Deciding to go forward with adoption is a big decision for an expectant mother. When you're thinking about whether to work with a local or a national adoption agency, there are a lot of things to consider. For those going through the adoption process, this choice can really affect the kind of help and services you get. Local adoption agencies can provide a lot of help that is really useful for expectant mothers, especially if you're having money troubles or don't have many people to support … [Read more...]
Can I Keep My Adoption a Secret?
Answer: Yes, you can keep your adoption a secret, but it is difficult to hide all of the details. It used to be that if a woman put her baby up for adoption or was even considering putting her baby up for adoption, would likely be shamed by her friends and family for “taking the easy way out” or for “being selfish”. Fortunately, there is far less stigma around the idea of adoption now and far more understanding for those women who do choose adoption for their babies. We know, at Open Arms … [Read more...]
Can You Afford a Baby? Expenses Associated with Being a Parent
Becoming a single parent is a life-changing event, and it’s crucial to ensure you have the financial resources necessary to provide for your child while also being able to take care of other children you may already be raising. With careful planning and smart financial decisions, you can successfully navigate the expenses associated with raising a child on your own. One important question to ask yourself is, “Can you afford the baby expenses associated with being a parent?” This will help you … [Read more...]
Understanding Adoption Costs: Does it Cost Money to Put a Child Up for Adoption?
Are you considering adoption but worried about the costs involved? You’re not alone. Many women facing unplanned pregnancies wonder, “Does it cost money to put a child up for adoption?” The good news is that planning an adoption for your baby does not cost you anything. You do not pay an adoption agency any money for them to help you plan an adoption for your baby. This is important ensuring your loving and selfless decision for your child doesn’t come with a financial burden. In this blog … [Read more...]
Can You Change Your Mind About Adoption? Understanding Your Rights and Options
Adoption can be a challenging and emotional journey for women. The decision to give a child up for adoption is not easy to make, and it’s natural for feelings of uncertainty to arise. By understanding the different types of adoption plans, financial considerations, and available support, you’ll be better equipped to make the best decision for yourself and your child. Understanding Your Rights in the Adoption Process A deep understanding of your rights in the adoption process is important for … [Read more...]
Facing the Future: How Do I Decide Whether or Not to Keep My Baby?
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming and emotionally charged. As you navigate this life-altering event, it’s essential to remember that the decision you make - how do I decide whether or not to keep my baby, consider adoption, or choose abortion - is deeply personal and unique to your circumstances. This blog post will guide you through the various aspects of this decision-making process, from understanding your feelings to exploring pregnancy options, as well as the long-term … [Read more...]
Adoption as an Option: Placing Your Baby after Rape or Sexual Assault
Putting your baby up for adoption or placing your baby for adoption after rape or sexual assault can be an incredibly difficult and emotional decision. This article aims to provide information, support, and guidance for those considering adoption in such circumstances. Empower yourself with knowledge, explore your options, and make the best decision for you and your baby. Understanding Your Options: Adoption After Sexual Assault or Rape Survivors of sexual assault, also known as sexual assault … [Read more...]
If My Child is Adopted Do I Still Have to Pay Child Support?
Imagine being a parent who has made the difficult decision to put your child up for adoption, only to be faced with questions like “if my child is adopted do I still have to pay child support?” With so many factors to consider and legal implications involved, understanding the dynamics of child support in adoption cases is very important. This blog post will guide you through the complexities of child support and adoption, providing clarity on the legal aspects and financial implications for … [Read more...]
Can You Give a Baby Up for Adoption Without Father’s Consent?
Making the decision to give a baby up for adoption is a deeply personal and complex choice. When it comes to the father's consent, the legal requirements can vary depending on the State you live in. In this blog post, we will explore the important factors to consider regarding the father's consent in the adoption process. It is essential to understand the legal rights and obligations of both parents to make an informed decision. Understanding Legal Requirements Legal Rights of the … [Read more...]
I Hate Being Pregnant and I Don’t Want to Have a Baby Now
Navigating pregnancy can be a hectic journey, particularly when you're not feeling connected to the process or the outcome. It's perfectly valid to have these feelings, and there are many paths you can take to address them. Dealing with Pregnancy Discomforts Physical Discomforts Pregnancy isn't always a comfortable experience. You're likely dealing with a host of physical discomforts ranging from morning sickness to back pain. If these symptoms are making you hate your pregnancy, consider … [Read more...]
Leaving a Baby at the Hospital After Birth: Understanding Your Options
Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible experience, but it can also be a challenging one, especially if you're facing difficult circumstances that leave you unable to care for your child. If you're considering leaving your baby at the hospital after birth, it's essential to understand your options and the legal and emotional ramifications of your decision. Can you leave your baby at the hospital if you can’t take care of her/him? Answer: Maybe. Safe Haven exists in all States. We … [Read more...]
I am Pregnant and Homeless: What Can I Do?
If you are a pregnant homeless woman, you may be wondering if you can still choose adoption for your baby if you are currently homeless. The answer is yes, you can choose adoption even if you are homeless or in between a stable housing situation. Homelessness during pregnancy is nothing to be ashamed of or something that should limit your rights to support. No matter how you are reading this, please know that you can contact our team 24 hours a day for support on how to address your pregnancy … [Read more...]
How to Tell Your Boyfriend about Your Unwanted Pregnancy
An Unwanted Surprise Everything was great. You and your boyfriend were in a good place, talking about moving in together and meeting each other’s families. And then you made that mistake of missing your birth control pill, or maybe another form of contraception did not work. Now, you have 2 missed periods, your body is starting to change and you are exhausted. You know these are pregnancy symptoms but you have been avoiding taking a home pregnancy test because you are trying the “if I ignore … [Read more...]
Do Orphanages Still Exist and Will My Baby Go to One?
Answer: No, orphanages do not still exist in the United States and your baby will not go to one if you choose adoption. If you are either pregnant or have given birth recently and are feeling like you cannot care for your baby, you may be wondering what your other options are. One question that might cross your mind is likely, "what if I can't take care of my baby, and I don't find anyone else to? Will my baby be an orphan and end up in an orphanage or a group home?" Many of us have seen the … [Read more...]
I’m 6 Months Pregnant and worried, what should I do?
If you are currently 6 months pregnant, and getting stressed about this new baby coming soon, that is completely normal! You are likely in the “honeymoon” phase of your pregnancy, morning sickness has hopefully slowed down, and you have more time to think about what the coming months will bring. This may get you worried about the sleepless nights, a crying baby, money, housing, childcare and how you might balance everything in your life. Below we will explain a bit more about what is coming … [Read more...]
Signs of Pregnancy and When to Take a Test
Many women experience times when they wonder if they might be pregnant based on what their body is telling them. This can be an incredibly nerve-wracking time, especially if the woman is not trying to conceive. There are many signs of pregnancy to look out for to help you decide whether to take a pregnancy test, and we will cover those here. It is also important to remember that one negative result does not necessarily mean that you are not pregnant. Sometimes, women may test too early, thus … [Read more...]
9 Tips for Dealing with an Unplanned Pregnancy
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be an emotional and difficult ride. While it isn't easy, it is not incredibly uncommon. Know that you are not alone and lots of women have experienced your current circumstances. In order to figure out where to go from here, we have offered 7 tips for how to handle an unexpected pregnancy below. 1. Don't Panic and Don’t Fault Yourself No matter how this happened, whether it was failed or forgotten birth control, or another way, do not fault yourself. … [Read more...]
Can You Change Adoptive Couples Before the Baby is Born?
A question commonly asked when planning an Open Adoption regarding adoptive parents is whether you can change families and choose a different one before the baby is born. The answer to this can be complicated depending on the situation, and while it would be best to work with an adoption specialist while considering this, we will attempt to answer this question and help you ensure that you get the right parents for your baby. The Open Adoption Process When considering adoption, either during … [Read more...]
Top 10 Ways Adoption Is Different than Abortion
If you are pregnant and confident that parenting or keeping the baby is not what you would like to do, you are likely thinking about your other two options: abortion and adoption. While these are similar in that you would not be the mother of this baby, these are obviously very different in many ways. While you might be learning toward terminating the pregnancy and getting an abortion, there are several ways in which the two of them differ that you should consider before making your decision. … [Read more...]
Can I get the Child Tax Credit if I Give My Baby Up for Adoption?
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, while people were dealing with sickness, lockdowns, and school closures, the Government began providing cash assistance in the form of the American Rescue Plan to certain US citizens to stimulate the economy. Many US residents who had never received government aid before benefited from unemployment compensation, food programs, and other initiatives. Eviction moratoria were established, and other regulations were put in place to allow Americans to stay on their feet … [Read more...]
