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"We Didn't Want to Half-Raise a Child" - How Caitlin Chose Adoption With Her Partner

Caitlin is a brave birth mother who chose adoption to give her baby a life full of love and opportunities. If you feel inspired by her story, contact us today or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information about the adoption process.

My adoption story has a happy ending for a young couple trying to just get by together and stay strong through communication and understanding.

During my first year of college, I found out I was pregnant with a daughter. When summer came, my partner and I talked about what to do. I was a four-hour drive away at college with summer vacation around the corner, and my partner is at work full-time. We did not want to have to half-raise a child while I was a full-time student and he was working a full-time job.

We both decided on contacting American Adoptions, and I chose a family that seemed great for the girl. Filling out paperwork, finishing my first year of school and doctors’ appointments is a lot to balance for a 19-year-old. With a due date in mind, we began planning around it.

When the day came, she was a few weeks earlier than anyone had expected, yet she was perfectly healthy in every way. We named her Rose Tyler, after my favorite companion from the British TV show “Doctor Who.” Rushing between email to email to fill out information for us all, a new family had been presented to us — and they were the perfect fit. They had two dogs, loved the outdoors and could spoil little Rose more than we could, and we understood that.

On day two, the couple drove from the middle of Pennsylvania all the way to the top of Ohio. They really are the best fit, with such positive vibes, and the four of us could talk for hours on end. As the weekend came to a close, it was a sad yet understanding moment of acceptance of what is happening. It all happened so fast, and we couldn’t have asked for a better couple for little Rose to be raised by.

Our adoption story was full of joy and happiness as a young couple trying to just get by. Yet, that was the end of the first chapter of the real story that has yet to be written.

Ready to find out what adoption can do for you and your baby? Contact us today at 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information and support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

The Best for Her Babies - Why One Birth Mother Doesn't Regret Her Decision

Lindsey was already the mother to one baby with special needs when she found herself pregnant again. A single mom in the midst of a divorce, she knew adoption was the way to give both her daughters what they deserved.

Read the Story