8 Helpful Tips for Parents Looking to Adopt

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Finalizing your adoption and bringing home your new baby is a beautiful, exciting process! Whether you are first-time parents or already have children, this experience can come with adventures as well as challenges. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are dedicated to guiding you through your adoption and helping you settle after your placement. Here are eight tips for parents looking to adopt that may help you during and after adoption near Lake Charles.

1. Have Patience With the Process

The adoption process can take time. Once you have applied for adoption, you will need to work through counseling, a home study, and pre-placement education. In some cases, this process can take six months to over a year to complete. Be patient during this process! The wait is worth the outcome. And, this can be the perfect time to reach out to your support system, decorate your baby’s room, and prepare yourself emotionally for their arrival. 

2. Find Your Support System

Parents looking to adopt near Lake Charles should make sure to have an encouraging support system in place. These friends, family members, employers, and counselors will be the ones you lean on most as you navigate the ups and downs of the adoption process. 

This system may be responsible for childcare or meal delivery when the time comes to bring your baby home. Discussing the details with an employer can also help to alleviate stress when it comes to taking time off work as your baby adjusts to their new home. And never forget the value of speaking with a counselor throughout your entire journey. They can guide you through the process of choosing adoption, undergoing a home study, and becoming parents to a new baby.

3. Learn From Other Adopting Families

The stories of adoptive parents are invaluable resources for you during your adoption journey. Learning from their challenges can help you prepare for tough days in your own process. And seeing their success and joy can encourage you as you prepare to bring your baby home. The bonds and friendships formed with others who are empathetic to your journey may last even after your adoption process is complete.

4. Prepare for Your Baby in Advance

Besides having your nursery set up for your baby’s arrival, make sure to have other important details in place before the baby is born. This includes preparing freezer meals for your family or arranging meal deliveries from friends and loved ones. And don’t forget to arrange childcare for your children, if needed. 

Parents looking to adopt should consider contacting local medical insurance and pediatric clinics in Lake Charles at least two weeks before the baby’s birth. If possible, set up your first medical visits in advance. With these details squared away, you can focus wholeheartedly on welcoming your baby into your home when the time comes.

5. Be Ready for an Adjustment Period

Bringing your baby into your home is a beautiful experience. But remember that you, your family, and your baby must all work through this adjustment together! With a new baby, you will have to become accustomed to their sleeping and feeding schedule. If you already have children, it may also take time for them to get used to having a new sibling in the house. Treat this adjustment period with care, and ask for help when you need it.

6. Be Ready to Develop a Relationship With Your Baby’s Birth Mother

If you complete an open adoption, this means that you will have organized calls, messages, or meetups with your baby’s birth mother or parents. Stay flexible during this process. Developing a healthy and open relationship requires care, patience, and openness. Do your best to maintain consistent communication and extend encouragement and support to your baby’s mother in the process. Your team at St. Elizabeth Foundation is also here to help as you navigate your open adoption!

7. Bond With Your Baby

One of the first and most important steps after bringing your baby home is to establish bonding time. Essential bonding practices include touch, eye contact, and speaking softly to your baby. During these interactions, your baby will become accustomed to your touch, the sound of your voice, and your facial expressions. Feeding, bathtime, and other tender acts of infant care help your baby feel safe, secure, and loved. And this extra time to love on your baby is equally wonderful for the parents.

8. Be Gentle With Yourself

It is easy for parents looking to adopt to forget how much stress, change, and emotional stimulation they can go through during the adoption process. Even with the support of your spouse, you can still both become tired and stressed as you adjust to living with a new baby. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself, too. Without essential personal care, you won’t be able to give your baby the love and care they need. Reach out to a friend or family member to take care of your baby while you take time to bathe, rest, or unwind.

Parents Looking to Adopt Near Lake Charles Can Begin Their Adoption Journey With St. Elizabeth Foundation

St. Elizabeth Foundation has worked with countless parents to help them begin their adoption journey. Parents looking to adopt who have questions about our process or who are ready to submit their application can reach out to us! Call 225-769-8888 or send us a message. Our helpful team can step through the requirements for qualification, counseling, and what must be completed on your road to adoption. We look forward to supporting you through all stages: before, during, and after adoption.

Open Vs. Closed Adoption Agency: What’s the Difference?

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If you are a birth mother deciding on your adoption plan, you have many choices available to you. One of these important decisions determines how much contact to keep with your baby after adoption, if any at all. Which should you choose: an open or closed adoption agency? While this is a big decision, don’t let it overwhelm you! Learn how St. Elizabeth Foundation can help facilitate your adoption process and help you better understand the differences between open and closed adoptions.

How an Open and Closed Adoption Agency Differ

The major difference between an open and closed adoption agency is how private the adoption process is. Mothers who opt for a closed adoption remain fully confidential. They do not meet their baby’s adoptive family or maintain contact during or after adoption. In an open or even semi-open adoption, the birth mother maintains communication with her baby and the birth family after placement.

Depending on the circumstances of the adoption, a closed adoption may be a safe choice for your baby. After the adoption is completed, a closed adoption agency ensures that the baby and birth mother will not be identified or connected. Positive impacts of closed adoption include safe boundaries for the baby and full anonymity for the birth mother. However, closed adoptions can have negative impacts on your baby, including feelings of loss, low self-esteem, and a lack of identity. 

Through open adoption, birth mothers can maintain a connection with their babies as they grow up. With both their birth mother and adoptive family, these children have access to a wider support system. And, they can better understand their family history and genetic health. With a greater feeling of belonging, these children often have better senses of self and more positive mental health outcomes.

Which Type of Adoption Is Right for You?

As a birth mother placing your baby for adoption, it is important to ask these questions when determining which type of adoption is right for you.

  • Do my circumstances allow me to visit my child after the adoption?
  • How much communication am I willing to have with the adoptive parents?
  • Do I want to keep my adoption anonymous?
  • What kind of adoption has my baby’s best interests in mind?

When thinking through the answers to these questions, consider whether you want to have open communication with your baby after the completed adoption. If the answer is no, a closed adoption may be your best choice. But if you are interested in staying in touch with your child, an open or even semi-open adoption may be right for you.

A closed adoption agency can help birth mothers complete the adoption process while maintaining full privacy. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we specialize in open adoptions as well as in the facilitation of closed adoptions. We help birth mothers develop a birth plan and connect them to adopting families nationwide. Throughout the process, we provide counseling, financial support, and emotional care as they prepare for birth and adoption.

If you opted for open or semi-open adoption, our experts help to facilitate your post-placement terms. This includes scheduling meetings, mediating conversations, and helping birth mothers and adoptive parents get the most out of their visits.

Partner With Our Adoption Agency

Are you deciding between an open or closed adoption agency? St. Elizabeth Foundation would love to support you on your journey by sharing more about our adoption process. If you are considering placing your baby for adoption, we can help you determine your best birth and adoption plan. And, we also offer counseling services before and after placement. 

Give us a call at 225-769-8888 or send us a message to see how we can provide help during an unplanned pregnancy. From start to finish, we are here to encourage and empower you to make the decisions you want. Reach out to us today to learn more.

How Children Benefit From Open Adoption

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Open adoption offers many benefits for both birth mothers and adoptive families alike. For birth mothers or couples who aren’t ready for parenthood, you can trust that your baby will be placed into a loving and stable home. For adopting families, you can grow your family by welcoming a beautiful baby into your home. But how do open adoptions affect the adoptees themselves? Learn how open adoption near Monroe through St. Elizabeth Foundation can have a positive impact on adopted children.

Adoptees Can Develop Relationships With Their Birth Family

For birth mothers and adoptive families considering adoption near Monroe, open adoption allows your child to know both sets of their parents. In an open adoption, children can grow in an environment with knowledge of their birth family and why the adoption took place. This can have a direct influence on your child’s behavior, mental health, and well-being.

Rather than being unaware of their adoption or having no contact with their birth family, children in open adoptions have no barriers to communication with their birth families. In fact, this study has shown that adoptees aged 18 to 23 preferred knowing of their adoption over not being told. And with this openness, adoptees often develop greater comfort in communicating with both their birth parents and adoptive family.

Open Adoption Can Benefit the Adoptee’s Emotional Health

Adopted children need to have plenty of support as they develop. As they grow older, they may have many questions regarding their adoption and their birth family. Or, they may desire a bond with both their biological family as well as their adoptive family. Through open adoption, children have access to an extended support system. 

A study conducted by the Minnesota Texas Adoption Research Project showed that 84% of adoptees with open contact and communication with birth parents through open adoptions were highly satisfied with this connection. Children can develop bonds with their two sets of parents as well as biological and adoptive siblings and extended family. This fosters a stronger sense of identity and belonging. And, it gives adopted children even more people to love and be loved by. 

Adopted Children Can Learn About Their Family and Medical Background

Many adopted children have questions about their adoption. Open adoption allows both sets of parents to help their children understand the purpose behind their adoption and placement. And in the process, adoptees can learn about their family history and strengthen their relationship with both sets of parents. 

Relationships with their birth family and conversations with their adoptive family can foster pride in their cultural background and family history. And, this can even shine light on possible genetic health concerns. This connection can help a child develop a greater sense of self. And, they can better understand their health and feel supported by both families.

Searching for Adoption Agencies Near Monroe? Reach Out to Us

If you are searching for adoption resources near Monroe, St. Elizabeth Foundation is the open adoption agency you can trust. Are interested in placing your baby for adoption or are an adoptive family searching for an agency? St. Elizabeth is ready to help. Send us a message or call us at 225-769-8888. We would love to help you understand your options. And together, we can help you learn the benefits of adoption for birth families, adopting families, and children.

After the Adoption: What to Expect

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After a long road to adoption near Lafayette, it is finally time to bring your baby home. What an exciting time! But remember—even though your adoption has been completed, there are still a few responsibilities to keep in mind. What can adoptive families expect after their adoption is finalized? Discover how St. Elizabeth Foundation helps support you even after placement.

Post-Placement Visits

Once you are able to welcome your baby home, there are a few adoption-related responsibilities to be prepared for. First, make sure that you are ready for your post-placement visits. After your adoption near Lafayette has been finalized, the social worker who performed your home study will stop by during a specified supervision period. The purpose of these visits is to monitor developmental milestones and observe how your family is adjusting. Your social worker helps make sure that the placement is a good fit for both your family and your baby.

To prepare for your visits with your social worker, first ensure that you are still maintaining a safe environment for your child. Just like it was for your home study, do your best to keep your home in a similar condition to when you were preparing for your baby’s arrival. 

This is also a valuable time for you to ask questions or share any concerns or challenges with your social worker. Be sure to answer all questions honestly regarding your child’s growth, development, or any concerns you may have. And if you have your own questions, your social worker can help you find answers or connect you with resources for assistance.

Open Adoption Visits

In addition to these post-placement meetings, you will need to plan your visits with your baby’s birth mother if you completed an open adoption. This is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your baby’s birth mother or parents. Whether you have in-person meetings, video chats, or phone calls, take this time to get to know your baby’s family and share encouragement when you can.

Flexibility is key during these meetings. Understand that these open adoption visits can come with complex feelings for both the adoptive parents and the birth family. Encouragement, understanding, patience, and compassion should be given in abundance. And remember that you aren’t alone in the process! For both adoptive and birth families, our staff at St. Elizabeth Foundation can offer help with organizing open adoption meetings near Lafayette as well as post-placement counseling.

Post-Placement Tips

There is nothing more exciting than bringing home your beautiful baby after adoption. Now, it’s time to begin a new and exciting journey: parenthood. After your path to adoption is completed, this can feel intimidating—but don’t worry! There is so much joy and excitement ahead, and you can still find support as you enter this new chapter. 

After adoption, here are a few tips for adoptive parents:

  • Remember the benefits of counseling. Speaking with a counselor in all stages of your adoption journey can offer clarity and encouragement. This also includes the period after your adoption is finalized.
  • Don’t stop reading! There are countless books available to help adoptive parents learn more about parenting after placement. These can help encourage you and give you the tools you need for a smooth transition.
  • Stay in touch with other adoptive parents. There is so much strength to gain through conversations with others who empathize with your challenges. Keep up with other adoptive parents to gain advice and share about the ups and downs!

St. Elizabeth Foundation is passionate about connecting children with loving parents. If you are considering adoption, we would love to speak with you. Let us share more about our adoption agency near Lafayette and answer your questions. We are here to support you and cannot wait to encourage you as you begin your own adoption story.

Begin Your Adoption Journey Near Lafayette Today

Choosing to adopt a child is a wonderful adventure, even with its challenges. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are dedicated to stepping through the adoption process with you from submission to finalization. And once your placement is complete, we continue to support you as you embark on parenthood. If you are interested in learning more about adoption near Lafayette, give us a call at 225-769-8888. Or, send us a message with questions. We look forward to sharing more about the beauty of adoption with you.

3 Abortion Alternatives Birth Mothers Should Know About

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What do you do after the news of an unplanned pregnancy? You may worry that your options are limited. Luckily, you have many possibilities ahead of you aside from abortion. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we empower you to make the best decision for you and your baby, from raising your baby to placing them with loving guardians or adoptive parents. Let us explain three abortion alternatives to help you find the right option for you.

1. Parenting

Choosing to parent your baby is one of several positive abortion alternatives. Depending on your circumstances, you may be the sole caregiver of your baby or you may choose to co-parent with the baby’s father. While the initial news of an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming, you may be open to the idea of motherhood. With the support of friends, family, and counseling services, choosing the path of single parenthood can become less daunting. And if you choose to co-parent with the baby’s father, you can share the experience of raising your baby together.

Are you unsure if you are ready to take on parenthood? At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we offer free counseling services for expectant mothers in the midst of unplanned pregnancies. Speak with one of our trained counselors in a safe and loving environment to discuss parenthood and other placement options.

2. Legal Guardianship

If you are not ready to parent your baby but would like to remain in contact with them, you may be able to place your baby into legal guardianship. This role is typically fulfilled by a close friend or family member who agrees to take on legal custody. This guardian raises your child until you are able to regain custody. While they are in the care of this guardian, you have the opportunity to visit and discuss major decisions for your child, like schooling and healthcare.

Many circumstances may keep you from being able to parent your baby after learning of an unplanned pregnancy. Financial issues, health concerns, legal matters, and more may need to be resolved before you can accept full custody of your child. Choosing legal guardianship can bridge the period until you are ready. 

However, legal guardianship may come with its own challenges. This can place strain on your relationship with the chosen guardian. And, you may face opposing views on parenting. In addition to the struggles you may face with legal guardianship, remember that this can greatly impact your child, too. Inconsistent parenting and changes in living arrangements can be traumatic for children, especially during their developmental years. Make sure to choose your baby’s guardian wisely. 

3. Adoption

For some, parenting or legal guardianship may not be possible. Due to financial matters, family relationships, the absence of a spouse or partner, or other conflicts, you may be unable to keep your baby. Or, motherhood may not align with your goals in life. And you may wonder what other abortion alternatives are available. 

With the help of St. Elizabeth Foundation, you can begin the process of placing your baby for adoption. Through adoption, you can provide your baby with a loving home and a safe environment to grow. Like legal guardianship, adoption allows you to stay in contact with your baby, depending on the openness of your adoption. Our adoption agency specializes in open adoption, meaning that once your baby is adopted you can still keep in-person or virtual contact with them.

You have several options within the realm of adoption, as well. If you prefer a confidential adoption, St. Elizabeth Foundation can facilitate a closed adoption. This keeps your identity anonymous to the adopting families throughout the entire process. Once your baby is officially placed, no contact with your baby or the adoptive family is necessary. One of the experienced social workers at our adoption agency can help you understand each type of adoption and determine which is best for you.

Discover Abortion Alternatives With St. Elizabeth Foundation

We understand how overwhelming an unplanned pregnancy can be. Let us make sure you know all possible abortion alternatives. For counseling services and guidance on placing a child for adoption, reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation. Start by sending us a message or calling us at 225-769-8888. Don’t feel like your options are limited! Find care, support, and solutions through our adoption agency.

6 Ways to Support a Loved One’s Adoption Near Lafayette

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Imagine that a friend or family member comes to you with the surprise that they are adopting. What wonderful, exciting news! What can you do to support them as they take their first steps towards adoption near Lafayette? And what can you do to help alleviate stress where you can? At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we know what the adopting family must face on their adoption journey. Let us give you a few tips to help take care of your loved ones, engage with them, and support them through the ups and downs.

1. Ask Questions!

One of the best ways to encourage your friends or family is with questions about their adoption near Lafayette! Show them that you are engaged and interested in the process. But, make sure your questions are balanced. Keep stressful or repeated questions to a minimum, and don’t overload the couple with questions. A few questions we suggest are:

  • What agency are you adopting through, and what is their process?
  • How long can you expect the process to take?
  • What has been the most exciting part of the process so far?
  • How are you feeling?

The adoption process can have many hurdles to overcome, and these may draw out the timeframe of the couple’s adoption. Avoid more negatively driven questions such as “What’s taking so long?” or “What if something goes wrong?” While these are valid questions, they do little to help the adopting couple. Keep your questions on the positive end of the spectrum.

2. Learn About the Chosen Type of Adoption

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we offer three forms of adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. The type of adoption is chosen by the birth mother and determines how much contact remains after the completion of the adoption. If your loved ones already know the type of their adoption, take time to research it online. Not only does this give you insight into the process, but it also shows your loved one how willing you are to take research into your own hands.

3. Listen, Even During the Tough Stretches

While adoption is a beautiful and exciting journey, it is not without its challenges. This can result in long stretches of waiting, completing home studies and education, and grappling with the wide range of emotions that come with adoption. Be the listening ear your loved ones need. This may mean you allow the couple to vent their frustrations and worries or encourage them to pursue St. Elizabeth’s counseling services. Or, this may be as simple as offering a hug, a shoulder to rest or cry on, or other aid when the couple is too stressed to focus on themselves. Giving your time to listen and support the couple is invaluable as they work their way closer to finalizing their adoption near Lafayette.

4. Offer Encouraging Stories Rather Than Horror Stories

As with any major decision in life, you’ll find many shining success stories—and heart-wrenching horror stories, too. While it is realistic to consider all possibilities that the adopting couple could face, don’t bog them down with the harrowing what-ifs. When you can, replace worry with encouragement. Share exciting stories of adoption, especially if you know of any personal success stories from other friends or family. Remember that hardships are inevitable. However, it is better to focus on the positive adoption aspects to help keep the adopting couple in a strong forward motion.

5. Do Your Research!

Aside from researching the types of adoption available, research the adoption process as a whole! At St. Elizabeth Foundation, our adoption process follows seven main steps: qualifying for adoption, applying, completing a home study, finishing our education program, being chosen by a birth mother, learning your legal rights and responsibilities, and finalizing the adoption. Take time to research each step to discover ways you can help. Consider helping clean the couple’s home and organizing their items before the home study. You can monetarily support the adoption by donating towards the overall cost, purchasing diapers, or buying toys and clothes for when the baby arrives. When you understand the complexities of the adoption process, you can discover better ways to offer assistance.

6. Ask the Best Ways to Help and Support

When in doubt, communicate with the adopting couple. Ask them outright how you can best support them during their adoption. This can be direct assistance including being a good listener or helping with tasks around their home. Or, this could be as simple as inviting the couple over for a home-cooked dinner to talk about their experience. Your willingness to help and listen can do wonders for the couple as they prepare to welcome their new child!

Pursue Adoption Near Lafayette Through St. Elizabeth Foundation

If you or a loved one are interested in adoption near Lafayette, reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation to learn more! We would love to share details about the adoption process, the approach our local adoption agency takes, and how you can take your first steps. Give us a call at 225-769-8888 or send us a message. Our staff looks forward to offering support, as well.

3 Reasons to Work With a Local Adoption Agency Near New Orleans

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There are many choices to consider throughout your adoption process. Will you adopt internationally or within the states? And do you want to work with a national agency or a local agency? At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we help connect families throughout Louisiana with local adoptions in your home state. By choosing a local adoption agency, you can find invaluable support close to home from our caring staff and other local adopting families. Learn just three of the benefits you can discover by working with a local adoption agency near New Orleans.

1. A Local Adoption Agency Walks with You Through the Entire Process

As you start your adoption journey, the rules, requirements, and complexities of the process may seem insurmountable. This is why partnering with experts in local adoption can help alleviate a large amount of your stress! At St. Elizabeth, we are dedicated to taking a hands-on approach to adoption. For birth mothers, we make sure they understand all available options and help them settle on the right decision. And for adopting families, we help navigate through paperwork, home studies, making online profiles, and any meetings with the birth mother or parents. 

Our agency is passionate about showing love to all involved in the adoption process. And we make sure that you receive the support and guidance you need to see you through to the end of your adoption. If you are searching for a local adoption agency near New Orleans, we would love to speak to you about our process!

2. In an Open Adoption, You May Get to Meet the Birth Mother In-Person and Be Present for the Birth

In an open adoption, adoptive families and their new child can stay in touch with the birth mother or family after finalizing the adoption process. And by choosing a local adoption agency, adopting families in New Orleans likely be located near the birth family. This can be beneficial for pre-placement conversations and staying connected after the child is born. If agreed upon by the birth mother, you may even have the opportunity to be present for the birth, or you may be present to meet your child at the hospital. And with the assistance of St. Elizabeth Foundation, we can help bridge communication between your family and the birth parents at all stages of your adoption.

3. Adopting Parents Can Connect with Other Adopting Families in the Area

There are over two million couples seeking adoption in the United States. For parents eagerly awaiting the completion of their adoption process, it is vital to have a strong support network surrounding them. Through our local adoption agency, couples can connect with other adopting families near New Orleans at various stages of their adoption process! Learn from their experiences, gain insight into hardships, and develop connections with others who can empathize with your journey. These bonds can help you thrive during both the successes and the challenges of your adoption. And, you can become an encouragement to others in the process.

Choose a Local Adoption Agency Near New Orleans

For those looking for a local adoption agency near New Orleans, choose an agency that can support you from start to finish. Whether you are an adoptive couple or a birth mother, our team is ready to help you learn your next steps. Give us a call at 225-769-8888. Or, send us a message for more information. We look forward to providing you with professional support with a personal touch.

How to Cope With an Unwanted Pregnancy in Lake Charles

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When you hold a positive pregnancy test in your hands, your first response may not be awe or tears of joy. You may feel isolated, scared, regretful, or lost. Know that even when faced with an unwanted pregnancy, there are several options available to you near Lake Charles. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we provide a safe space for expectant mothers to consider the right way to proceed after an unplanned pregnancy. Here is how we recommend moving forward after your news. 

First—Ground Yourself Mentally

Your first step is to calm the chaos you may be feeling internally. Coming to terms with your pregnancy is the first step toward coping. This may include accepting feelings of anger or fear about how your family or partner will react to the news. Know that your feelings are valid and to be expected. But, allow yourself to feel these emotions, process them, and then gather yourself for the next steps. Through St. Elizabeth’s, you can find judgment-free, professional counseling services to help you cope with the news of your pregnancy. And, we can also help you determine how to move forward. 

Reflect On Your Health

As you work through the emotions that come with an unwanted pregnancy, your next step should be to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider in Lake Charles. Not only can these professionals confirm that you are pregnant, but they can also help you know what care is needed for your pregnancy. If you drink alcohol, smoke, or use drugs, your doctor will recommend you abstain for the health of the baby. They will also advise you on prenatal supplements, diet, and exercise to help you and the baby stay as healthy as possible.

Identify Your Support System

Who in your life would be ideal to turn to for safety and encouragement? This may be one or both of your parents, the baby’s father, or close friends or family. Having an established support system is essential after the news of unwanted pregnancy, especially members you can speak to in person near Lake Charles. These loved ones can help you in making decisions, finding resources and medical care for your pregnancy, and making sure that you don’t feel alone in your situation. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, our staff is built of kind, loving professionals. From counselors to social workers and case workers, we extend love, understanding, and listening ears during a time of uncertainty.

Consider Each Option Carefully

Finally, it’s time to decide what to do about your pregnancy. Do you parent your baby? Do your place your child into adoption or foster care? Or do you choose to terminate your pregnancy?

It’s okay to be uncertain if you want to parent your baby. For many women, the news of unplanned pregnancy may come at the wrong time. Whether the mother is a high school or college student, a single mother, or a young professional—a pregnancy may conflict with other goals you have for yourself. Even if you are certain that motherhood is not right for you, you have several options to choose from, including adoption and foster care.

Your first thought may be to terminate your pregnancy. However, abortion is not the fast, easy solution that it may seem. Not only is abortion an expensive procedure, but it can also leave you with many emotional effects and even physical side effects. And with the recent conversation about the legality of abortion in Louisiana, it is smart to consider other options.

Through St. Elizabeth’s Foundation, an expectant mother can place her child for adoption under the care of qualified parents. Our agency thoroughly screens every prospective family before clearing them for adoption, ensuring that they are emotionally and financially prepared for a new child. And through our local Louisiana adoption agency, we give full control of the adoption to the birth mother. From choosing the adopting family to the type of adoption and hospital plan, each decision is up to you. Our team is here to support and guide you each step of the way.

Find Support for an Unwanted Pregnancy in Lake Charles

If you find yourself with an unwanted pregnancy in Lake Charles, know that love and support from St. Elizabeth’s isn’t far. Please consider reaching out to our adoption agency as soon as possible for counseling and guidance as you decide your next steps. You can reach a member of our team at 225-769-8888, or you can send us a message. We’ll be happy to show you all the ways we can help.

Why Two-Parent Households Are Important for Adoption in New Orleans

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Every child deserves a happy, healthy home environment. This is true for families formed through adoption, as well. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we make sure that each of our adopting families can fulfill the roles of a loving mother and father. But what are the benefits of a two-parent household, and how is this important for adoption in New Orleans? Our adoption agency believes in the power of a stable family unit and strives to build families based on these foundational values. From emotional development to financial support, a two-parent household can make a major impact on the life of an adopted child.

Two-Parent Households Can Have Two Channels of Income

Financial hurdles are inevitable when adopting a child. From funding your adoption in New Orleans to saving for expenses after placement, financial stability is of great importance to the health of your family. However, remaining financially secure can be a challenge in single-parent homes. But, the support of a second parent in the family unit can remove a large amount of stress from family finances. This also allows the adopted child to have greater opportunities for schooling, extracurricular activities, and healthcare access. 

Having Two Parents Can Promote a Child’s Behavioral & Academic Education

Carrying out your adoption in New Orleans can give your child a better chance at future success and security. A brief by the Institute for Family Studies found that 21% of young black men completed college when coming from two-parent homes as compared to the 12% success rate of single-parent households. This study also showed that these children were less likely to spend time in jail.

With the example of two strong and driven parents, adopted children are more likely to abstain from crime and focus on their education. Not only are two-parent families more likely to afford undergraduate and college education for their children. But they also provide a more stable household for behavioral development. This structure can greatly impact a child’s social interactions. And it can even decrease their chances of incarceration, using drugs, and engaging in risky behavior.

A Mother and Father Provide Essential Support

Gender roles are an important part of a child’s development. The presence of both male and female examples helps children to develop essential emotional and behavioral standards. From the nurturing care of a mother to the firmness and protection of a father, each parenting role is crucial. Parental relationships teach children how to treat others, respect authority, and develop goals for their future. A mother and father unit can cultivate a safe, stable home environment for children to grow and thrive. And, these children have access to double the love and affection that they would find in a single-parent home.

Start Your Adoption Journey in New Orleans Today

St. Elizabeth Foundation specializes in newborn adoptions in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and throughout the state of Louisiana. We connect birth mothers to two-parent adopting families so that the baby can grow up in a household with both a mother and father. Whether you are a mother placing your baby for adoption or a couple beginning your adoption journey, St. Elizabeth Foundation can help you through each step of the process. Speak with a member of our team by calling 225-769-8888 or sending us a message. We can help you understand your options for adoption!

Are You Financially Ready for Adoption in Lafayette?

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If you are considering adoption, it is crucial to be financially prepared. While a certain annual income is not explicitly required to adopt, families must live over the federal poverty level. In addition to income, adopting families should also take additional expenses into account. From adoption fees to post-placement living expenses, the process calls for financial stability. Let St. Elizabeth Foundation help you grasp the necessary costs associated with adoption and give you guidance on how to be financially ready for adoption in Lafayette.

How Can You Be Better Prepared?

On average, domestic adoptions through private agencies in the United States range from $20,000 to $40,000. While this expense may seem like a major hurdle in your adoption journey, there are a few methods you can use to help offset the financial stress. Follow these tips to help prepare your finances for this important investment.

1. Understand Your Full Range of Expenses

There are many costs associated with adoption. These include financing your home study, legal expenses, professional counseling, and education before finalizing your adoption in Lafayette. After your adoption has been completed, you will also have doctor’s visits, newborn care, food, diapers, and more to afford. Your financial obligations may seem overwhelming when looking at your total expense, but prioritize your understanding of each piece of your financial plan. Each cost comes with an essential purpose to ensure that you and your home are in the best possible condition to welcome a new child. 

In some circumstances, government financial aid may be available. For example, children with special needs may be eligible for an adoption subsidy. Consult with the experts at St. Elizabeth Foundation to learn what expenses to expect and which opportunities you may be able to find for financial assistance.

2. Make Sure Your Finances Are in Order

Before beginning your adoption journey in Lafayette, you will want to take a realistic look at your finances. If your money is already in a precarious position, this will not be sustainable after your adoption. It is especially important to restructure your finances before your adoption agency conducts a home study. This will evaluate not only the state of your living arrangements but also your income, debts, and proof of health insurance. It is important to make sure that families are living within their means so that they can adequately support the financial, medical, and educational needs of a new family member. 

3. Start Saving Early

If your family is confident that adoption is right for you, it is best to begin saving as soon as possible. The adoption process itself may take some time to finalize, so take advantage of the period you have to save. Note areas in your budget where you may be overspending, and instead put this extra money aside into your adoption fund. Cut back on travel or eating out and save this money in a secure account. Fundraisers, garage sales, and family donations are also effective ways to help fund your adoption. Make sure to immediately place any earnings from these events directly into your adoption savings. By beginning these healthy saving practices early, you can better offset your adoption costs when you’re ready to begin the process.

Ready for Adoption in Lafayette? Reach Out to St. Elizabeth Foundation

While adoption is a financial commitment, beginning your road to adoption in Lafayette is a beautiful and rewarding journey that is well worth the expense. Interested in the adoption process? Reach out to us today to learn more. Give us a call at 225-769-8888 or send us a message for more information. We look forward to helping you build a happy family.