Episode 70: Supporting Adoption: Birth Parent(s)

November is National Adoption Month.

This month we are going to focus on supporting adoption from the side of the birthing person and the side of the adoptive parents.

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding adoption. Some misconceptions surrounding the preferred language. Misconceptions about what “type” of birthing person chooses an adoption plan. One of the biggest misconceptions is that adoption is a positive experience for all of those involved.

Like most topics we discuss, there is a lot of nuance surrounding how to support adoption.

As a doula supporting adoption, it’s important to give thought as to how you will support the birthing person regardless of who is paying. For some, this may require more than one contract.  A service contract for the birthing person, and a financial agreement for the individual who is paying.

It is also important to understand the language of adoption. For some, their adoption will be closed. For others, it may be open or semi-closed.

There are many choices that are available to the birthing parent. Will the adoptive parents be present for the birth?  During the immediate postpartum period will they want to hold and/or feed the baby? Do they desire no contact with the baby?

Come join us as we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of supporting birth parents through pregnancy, labor, and birth.