Open Adoptions

Open adoptions are becoming much more popular in today's society than closed adoptions. Open adoptions give the adoptive parents the opportunity to share photos, stories, messages, and any number of things with the actual birth mother and father of the child. This particular type of adoption helps birth parents with the grieving process after giving their child away because it's not a final goodbye. They will get the opportunity to interact with their child and with the adoptive parents.

Each adoption is different, understandably. It's up to the birth parents and the adoptive parents to develop a communication schedule or to agree on certain guidelines with the adoption. Perhaps the birth parents want to see new photos weekly, or maybe the adoptive parents want to have guidelines in place for when the actual parents can visit. All of the details will need to be worked out before the child is born.

If you are considering pursuing an open adoption, you may want to seek information from other sources.

Books: There is a large number of printed books available that discuss open adoptions. It's wise to read a few to get a good idea of the whole adoption process. Naturally, an open adoption process is going to be different than a closed adoption. There are different procedures set in place, and it is wise that you understand them and are comfortable with them before you pursue an open adoption any further. Check your library or online book stores for relevant books and you will definitely learn a lot.

Internet: It's also a good idea to check adoption forums online that were made specifically for open adoptions. On these forums, you will have the opportunity to speak with both birth parents and adoptive parents who have gone through open adoptions before. You will be able to ask them questions regarding what it's like exactly. Is it sad? What will you need to take to the hospital with you? Will you want other family members there with you for support? You will be able to receive great advice and insight from them.

Other Adoptive Parents: You may want to ask your adoption agency for the names and email addresses or phone numbers of other adoptive parents who are willing to discuss their open adoption with you. You will get to talk with them directly, which helps, and they will hopefully be able to ease your fears or concerns that you may have about the adoption process being open.

Counselors: It may be a good idea to speak with an adoption counselor if you are worried about the situation being too sad or unnerving. You should feel proud of yourself and happy with your decision about providing a new family and home life for a baby. However, you may also feel confused at this time and may have many personal questions that you may want to ask a counselor.