Legacy Adoption Services

Options for Unexpected Pregnancy

Discover options for unexpected pregnancy

Your options are obvious, but the decision is difficult. Every woman with an unplanned pregnancy knows that she has the choice to raise the child or place the baby with another family through adoption.

The compassionate counselors at Legacy Adoptions never tell clients what decision to make.

You are in complete control of your life and the future of your baby. However, we are here to help you work through all the questions racing through your mind. You are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), almost half of all pregnancies are mistimed, unplanned or unwanted. If you feel that you may not be ready to parent a child, there are several points to consider when making a decision about next steps.

Placing a baby for adoption

Years ago, there were not many choices for women choosing adoption. After giving birth, the mother surrendered the baby to a family or an agency. In the latter case, they might never have known who the parents would be or how their babies were doing. The situation has changed.

  • Open and closed adoptions allow women to have as much involvement as they wish. Birth mothers can help choose the family that gets the gift of a child. Agencies match the desires of the birth mother with pre-screened adoptive families, so that the relationship starts on the right track. Some birth mothers want to see their babies, some just want pictures, and some do not want any future involvement.
  • Access to resources supports the healthy development of the baby and mother. The social workers at Legacy Adoption Services can help identify agencies and government organizations that provide assistance with food, shelter and medical care.
  • Flexibility provides birth mothers more time for deciding whether they are ready to parent or put the baby up for adoption.
  • Feelings of loss are normal for many birth mothers who have placed their babies for adoption. Our caring staff can help you deal with these emotions, while recognizing that you have given a precious gift to someone who desperately wants a child.

Raising the child

While some women feel strongly that the most loving choice is to let their baby go to a different home, others struggle with whether it would be possible for them to give the child the life he or she deserves. There are many factors to consider when evaluating options for unexpected pregnancy, especially when it comes to considering keeping the baby.

  • If the mother feels that she is living in an unsafe relationship or environment, it’s important to recognize that the baby will be unsafe as well.
  • Whether they are newborns or toddlers, babies are incredibly demanding of a mother’s time and energy. If the mother is struggling to take care of her own needs, adding a baby to the situation may be overwhelming.
  • Working while raising a baby can be challenging. Childcare is expensive, and not every woman has a supportive partner or family members willing to help.
  • The early years of a child’s life are extremely important for learning, growth and development. It’s wise for the mother to consider whether she can provide the resources necessary to enrich the child’s life through good nutrition, positive interactions, education and other opportunities to thrive.
  • The mother’s vision of what she wants for her child matters. Every mother wants the best for her baby, and it’s OK for the mom to take some time and think about what that looks like to her.

Regardless of your decision to keep your baby or place him or her for adoption, you have your baby’s best interests at heart. Either choice is one made with love, and you can decide to be part of your baby’s life no matter which path you choose.

If you are not sure you are ready to become a parent and are debating whether to keep the baby or explore adoption, contact the counselors at Legacy Adoption Services to help you work your way through these hard choices.