What Happens After Adoption?

Many expecting mothers feel like their lives stop when they have an unexpected pregnancy. While you may feel the same way, it’s important to remember that adoption isn’t the end of your life. This experience is a chance for a new beginning for both you and your baby. 

The truth is, your life hasn’t stopped—it’s just been put on pause for a moment. Right now, you might feel lost and scared when you think about what to do after the adoption is completed, but you’re not alone on this journey. A Guardian Angel will be here to provide you with post-adoption services that will help you thrive as you navigate your life after adoption.

We want you to feel confident and safe moving forward. Let’s take a look at what you can expect after the adoption process is completed—and how A Guardian Angel will help you take every step toward your new future. 

Finalizing the Adoption

From your very first day with A Guardian Angel, you’ll receive free legal services from our compassionate specialists. They’ll ensure you learn everything you need to know about the adoption process and your rights as a birth parent. A case manager will be with you every step of the way to answer your questions and concerns and make sure you understand the process. When you are ready, you will sign the adoption consent forms and we’ll take care of everything else.

Many states have laws that make you wait a day or more before signing adoption consent forms. Depending on the state you deliver in, you will have control over your hospital plans. You get to decide how much or how little time you want to spend with your baby before placing them in the care of the adoptive family you have chosen for them. If you choose an open adoption, you can also decide to have the adoptive parents with you after the birth so you can share this special moment together. 

Receiving Post-Adoption Medical Care

After the birth, you can take as much time as you need to relax, heal and plan the next step of your life. No matter what medical aid you require, A Guardian Angel ensures that all of your healthcare expenses are taken care of—before, during and after the birth. 

You will also have your personal case manager with you to explain any medical needs, offer guidance and provide love and support while you regain your strength and start focusing on your future.

Resting in Comfortable, Free Housing 

No expecting mother should have to worry about where to live while going through the adoption process. As part of your post-adoption recovery, A Guardian Angel provides a free place for you to stay both before and a little while after the adoption process. When you’re staying with us, we do everything we can to help you feel safe, comfortable and right at home.

Receiving Loving, Professional Counseling

It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions after placing your baby for adoption, but some birth mothers may also experience grief, postpartum depression or post-adoption depression.

You should never be ashamed of how you feel after adoption, but you should always get the help you need for any severe symptoms. A Guardian Angel will connect you with counselors, doctors, birth mothers who know exactly how you feel and support groups to help you deal with postpartum depression, post-adoption depression and anything else you may be experiencing. 

Continuing your Education

While many expecting mothers have to pause their high school classes during the adoption process, it’s never too late to restart them and complete your education. A Guardian Angel offers birth mothers the chance to earn their GED with convenient home-study courses. You’ll be given everything you need to finish your education and move on toward an exciting future.

Keeping in Touch with Your Baby’s Adoptive Family

Adoption doesn’t have to mean goodbye. Choosing an open adoption lets birth parents stay in contact with the adoptive families and their babies. If you choose an open adoption, you can move forward while still receiving regular updates on the life of your baby.

As always, any adoption plan you choose (closed, semi-open or open) will be customized for your comfort. You decide if the contact you want with the adoptive family is through letters, phone calls, visits or anything in between. 

Moving Forward with Your Life

Many birth parents who have placed a baby for adoption find it difficult to move on. Often, they believe that if they don’t feel sad or guilty, it means they are “forgetting” their baby—but nothing could be further from the truth. 

Moving forward doesn’t mean that you’re forgetting your baby—it just means that you’ve chosen to celebrate the new life you gave them. You can lead a successful, happy life while still loving your baby and celebrating the choice that you made. 

Creating New Traditions

Many birth parents move forward by creating new traditions around their adoption experience. This helps you remember and honor this significant moment in your life while still looking toward the future.

You can create new traditions no matter what type of adoption you choose. With a closed adoption, remember your baby on their birthday or celebrate Birth Mother’s Day. With a semi-open adoption, write your baby letters for birthdays and holidays. And with open adoption, set up meetings on special days to connect with your baby and celebrate the special bond you have with your “second family.”
Adoption is not an easy choice. It will likely be the hardest decision you ever make, which is why A Guardian Angel is dedicated to making sure you feel at peace and find the support you need before, during and after the birth of your baby. Let us help you through the adoption process and on your way to a life full of joy.