How does an open adoption make signing relinquishment easier?

Recently, birth mom Mia signed her relinquishment paperwork. She had decided to make an adoption plan with Act of Love Adoptions later in her pregnancy and began the process shortly before the baby was due. Having another little boy that was three, no support from the birth father and struggling to make ends meet, she finally made the decision that placing her baby girl for adoption would be the very best for all involved. Her mother and grandmother had been very supportive and helpful to her in making her decision. They all wanted this precious baby girl to be part of a wonderful, loving family where she could grow and be loved.

The due date came even quicker than Mia had expected. Her labor started about a week before the estimated due date that her doctor had given her. Since she had started the adoption process close to her due date, she had just begun to start looking at adoptive families. Her social worker brought profiles to her at the hospital and she was able to read the beautiful and meaningful letters that the adoptive families had prepared for her. The pictures that were with the letters showed amazing families and she could tell from the love that went into preparing the pictures and letters that her little girl would be loved. Now, she just had to figure out which one!!

After spending some time reading the letters and looking at the pictures, Mia suddenly had a big smile on her face and said, “This is the one!” She felt certain that her little girl belonged with this family and finally felt the peace in her heart that she had been longing for. Mia picked up her phone and called her mom to share the news. Not only did Mia feel certain this was the family, but so did her mom.

The next morning, as she was signing her relinquishment documents she felt relaxed and at peace. She even smiled and said, “This was always meant to be.” The excitement shone in her eyes as she shared that she was going to be able to place her baby girl in the arms of her family and be able to move forward with the life she was creating for herself and her little boy.

Mia expressed her gratitude for having the opportunity to have an open adoption. She had been able to select her adoptive family, talk with them on the phone and they would soon be at the hospital to meet their baby girl. In planning for her adoption, Mia had chosen to exchange letters and pictures with the adoptive family until her daughter reached adulthood. She also conveyed her desire to meet her daughter later in life when her daughter was ready to meet her.

Each birth parent can choose the type of adoption that is right for them. Some birth parents choose to select their adoptive family and not meet them. Some choose to not meet the adoptive family, but exchange pictures and letters through the adoption agency. The team at Act of Love has over twenty years of experience in providing support and counseling to birth parents as they make these very important decisions for themselves. If you are considering an adoption plan, you can contact a staff member to ask questions and receive information. Our loving staff is available 24/7 to help you. Call 1-800-835-6360 or text 801-450-0094. We look forward to helping you.