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Author Archives: Adoption Choices of Missouri

Questions to Ask LGBT Adoptive Parents

Questions to Ask LGBT Adoptive Parents “Family” is often defined by what society considers “traditional”: a husband, a wife and their biological child(ren). But at Adoption Choices of Kansas and Missouri, we celebrate all families. It doesn’t matter whether a family is made up of a mom and a dad, two moms, two dads or a single parent. It doesn’t matter whether a family is formed through adoption. It doesn’t matter whether a parent is heterosexual or LGBT. All that matters is that the family members are focused on loving, supporting and caring for each other. As you’re looking through profiles of prospective adoptive parents, it’s important to think about what you’re looking for in an adoptive family. What type of family do you think is best suited to love…

An Adoption Story: The Selfless Choice: Michelle Guykema

The Selfless Choice: Michelle Guykema “A birth mother puts the needs of her child above the wants of her heart.”  ~ Skye Hardwick When it comes to making a plan for adoption, birth mothers face a lot of pushback. Stigmas surrounding their choice claim they areirresponsible or just looking to take the easy way out. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Choosing adoption is an excruciating and selfless journey. It is not something that can be decided flippantly, and it isn’t for the faint of heart. For Michelle Guykema, she’d always wanted to be a mother. It was her ultimate life goal. But, when she became pregnant unexpectedly at eighteen, she didn’t have the resources or lifestyle to adequately make her dream come true. Hence, her path to…

A Guide to Creating Your Hospital Plan as a Birth Mother in Kansas and Missouri

A Guide to Creating Your Hospital Planas a Birth Mother in Kansas and Missouri The birth of your child is a major turning point in your adoption journey. Emotions are high. Feelings of relief, anxiety, or even grief, may start to set in as the time of birth approaches and reality suddenly starts to set in. As a birth mother, an effective way to prepare for your child’s arrival is to create a hospital plan. Also known as a “birth plan”, a hospital plan is a comprehensive checklist of your preferences during your hospital stay. While putting together a hospital plan is optional, planning ahead can make the birthing process more manageable and less stressful for you. By creating your hospital plan, you are helping the hospital help you to…

Types of Adoptive Families Who Want to Adopt  

Types of Adoptive Families Who Want to Adopt There are many adoptive families out there who are looking to find that special little one into their home and into their lives. As you may be aware, as a birth mother, the ideas of the typical family dynamics and structure may have changed. Yet, the love and comfort that can be found in an adoptive family has not changed. With so many loving adoptive families having their arms open to embrace little ones, you, as a birth mother, may have a hard time deciding which family structure you are most comfortable with. You may not even know what kind of family structures there are. That’s okay. Adoption Choices of Kansas and Missouri is here to provide you with a few options…

Can I Choose Adoption if I’m in the Military? 

Can I Choose Adoption if I’m in the Military?  Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and being a mom in the military can definitely make you feel overwhelmed. You may be busy on a tour and not in a position to care for your child, or give your child the life he or she deserves. You might wonder if adoption is still an option for you. Absolutely! Adoption is available to you and your baby whether you find yourself leaving for active duty or traveling overseas. At Adoption Choices of Kansas and Missouri, we are here to help. Steps to Take as a Birth Mother in the Military Choose an Adoption Agency Being on duty as a birth mother in the military can be hard, but choosing an adoption agency should not…

Spotlight on Single Parent Open Adoption

Spotlight on Single Parent Open Adoption in Missouri  When developing your adoption plan, you have a lot of options. As the birth mother, you are in charge. You get to decide what type of adoption and what type of adoptive family suits your needs and your baby’s best interests. At Adoption Choices of Kansas and Missouri, families hoping to adopt come in all shapes and sizes. Have you thought about single parent open adoption? Why Choose a Single Parent?  There are many reasons to choose a single parent. Perhaps you were raised by a single parent yourself. Maybe you’re afraid that your child will have to witness or experience domestic violence or watch their adoptive parents go through divorce. Or, factors other than family size may be more important to…

Choosing an Adoption Agency that is Right for You as a Birth Mother in Missouri and Kansas

Choosing an Adoption Agency that is Right for You as a Birth Mother in Missouri and Kansas After going back and forth, and looking at all your options from every angle, you’ve decided that placing your baby for adoption is the best path to take. Now begins the challenge of mapping out your adoption journey, and determining what kind of life you want your child to live. It’s a big decision. There are many factors to consider. One of the very first aspects is selecting an adoption agency to work with. Choosing an adoption agency that is right for youtakes time. Depending on where you live, there may be multiple adoption centers near you or within a reasonable driving distance. It’s important to do as much research as you can, and write…

5 Reasons to Choose LGBT Adoptive Parentsas a Birth Mom in Missouri and Kansas

5 Reasons to Choose LGBT Adoptive Parentsas a Birth Mom in Missouri and Kansas LGBT couples and individuals deserve to be parents, because they are caring, understanding and fully committed to raising your child with all the love they have to give. Unfortunately, LGBT adoptive parents are all too often overlooked due to social, cultural or personal biases. However, studies have shown that there is little to no difference between your child being raised by in a heterosexual or same-sex family. That there are, in fact, many benefits to choosing LGBT adoptive parents for your child. Deciding what kind of family you want to raise your child is a big decision, and a major part of the adoption process. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, and are considering choosing…

Qualities Look for in an Adoption Attorney as a Birth Mother in Missouri and Kansas

Qualities Look for in an Adoption Attorney as a Birth Mother in Missouri and Kansas An adoption attorney is a professional who specializes in family law, specifically adoption. Because they are experts on the legal side of adoption, they are a great resource and advocate to have by your side as you progress on your adoption journey. When you work with us at Adoption Choices of Kansas and Missouri, you are notrequired to have an adoption attorney. We offer legal services to ensure your rights as a birth mother are protected, and any legal fees will be covered by our agency. However, if you wish to be represented by an adoption attorney, it is an option. Here are some qualities to look for in an adoption attorney as a birth mother:…

The Top 5 Questions for Birth Mothers to Ask our Adoption Agency in Missouri

The Top 5 Questions for Birth Mothers to Ask our Adoption Agency in Missouri Adoption is a difficult road to navigate. If this is your first time looking into adoption and figuring out your way, there are most certainly a ton of questions that you will probably have. Never fear! Adoption Choices of Kansas and Missouri is here to help you with thequestions to ask our adoption agency.  Why should I work with Adoption Choices of Missouri? Our agency offers many great resources! These include, but are not limited to, court-approved birth mother expenses such as: financial assistance, medical care, temporary housing and transportation. Once you are assigned with an adoption caseworker, they will help assess your circumstances and see what you qualify for. As a birth mother with our agency,…

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