For many, adoption is uncharted territory. It’s not uncommon to hear about adoption these days, but understanding the adoption process is another story. Whether you are a woman considering placing your child for adoption or a couple wanting to adopt, keeping an open mind is critical. Opportunities you never thought possible might present themselves, and you will want to be ready. An Expectant Woman’s Journey An unplanned pregnancy is a difficult road. As you choose to continue your pregnancy, you have many decisions in front of you. Perhaps you’ve had opposition from your family, friends, or partner. As you contemplate placing your child for adoption, you have the opportunity to select the potential adoptive couple. With an open or semi-open plan, you can meet them before giving birth to ensure you feel they are the best. As you look through the bios of couples, keep an open mind. You never know what might grab your attention. Simple things can make a world of difference. Are they music fans? Do they love Chinese food? Are they part of a big extended family? Make sure what is special to you is important to them. Be open to the type of adoption plan, too. Although you want to stay in touch regularly with your child and their family, you may need more time for a completely open adoption. That’s okay. The choice is totally up to you. An Adoptive Couple’s Journey Just like a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, your road to adoption has been challenging. As you move forward in the process, it is vital to keep an open mind. Resist preconceived ideas of what your family will look like. Creating a family through adoption isn’t a spreadsheet. There are no columns to check off or tabulations to make. More than anyone in the process, you need to be completely open. Are you willing to adopt a child with drug exposure? A different race? Special needs? Be honest, but be open. You must also be open to the adoption plan the expectant mother wants. If a completely open adoption frightens you and you insist on a semi-open adoption only, you limit who will view your bio. Make the stretch and discuss your fears with your adoption coordinator. How Adoption Angels Can Pave the Way The expectant woman and the potential adoptive couple become family at Adoption Angels. We want to get to know both of you as closely as possible. Our adoption caseworkers strive to provide the highest level of care, comfort, and support. For the woman contemplating an adoption plan, we provide services and assistance at no cost to you. A recent national survey found that birth mothers who received accurate information about the adoption process were more satisfied. The same survey determined the number one reason birth mothers were more satisfied with their decision was because they didn’t feel coerced. At Adoption Angels , we let you decide every aspect of the process. We will answer your questions, discuss your situation, and give you the freedom to choose. Fill out our Confidential Contact Form online or call or text us 24/7 at 210-227-2229. We also provide education, support, and guidance for potential adoptive couples. We invite you to look closely at our services and view our eligibility requirements. When you’re ready, fill out our Start the Process form. We’re thankful both of you have chosen Adoption Angels.

Entrusting your child to the adoptive parents you’ve chosen takes courage, resolve, and a tremendous amount of love and support. You gain confidence by knowing this is the right decision. But you also need to know that the love and support you received before you gave birth won’t end. What Is the Journey of Adoption? Did you know the meaning of the word “explorer” is “someone who travels to a place that other people do not know much about in order to find out what is there”? As you explore adoption for your unplanned pregnancy, you’re traveling territory you are most likely unfamiliar with. As a birth mother, you are on an extraordinary journey that many others are unfamiliar with. Because they don’t understand the process or the reasons for choosing adoption, they may accuse you of “giving up,” “giving away,” or “not taking responsibility.” Nothing can be further from the truth. When a birth mother chooses adoption, she plans her child’s future. She places her child first in her life. It is, most likely, the most loving and difficult thing you will ever do. There will be highs as you select the adoptive couple and lows as you question whether you can proceed. Feeling assured, doubtful, hopeful, and sad are all part of the journey. How Should a Birth Mother Be Supported? There are many points along the way during the adoption journey. But from the beginning, a pregnant woman or birth mother should receive free physical and emotional support. Explaining the Process A reputable adoption agency thoroughly explains the adoption process. The agency should ensure you understand your commitment before making a final decision. You should know about the different adoption plans to choose from and the pros and cons of each. The steps should be clearly laid out, from selecting the potential adoptive parents to signing your release for adoption papers. Providing Free Services Every state allows free pregnancy-related services for an expectant mother who chooses to place her child for adoption. Your agency is responsible for ensuring that you receive proper medical care, food, housing, maternity clothing, and counseling. In addition, they guarantee all of your legal expenses are covered. Supporting You Emotionally Like all of your choices for your unplanned pregnancy, making an adoption plan involves loss. You will experience grief and should be fully aware of this beforehand. This decision is never made easily. You need counseling throughout your adoption journey and beyond. You need to count on having care and support that is available to you 24/7. Your adoption coordinator should be ready to assist you with answers to your questions or provide a listening ear. You should always feel supported in the adoption process. Once you complete the adoption, you should continue to receive care and support. The agency should provide resources for your future, such as helping with job training, education, or public aid. How Can Adoption Angels Assist a Birth Mother? At Adoption Angels, our caring staff is ready to explain the adoption process, provide you with free pregnancy-related services, and emotionally walk alongside you. We promise you will never feel like you are facing this decision alone. If you are unexpectedly pregnant and want to learn more about making an adoption plan for your child and the services we provide, call or text us at (210) 227-2229. Or fill out our confidential online contact form . We’ll be in touch shortly.

Although every adoption situation is unique, experts say openness in adoption is the best for everyone involved. There are many different ways to begin the discussion, but adoptive parents who start talking about adoption early gain their children's trust. The Joyful Opportunity to Adopt For a potential adoptive couple, adoption is a complex process. Only genuinely committed couples will complete the requirements. These couples have longed to be parents and are overjoyed when an expectant mother chooses them. They are excited to bring a little one into their lives and feel grateful for being chosen. Their love for that child and the mother that gave birth to them begins immediately. A Birthmother’s Story The more the adoptive couple knows about the birth parents and their families, the more they can share with their child. Some birth mothers want to keep their stories private, while others want to give as much information as possible. A birth mother can share her family’s history, heritage, and other information with her child if she chooses an open adoption plan. She can explain why she decided to place them for adoption and assure her child of her love and commitment. When Should Adoptive Parents Begin Talking About Their Child’s Adoption? Many experts encourage adoptive parents to begin talking about their child’s adoption story from the moment they arrive home. They suggest using age-appropriate and positive adoption language. The following are just some of the ways adoptive parents can begin the conversation: Reading books such as “Some Babies Are Adopted,” “I’ve Loved You Since Forever,” and “Happy Adoption Day.” Create a Life Book including photos and letters from the birth parents and information about their adoption journey. Child’s play is a wonderful way to introduce adoption. Using dolls or stuffed animals to “adopt” one another helps a child to imagine the adoption experience. Having occasional in-person or online visits between the birth family and adoptive family helps the child to recognize they belong to a bigger family. Using terms like “Tummy Mommy,” “First Mom,” and “Momma (First Name)” are ways to begin referencing the birth mother. Working With Adoption Angels Reassure your kids that you love them and will not be placing them for adoption. Let them know you are committed to caring for them and providing all they need. As you speak about their adopted sibling, tell your kids they will always have that brother or sister as part of their lives, and you will always be that child’s mother. Encourage an atmosphere of love whenever you talk about them Talk To Us At Adoption Angels , we encourage open adoptions because we believe openness is the best for everyone. We regularly suggest an open adoption plan when we counsel our birth and potential adoptive families. Adoption involves a great deal of trust. Our top priority is to provide you with the most compassionate care and support that goes above and beyond what is required. You’re not just a client. You’re family. Fill out our confidential contact form or call or text us 24/7 at (210) 227-2229.

Honesty is always the best policy when explaining to your child or children that you will be placing their sibling (or half-sibling) for adoption. No matter how you present it, describing adoption and what it means for the family is a complex and challenging discussion. We’ve got some suggestions to help you begin the conversation. Always Talk About Adoption Openly Secrets tend to build fear. Your children, whatever age, need to hear about adoption as soon as possible. If you haven’t made up your mind, avoid introducing the idea until you are sure that is the direction you want to go. Once you’ve begun the adoption process with an agency , openly discuss your decision and the steps you are taking. One way that can help open the lines of communication about adoption is to watch an adoption-related movie or show. Here is a list of a few of our favorites: Despicable Me Elf Lilo and Stitch Kung Fu Panda Man of Steel Stuart Little Tarzan T.O.T.S Doc McStuffins Dinosaur Train Use Appropriate Adoption Language A phrase such as “giving up (or away)” can confuse a kid. Instead, use terms like “I am making an adoption plan” or “I am placing your little brother or sister for adoption.” If your children are young, avoid the details such as “finding a potential adoptive couple” and opt for “finding another mommy and daddy.” Remember, only you know what your child is able to process and you can always talk to your adoption counselor for more suggestions, in fact, we encourage it. Don’t Hide Your Feelings Placing a child for adoption can be stressful and emotional in any situation. Make sure your biological children who remain with you know you are struggling. Explain to your kids why you have to make this painful decision. Are you not able to financially provide for another child? Has the father of this child abandoned you? Do you not have the physical support of someone to watch your kids while you work? All of these are valid reasons. Let your kids know where you are in the process and, if age-appropriate, bring them into the decision-making. Discuss the different family profiles and ask for their feedback regarding which family would be best. Assure the Kids in Your Home That They Are Safe Reassure your kids that you love them and will not be placing them for adoption. Let them know you are committed to caring for them and providing all they need. As you speak about their adopted sibling, tell your kids they will always have that brother or sister as part of their lives, and you will always be that child’s mother. Encourage an atmosphere of love whenever you talk about them. Talk To Us At Adoption Angels, our caring staff is prepared to listen and help you sort through your options. We offer professional one-on-one guidance to you and your family as you work through the process. Even after placing your child, we continue to counsel and support you. We never want you to feel alone in your decision. Fill out our confidential contact form to learn more about adoption as an option. You can also call or text us 24/7 at (210) 227-2229 if you want to speak to someone first. We are here for you.

An unplanned pregnancy crowds out everything else in your mind. Focusing on work, school, paying bills, and other responsibilities takes a back seat. You need help deciding your future and taking some financial burden off your shoulders. A reputable adoption agency can help you with your expenses and your next step. No matter who you choose to work with, placing a child for adoption is free for the expectant or birth mother. Are You Considering Placing Your Child For Adoption? When parenting is not an option, making an adoption plan can be the answer for your unexpected pregnancy. There are many benefits to choosing adoption for your child. With an open adoption plan, you have the opportunity to: Select the family that will adopt your child Have a relationship with your child and their adoptive parents Be assured they’re loved and cared for Enjoy your child without the day-to-day responsibilities Give your child more opportunities Did You Know Financial Assistance Is Available? Almost all U.S. states allow potential adoptive parents to assist a birth mother with expenses. There are limits to what an adoptive couple pays for, but when you plan a private or independent domestic adoption, you can receive assistance for pregnancy-related services and materials. Medical Expenses First and foremost, a birth mother must receive quality prenatal care. The Affordable Care Act is required to pay for pregnancy and childbirth expenses. If she is not enrolled in the program, she may qualify for Medicaid. If a birth mother is insured, the adoptive parents pay her co-pays. Medical coverage includes prenatal and postnatal visits, labor and delivery, and counseling. The birth mother’s mental health is as important as her physical health. Maternity Clothes & Hygiene Pregnancy comes with many physical changes to a woman’s body. Expectant mothers will receive help with maternity wear and hygiene products. Transportation and Travel Traveling to doctor’s visits, the hospital, and the adoption agency, can be difficult for some birth mothers if they don’t have access to transportation. Travel costs are included in a birth parent’s expenses. Housing Although birth mother expenses cannot include permanent housing, Texas does allow payment for rent, utilities, groceries, and the phone bill. Legal Fees There are various fees and court costs that must be paid to ensure the agency handles the adoption legally. Attorneys are retained for the birth mother, her child, and the adoptive parents. Depending on the situation, the state, and the attorneys, legal fees can be very expensive. How Adoption Angels Can Help You We want you to have proper medical care, a safe place to live, transportation, and guidance through professional counseling. To us, you’re not just a client; you are family. Whether you are expecting or have already given birth, our assistance is available at no cost. In addition to the above services, our staff can assist you with care and support 24/7. Do You Have Questions About Adoption? We want to hear about your situation and determine how we can best assist you. If you would like to know more about the adoption process, read “ What to Look for When Choosing an Adoptive Family for Your Child .”

Mother’s Day is a wonderful day to bless the first woman in our lives. We shower her with gifts, flowers, special events, and cards filled with tender sayings. It’s important to remember that some women struggle to find joy on this Sunday. They may have recently lost their mother, suffered a miscarriage, are devastated by infertility, or placed a child for adoption. For a birth mother, Mother’s Day can be a painful reminder of the loss and separation she may feel after placing her child for adoption. Take this time to honor these extraordinary women who have impacted your life in such an amazing way. Here are four ways to celebrate your child’s birth mom on Mother’s Day. 1. Choose to Remember Her on National Birth Mother’s Day Since 1990, adoptees, adoptive moms, and others touched by adoption celebrate birth mothers on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. It is National Birth Mother’s Day. This memorable holiday falls on Saturday, May 13th this year. It is an opportunity to honor the women who selflessly placed their children for adoption. Every birth mother’s experience with adoption is unique. Although she chose adoption, some birth mothers experience different emotions about their decision. Mother’s Day can be a painful reminder of the loss she feels. Honoring her on National Birth Mother’s Day sets her apart as someone special. You recognize her for the sacrifice she made. Depending on the level of openness and your relationship, send her a card, a gift, or just a text. If nothing else, thank her on social media. Without mentioning her name, remind your friends and family that you are a mother because she also deeply loves the child you share. Use #NationalBirthMothersDay as a special hashtag. 2. As an Adoptive Mom, Honor the Woman Who Made You a Mother For most women who adopt, adoption follows months, and most likely years, of infertility testing, drugs, and even surgeries. A woman who cannot biologically have a child finds Mother’s Day a cruel reminder of what she can never have. But if a birth mother has chosen you, wish her a Happy Mother’s Day. Let her know that her incredible sacrifice also allowed you to celebrate Mother’s Day. Thank your birth mother with a special gift if you have her address. If your adoption is semi-open, send a card through your mediator. Consider planting a tree or flowers in her honor. 3. Have Your Adopted Child Thank Their Birth Mother It’s important for adopted children to know their story from the start. No matter how young, talking about their adoption from the beginning helps them realize they have a larger family than the people they call mom and dad. If your adopted child is old enough to write a message and send a card, have them express their love and appreciation for their birth mother. They should wish her a Happy Mother’s Day and thank her for being their first mom. For younger adopted children, create a picture using their handprints or footprints and send it with a note reminding her she’s an extraordinary mother, too. A child’s artwork is a lifelong treasure. 4. Celebrate Together! Whether in person or virtually, invite your birth mother to your celebration. If you live close and your relationship is open, include her in your family meal or a special event. She may be more comfortable meeting outside of your home. Respect her feelings and plan accordingly, if possible. Try FaceTime or a Zoom call if you don’t live near one another. By celebrating together, you are letting her know she is just as important as you. Plus, your adopted child learns to honor her as well. For Questions About Adoption, Contact Us Adoption Angels has over 40 years of combined adoption experience. We have assisted birth mothers and potential adoptive parents with every aspect of the adoption process. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn more about placing your child for adoption, call or text us 24/7 at (210) 227-2229. Or fill out our confidential online contact form, online contact form , and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Choosing to place your child for adoption is one of the most significant decisions you will make. You want the best for them and their future, so you carefully read through the bios of potential adoptive parents. You’re looking for the perfect family who will love and nurture your child. It’s a bold, brave, and loving choice. Even though you feel confident that making an adoption plan is right, there are nagging questions in the back of your mind. “How will the adoptive parents talk about me?” “Will my child know how much I love them?” “Will my child hate me for placing them for adoption?” At Adoption Angels, our adoptive parents are forever grateful to their birth mothers for allowing them to be parents of her child. They talk about each mother in a loving, positive manner. As the birth mother, your chosen adoptive parents will tell your child about their adoption story from the beginning. They know it is always important to be open and honest with your child about who you are and your sacrifice in making this decision. The Benefits of Open Adoption An open adoption plan means you, the birth mother (and father, if available), exchange identifying information with the potential adoptive couple you’ve selected. According to U.S. adoption statistics, 60 to 70% of adoptions are open today. Child Welfare states, “Research has shown that children do better in an open adoption.” Here’s why open adoption is best for you and your child: Open adoption allows a child to connect directly with their biological family. You share your story with them and explain why you placed them for adoption. Your child understands their heritage and why they look and act the way they do. They gain a deeper sense of belonging and realize that more than one family loves them. Open adoption allows them to ask questions and learn more about you. When families openly discuss adoption and members of a birth family are involved in a child’s life, it gives the child confidence. There is no secrecy or deception. The child knows their birth, and adoptive parents chose adoption because they loved them and can move confidently through life knowing who they are. As your child matures, they can continue to have a relationship with you and your family on their own. The Benefits of Working With Adoption Angels When choosing your adoption agency, you want to work with an experienced agency that understands how it feels to be a birth mother placing her child. You need confidence your adoption specialist will be with you from start to finish. Adoption Angels has over 40 years of combined experience in the field of adoption. We consider every client a part of our family, so we strive to provide the highest level of care, comfort, and support throughout the adoption process and beyond. We provide many pregnancy-related services and assistance at no cost to you. Take a closer look at the profiles of some of our waiting families hoping to adopt. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are considering making an adoption plan for your child, contact us. Call or text us 24/7 at (210) 227-2229 or fill out our confidential online contact form . We’re here for you.

Were you shocked when the pregnancy test said “positive”? An unplanned pregnancy means you have a big decision, which shouldn’t have to be made alone. At Adoption Angels, we understand the fear and confusion. By meeting your physical and emotional needs, we can guide you through your pregnancy. Is Adoption Right For Me? The Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) says almost half of all pregnancies are unintended. It doesn’t matter your age, if you already have children, or if you’re single or married, unplanned is unexpected and challenging. The good news is you have options, and making an adoption plan for your child is one of them. We want you to have as much information as possible to make a confident decision. Adoption, like all of your options, is a difficult choice to make. However, placing your child’s needs before your own is not only selfless, it is courageous. Our counselors are available 24/7 to offer comfort and support, and our counseling service is available to you for as long as needed. Only you can determine if placing your child for adoption is the right decision. We promise to walk with you throughout your pregnancy, adoption planning, and beyond. We won’t pressure or manipulate you because we want what’s best for you. How Can You Help Me? An expectant woman shouldn’t have to worry about expenses as she works through her adoption plan. At Adoption Angels, we can provide you with the following free pregnancy-related assistance Living expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and clothing Medical expenses for prenatal care, hospital visits, and delivery Transportation to and from Adoption Angels, your doctor’s appointments, and the hospital Legal services to finalize the adoption Resources and referrals for housing, daycare, education, job training, etc. Financial support is available up to 8 weeks after you deliver to help you get back on your feet. Can I Choose Who Adopts My Child? You choose the loving family who will raise your child. We carefully screen all of our potential adoptive couples through background checks, home studies, health assessments, and more. Our counselors guide you through the adoption process. If you choose an open or semi-open adoption plan, you select the couple and lifestyle you want for your child. Once you’ve chosen them, you have the opportunity to meet at any time. What’s My Next Step? Let the caring counselors at Adoption Angels give you the most compassionate care and support possible. We’re here to guide you through your pregnancy and beyond. To us, you are never just a number. You are family. Fill out our Confidential Contact Form or call or text us 24/7 at (210) 227-2229. You are our number one priority.

Most family members mean well, but their advice can sometimes do more harm than good when confronted with a big issue like an unplanned pregnancy. Only you know what’s best for you and your future. No one can legally force you to do something you don’t want to do. It’s your choice. Learn About The Adoption Process First The process of adoption is a journey. You need to work with an adoption specialist who answers your questions and gives you the support you need to determine if adoption is the right choice. At Adoption Angels, we’ll explain the process thoroughly and discuss different options with you. When you are ready to present your adoption plan to your family, you can confidently show them the financial support, legal representation, and emotional counseling Adoption Angels provides. Although everyone might not agree, knowing you’ve done your homework lets your family see you’re serious. Why Choose Adoption? Every situation is different. Women choose to place their children for adoption for various reasons. ● They’re not ready to be a parent. ● They’re just beginning school or a new career. ● Their current relationship or living situation isn’t safe for a child. ● They want to provide a better life financially and emotionally for their child. ● They’re already raising other children and worry they can’t take care of a new baby sufficiently. Adoption Facts To Present To Your Family As you give your family reasons for your decision, let them know the following resources Adoption Angels provides: ● No-cost services and assistance for birth mothers ● Free living and medical expenses and legal services ● Free transportation to and from our agency, doctor’s appointments, and the hospital ● Free counseling throughout your adoption journey and beyond ● 24/7 care and support ● You choose the adoption plan and potential adoptive family Your Next Step We want the best possible outcome for you and your child. Only you can decide if choosing adoption is right for you. We’re here to answer all your questions about the possibility of making an adoption plan. We’re also available to assist you with your family conversations. Call or text Adoption Angels at (210) 277-2229 or fill out our confidential contact form .