Are you considering adoption in Louisiana? Open adoption is a wonderful option to explore, especially if you’re a birth mother who wants to maintain contact with your baby following adoption. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are devoted to helping birth mothers in Louisiana make adoption plans for their unplanned pregnancies. Let’s explore eight key facts about open adoption in Louisiana and why it can be an incredible choice for both birth mothers and adoptive families.
First, What Is Open Adoption?
Open adoption is a type of adoption where the birth mother and adoptive family maintain some level of contact and communication after the adoption is finalized. This can range from occasional letters and pictures to in-person visits. Open adoption allows birth mothers to play an active role in their children’s lives, even if they are not the primary caregivers. It can be a heartwarming and fulfilling experience for all parties involved.
At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we specialize in open adoptions, as well as semi-open and closed options. We can help birth mothers develop their adoption plans and help mediate communication after placement and finalization. If you are interested in open adoption, here are eight facts about the process and its emotional benefits.
1. A Birth Mother Can Remain in Her Baby’s Life
One of the most significant advantages of open adoption in Louisiana is that birth mothers can remain a part of their child’s life. This means that you can continue to build a relationship with your child as they grow, providing love and support from a distance.
2. Birth Mothers Get to Know the Adoptive Family Before the Adoption is Finished
At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we empower birth mothers in every decision of the adoption process—including choosing the adoptive families they deem best for their babies. In an open adoption, birth mothers have the opportunity to get to know the adoptive family during the adoption process. This can provide peace of mind and reassurance, knowing that your child is going to a loving and caring home.
3. Birth Mothers Can Gain Emotional Closure Through Open Adoption
Grief can accompany the adoption process. While placing your baby for adoption is a brave and selfless decision, it is not a small one. Open adoption can provide birth mothers in Louisiana with emotional closure. In addition, knowing that they can still be a part of their child’s life can help alleviate some of the loss associated with adoption.
4. Children from Open Adoptions Often Experience Emotional Benefits
Children who grow up in open adoptions tend to benefit emotionally. Studies have shown that adopted children aged 18 to 23 were more satisfied knowing their birth parents rather than not being told about their adoption. Additionally, they can form a sense of identity that includes both their birth and adoptive families.
5. Adopted Children Can Normalize Their Adoption Stories
Open adoption allows adopted children to grow up with an understanding of their adoption story. Rather than growing up with questions about their birth families, cultural history, or why they were placed for adoption, their adoption story becomes a normal part of their identity.
6. Open Adoption Can Provide Answers to Medical Questions
In cases where there are medical concerns or hereditary conditions, open adoption can be particularly valuable. Birth families can provide crucial medical information that can benefit the child’s health.
7. Communication Can Evolve Over Time
As a child ages, communication and visits can become even more frequent in open adoptions. This evolution allows for a deeper and more meaningful relationship between birth mothers and their children.
8. Open Adoption is Currently the Most Widely Chosen Option
In recent years, open adoption has become the most widely chosen option by birth mothers and adoptive families. While closed adoptions were more commonly sought in the past, studies estimate that closed adoption only accounts for 5% of modern adoptions. This shift reflects the growing recognition of the emotional and psychological benefits it offers to all involved parties.
Learn More About Open Adoption in Louisiana With St. Elizabeth Foundation
Open adoption in Louisiana offers numerous benefits for birth mothers, adoptive families, and adopted children. If you’re a couple considering adoption or a birth mother looking to place your baby for adoption, we encourage you to reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation. Our dedicated team is here to provide support, guidance, and care throughout the adoption process. You can send us a message or call 225-769-8888 to learn more about open adoption or begin your adoption journey. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are committed to helping you make the best choice for your family and your child’s future.