child’s adoptive family. It enables them to stay in touch over the years.
Open adoption gives birth and adoptive parents the chance to build a relationship with one another before – and long after – the adoption is finalized.
Right now, you likely have many questions regarding open adoption in Maryland. How does it work? Who sets up the open adoption plan and makes sure it stays in place? Of course, any time you need help with your adoption, or you would like to speak with a professional for more information, you may reach out to Adoptions With Love at 800-722-7731 or contact us online.
If you are looking for information regarding open adoption, read on. Here, we will break down the basics as you begin to explore your options.
What Does Open Adoption Mean?
Open adoption is an adoption agreement that allows birth and adoptive families to communicate with one another openly, before and/or after the adoption is finalized. For you, an open adoption relationship can involve:
- Choosing the adoptive family for your baby
- Contacting the family directly and – if desired – meeting them before the adoption
- Maintaining a relationship with the baby’s adoptive family over the years
Many expectant/birth mothers in Maryland choose open adoption because it offers peace of mind. Knowing you are not saying “goodbye forever” to your child can bring great comfort when placing him/her for adoption. Instead of this being the end of a chapter, it can be considered the start of a beautiful, lifelong journey.
How Does Open Adoption Work in Maryland?
Open adoption gives expectant/birth mothers in Maryland many choices throughout the adoption process.
While some birth mothers decide they want a closed adoption (meaning they do not wish to maintain contact with their child’s adoptive family, as it may be too difficult to speak with them), many others opt to build and maintain a strong and open bond. If you choose to meet your child’s adoptive family before giving birth, you will be able to get to know them and get an idea of what kind of parents they will be for your child.
You can also decide if you would like them to be there at birth. You can choose whether the adoptive parents will be in the delivery room, as well as who will hold the baby first, and whether you would like alone time with the baby once he/she is born.
These are all your options. When it comes to your adoption plan, there is no right or wrong choice. Every detail of your baby’s birth can be designed to meet your needs and make sure you are comfortable. You can even take time to make a final decision. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.
In order to have an open adoption plan, you must work with an open adoption agency.
As an open adoption agency in Maryland, Adoptions With Love helps facilitate open adoption plans. Every prospective adoptive family at Adoptions With Love agrees to having at least a semi-open adoption. This means they are open to having some contact with the birth mother and will continue to send letters and photos, either directly or with the mediation support of the adoption agency. With a semi-open adoption, the birth mother maintains contact with the adoptive family, but it may not be direct. This is designed to maintain her privacy.
However, the level of openness is completely up to the expectant/birth mother and what makes her feel comfortable.
If you would like to make sure your adoption is an open adoption, you can communicate that to your adoption professional. YOU are in the driver’s seat, and you get to choose what type of adoption plan you would like to have. The form and frequency of communication may evolve over the years to accommodate a growing child and/or relationship. Whether you choose to stay connected via text messaging, emails, video chats, or in-person visits, the form and frequency of your adoption plan will be arranged ahead of time as signed and regarded as a real contract.
Your adoption agency can help you navigate the type of adoption plan you want. These plans are submitted into legal and binding contracts, with the understanding that there is room to renegotiate over the years.
The Benefits of Open Adoption
Open adoption offers many benefits for everyone involved. For birth parents, it is all about the peace of mind they get when they can see how their child is doing and developing over the years.
Adoptive parents also share in the joy of sending updates, photos, and memories with their child’s birth family. Open communication allows them to learn more about their child’s family history and background, as well.
Adopted children also experience the many benefits of open adoption. Nearly all children in open adoptions report having positive feelings about their circumstances. They grow with a positive sense of self-identity, get answers about their family history as they grow, and live in a world where they are loved by two families instead of one.
Make an Open Adoption Plan in Maryland
As you consider placing your child for adoption in Maryland, consider your wants and needs. How do you see your relationships developing over the years? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to keep in touch with my child’s adoptive family? How often?
- Would I like to see photos of the child with their adoptive parents?
- How would I like to communicate with the adoptive family? Texts? Video calls?
- Would I want to have in-person visits once in a while?
Every adoption is different, and your unique needs and wishes can be met with respect and compassion. With a reputable Maryland adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, you can get ongoing support with your adoption over the years. Your adoption specialist can help serve as a mediator and assist with any interactions between birth and adoptive family, as needed.
Adoption is a life-changing decision. Before you decide to pursue open adoption in Maryland, contact an adoption agency to get even more answers to your questions. At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers receive guidance and support free of fees, pressure, or judgment. We are here to support you during this challenging time. We can help guide you through the adoption journey every step of the way.
For more information about open adoption in Maryland, please contact us here today. Text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or call 1-800-722-7731. Our staff is here to answer your call any time of day or night, any day of the week.
Open adoption was the greatest decision of my life. His family has become my family and the pictures I get give me not only peace of mind, but also a big smile. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” - Kaitlin