Christy had not planned to become pregnant
and have a baby right now. She had other hopes and dreams and she was scared about how this pregnancy would impact her life.
As much as she thought that she could love her baby, she knew that she could not take care of a child at this point of her
life since she could not even take care of herself. Christy started thinking about adoption.
A friend had told
Christy that many individuals and couples turn to adoption to build their families, some even wait for months or years before
that dream can come true. Christy was relieved to find out that she would be the one to decide who the adoptive parents should
be. Christy knew of a couple that had been thinking about adoption but she also wondered whether she would prefer to find
adoptive parents that she did not know so well. Christy started reflecting on what she would want for her baby. She figured
that she would want a secure family with a couple married for a number of years. She wanted the adoptive parents to be a little
like her and have similar hopes and dreams. Christy was very good in journalism. Perhaps she could find adoptive parents that
would love to write as much as she did, or maybe a family with the same religion and values.
Christy knew that she could not take care of her baby but she started experiencing
feelings that she never expected and that gave her doubts about whether she was making the right decision with the adoption
plan. She felt overwhelmed and, although her relatives and friends were very supportive, she did not feel that anybody could
understand her and help her determine what was the best decision for her and her baby. Christy had never talked with a counselor,
but maybe now would be a good time.
As
Christy met with a counselor and felt more determined to pursue with the adoption plan, she started exploring what type of
relationship she would want to develop with her child and the adoptive parents when the adoption would be finalized. Would
she want to give as little information as possible on her identity, or would she prefer to stay in touch with her child through
the years? Would she want to exchange pictures, letters and maybe visit with the adoptive family, or would she rather have
no contacts at all?
Christy also wondered
about her baby's father. Christy was not in a serious relationship with him and he certainly had not been helping with
the pregnancy...but what about his legal rights? Would he have any say in the adoption plan?
Christy
knew that she would need legal advice to resolve those questions.
Christy surrounded herself
with all the help that she could get. She wanted to feel good about her decision and make sure that she had covered all aspects
of her adoption plan so that her baby would have the most stable life possible. As she gave birth and entrusted the adoptive
parents with her baby, Christy felt a little sad, but she also felt very proud as she knew that she knew that she had made
the best decision, and that the baby would have everything that she could not provide.
Learn more about adoptions and how Steffas & Associates, P.C. can help you achieve your goals.
