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"My Family Has Come a Long Way" - How Heather Grew from Her Adoption Experience

Heather 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.

I placed a baby up for adoption through American Adoptions in February of 2007. Although adoption was a very difficult decision, it has allowed me to re-evaluate my life and my children’s lives.

When I found out that I was pregnant with Luke in 2006, I knew I could not care for another child. I was alone, scared and very worried about what the future held for my unborn baby, my children and me. My husband and I had made some bad decisions that affected our whole family. He was incarcerated at the time of the adoption, and I knew Luke was going to be better off with a different family. I contacted American Adoptions and they were kind, caring and showed me a great deal of understanding. I looked through the profiles that they sent me of waiting adoptive families and I knew when I saw Gary and Amy’s profile that they were going to be the parents of my baby. I wanted my unborn child to have a better life than I could provide to him at that time.

During the adoption process, I had several conference calls with the adoptive parents. Amy even got to attend a prenatal appointment with me. I could tell that she was so excited to hear the baby’s heartbeat and I knew that the choice I was making, even though difficult, was the right choice.

Amy and Gary arrived at the hospital shortly after Luke was born. I got to spend time alone with Luke and then see Amy and Gary interact with him and bond with him. I am grateful for the updates and pictures that I receive. It warms my heart to see him so happy.

I am very proud to say that since that time my family has come a long way from where we were. It took a lot of hard work and growing up but I wouldn’t change a thing!

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.

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