3 Adoption Options for an Unplanned Pregnancy in Louisiana

Written by

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, knowing which path to take can be difficult. If you are considering placing your baby for adoption, St. Elizabeth Foundation can provide guidance and care as you come to your decision. Explore the three adoption options in Louisiana available through our agency—open, semi-open, and closed adoptions. We ensure you have the resources you need to find which type of adoption is the right choice for you.

Option 1: Stay In Close Contact With Your Baby

There are many reasons why a mother may choose to place her baby for adoption. These can include financial difficulties, personal challenges, or the desire to provide her baby with better opportunities. If she chooses adoption but wants to maintain a close relationship with her baby, she may choose an open adoption. 

A birth mother starts by reviewing profiles of potential adoptive families. Then, she can choose the one she feels will be the best fit for her child. This is a great way to get to know more about the family. Once her baby is placed, she can stay in contact and build a relationship with her baby and the adoptive family. This type of adoption can be especially beneficial for the baby, too. 

A birth mother may have regular in-person visits with her baby. She can also stay in touch through email or letter exchanges, and sharing updates and photos. While our staff can still help mediate communication, the birth mother and the adoptive family can initiate this directly.

Option 2: Limit Communication and Interactions 

Are there adoption options in Louisiana for mothers to stay in touch with their babies while still maintaining a sense of privacy? Yes! Our staff can mediate a semi-open adoption. 

A birth mother can stay connected by sending letters, photos, and emails or during in-person visits. She has the power to set personal boundaries while still having the opportunity to build a relationship with her baby.

During the placement process, a birth mother will view profiles of adoptive families. Then, she may communicate with them directly through emails or visits to learn more about them. Once she chooses the adoptive family, our staff will take care of the placement and mediate semi-open contact.

Option 3: Maintain Full Confidentiality

In some cases, a mother may not wish to stay in touch once the process is complete. One of the adoption options that we can facilitate in Louisiana is a closed adoption. 

Like open and semi-open adoptions, a birth mother has full control over the decisions for her adoption process. She will determine her birth plan and choose the family she deems fit to match with her baby. But unlike our other types of adoption, closed adoptions maintain full privacy for the birth mother.

We will not share her name, picture, or other identifying information with the adopting parents. She can rest assured that she will stay confidential throughout the entire process.

A member of the St. Elizabeth staff will be present for the birth of the baby and mediate the placement with the adoptive family. Once the baby is placed, there is no communication between the birth mother and her baby or the adoptive family.

Discover Your Adoption Options in Louisiana Through St. Elizabeth Foundation

You don’t have to search for potential adoption options in Louisiana alone! Birth mothers can receive support and guidance from the caring staff at St. Elizabeth Foundation. We provide counseling services, placement options, financial assistance, and a shoulder to lean on. Let us help you throughout your adoption journey. You can reach out to us at 225-769-8888. You can also send us a message to learn how we can help. 

When you choose adoption, we empower you with the knowledge of all options available to you in Louisiana. Get in touch with us today to find the best plan for you and your baby.

Adoption Vs. Fostering: What You Should Know

Written by

Deciding to open your home and your heart to a child can be an exciting, life-changing experience. Are considering adoption through our agency near Lake Charles or fostering a child? There is much that should be taken into consideration. Start by exploring the differences between adoption and fostering so you can decide which option is best for your family.

Why Might Families Choose Adoption?

Adopting a child means that you will legally and permanently become the parent of a child who is not biologically related to you. Adoption involves a legal process in which the rights and responsibilities of the birth parents are transferred to the adoptive parents. Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents will have the same rights and responsibilities as the birth parents. And, the adopted child will become a full member of the adoptive family.

There are many reasons why families might choose adoption. Some couples may be unable to have children biologically and choose adoption as a way to build their family. Many families choose adoption because they want to provide a loving, stable home for a child. Other families may have personal or family experience with adoption and feel a strong desire to adopt for themselves. Ultimately, the decision to adopt is a very personal one. And it is influenced by a variety of factors, including an individual or couple’s personal circumstances, values, and goals.

What Does It Mean To Foster a Child?

Choosing to foster a child means a family provides temporary care for a child who is not able to live with their birth parents. Foster parents are responsible for providing a safe and nurturing environment. During this time together, they meet their foster child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. 

Foster care can be a short-term or long-term arrangement. This depends on the needs of the child and the availability of a permanent placement. The goal of foster care is to reunite the child with their biological parents. Or, it is to find a permanent home for the child, either through adoption or guardianship.

Some common challenges that foster parents may face include:

  • Emotional challenges. Caring for a child who has experienced trauma or who has behavioral issues can be emotionally draining. Plus, it can also be difficult to say goodbye to a child when they leave your care to return to their biological family or to be placed with a new adoptive family.
  • Practical challenges. Foster parents may need to make significant changes to their home and schedule to accommodate a child. This can be challenging, especially if the foster parent is working or has other commitments.
  • Financial challenges. Foster parents may need to cover some expenses related to caring for the child, such as clothing, food, and transportation. And these costs can be significant, especially for long-term foster placements.
  • Legal challenges. Foster parents may need to navigate complex legal procedures and requirements. These may be necessary to become licensed foster parents and to advocate for the best interests of the child.
  • Social challenges. Foster parents may face stigma or misunderstanding from friends, family, or members of the community. This often is rooted in a lack of awareness of the realities of foster care.

Despite these challenges, many people find fostering a child to be a deeply rewarding experience.

Helpful Questions to Consider When Making Your Decision

If you are trying to decide between fostering and adoption near Lake Charles, ask yourself these questions:

1. What Are Your Goals? 

Do you want to provide temporary care for a child while they are unable to live with their biological parents? Or are you looking to permanently become a parent to a child?

2. What Are Your Resources and Support Systems? 

Fostering and adoption can be emotionally and financially demanding. Do you have the resources and support systems in place to meet the needs of a child?

3. What Are Your Expectations? 

Do you have a clear understanding of the challenges and rewards of fostering and adoption, and do you have realistic expectations about what to expect?

4. What Are Your Long-Term Plans? 

If you are considering foster care, do you have a plan in place for how you will handle the possibility of a child returning to their biological family or being placed with a new adoptive family? And if you are considering adoption, do you understand the legal implications and requirements of the adoption process?

5. How Will This Decision Impact Your Family? 

Fostering or adopting a child will likely have a significant impact on your family. Have you discussed this decision with your family members, and do you have their support?

Let these questions help guide you as you make your decision. And if you have more questions about the process of adoption near Lake Charles, don’t hesitate to reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation for more information.

How to Begin Your Adoption Journey Through St. Elizabeth Foundation

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we help adopting families connect with birth mothers through open, closed, or semi-open adoption. Qualified couples must apply to adopt. Then, we begin a home study and education process to help them prepare to open their home to a new baby. Our agency treats all birth mothers and adopting families like our own family. And as an additional benefit, we offer support and counseling before, during, and after your adoption is complete.

If you have questions about our agency or are ready to start your adoption process, the first step is to reach out! Call 225-769-8888 or send us a message to speak with a helpful member of our team. We would be happy to share more about our agency and how you can begin your life-changing journey to adoption.

Is a Closed Adoption Agency the Right Choice for Me?

Written by

There are many important decisions to make when placing a baby for adoption, and one of the first is to determine the openness of your adoption. Should you partner with a closed adoption agency or one that offers open adoptions as well? While closed adoptions were once the only option, there are many more choices available to expectant mothers today. How do you know if a closed adoption agency is the right choice for you? Know the advantages and disadvantages of closed adoption agencies so that you can make the best decision for your unique situation. 

The Pros & Cons of a Closed Adoption Agency

Choosing a confidential adoption or working with a closed adoption agency allows birth mothers to maintain their privacy throughout the entire adoption process. The identities of the birth mother and adoptive family are not disclosed to each other. Mothers can determine the birth and adoption plan that is best for them. Once the adoption is complete, they will not maintain contact with their baby or the adoptive family. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we communicate all details to the involved parties while upholding the birth mother’s wishes for confidentiality.

While closed adoptions may be the right choice for some birth mothers, they can be emotionally challenging. Some mothers struggle with feelings of loss and grief after placing a baby for adoption. They may also feel a sense of guilt or remorse about their decision to close off contact with their child, which can be difficult to cope with. While not all mothers experience these emotional challenges, our team at St. Elizabeth Foundation provides counseling to discuss the potential difficulties of closed adoption.

Before settling on a closed adoption, it is important to know all options available to make the most informed decision. In addition to closed adoption, birth mothers have two other adoption channels that they may pursue.

Semi-Open Adoption

Semi-open adoption, also known as mediated adoption, involves some level of communication between the birth mother and the adoptive family. However, this is not to the same extent as in an open adoption. In a semi-open adoption, birth mothers have the option of whether or not to disclose their identity to the adoptive family. All communication is facilitated through a third party, such as an adoption agency or an attorney.

In a semi-open adoption, the birth mother and adoptive family may exchange identifying or non-identifying information. This can include letters and photos sent through the third party. They may also have the opportunity to meet in person, typically with the third party present.

Semi-open adoption can offer some of the benefits of both open and closed adoption. It allows the birth mother and adoptive family to maintain some level of privacy and confidentiality, while also allowing for some limited post-adoption communication. This can be a good option for mothers who want some contact with their baby and the adoptive family but who do not want a fully open adoption.

Open Adoption

Open adoptions maintain some level of ongoing contact and communication between the birth mother and adoptive family. In an open adoption, the birth mother and adoptive family exchange their names and contact information. They may also maintain ongoing contact through phone calls, emails, letters, and in-person visits.

Open adoptions can take many forms, and the level of contact and communication can vary widely. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we help birth mothers settle on and facilitate the open adoption arrangement they deem best.

Open adoption can offer many benefits, including the opportunity for the baby to learn more about their birth family and their family history. This also allows the mother to stay connected with her child and be involved in their life to some extent. It can also help to foster a sense of openness and transparency in the adoption process. While open adoptions come with their own challenges, our adoption experts help to navigate all ups and downs through counseling and personalized care.

Partner With an Agency That Understands All Forms of Adoption

Are you unsure if a closed adoption agency or open adoption agency is right for you? At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we specialize in open, closed, and semi-open adoptions. We empower all birth mothers to find the adoption plan that is right for them and their babies. Let us connect you with adopting families while maintaining your specified level of openness.

If you are searching for the right agency to help facilitate your adoption, St. Elizabeth Foundation would love to share more with you about our adoption process. Give us a call at 225-769-8888 or send us a message. We would love to help you find the adoption plan that meets your needs.

8 Helpful Tips for Parents Looking to Adopt

Written by

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.

How Children Benefit From Open Adoption

Written by

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

Written by

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.

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

Written by

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.

How to Place Your Baby for Adoption in Louisiana

Written by

Are you pregnant and considering adoption? With the help of a caring adoption agency, you can find the best placement options for your baby. These experts can walk you through each decision, offer counseling services, and support you before and after the birth. And once you’ve determined that adoption is the best choice for you, it’s time to find the right agency to help with placement. If you need assistance to place your baby for adoption in Louisiana, here are five ways that St. Elizabeth Foundation can assist.

1. Choose the Right Adoption Agency for Your Baby

The first step of the adoption process is to find an adoption agency. If you want to place your baby for adoption in Louisiana, let St. Elizabeth Foundation be your hub for support. Our adoption agency, founded in 1988, was established to connect women grappling with unplanned pregnancies with a safe haven. From helping expectant mothers begin the adoption process to finding emotional aid through pre and post-placement counseling, we make sure that each mother knows she isn’t alone in her adoption process. 

If you are searching for an adoption agency dedicated to helping you find solutions for an unexpected pregnancy, we would love to talk with you. We empower you to make the best possible decision for you and your baby. And with our guidance, we can connect you to the tools you need to move forward.

2. Determine Your Adoption & Birth Plans

The adoption agency you choose can help you establish your adoption and birth plans. Through St. Elizabeth Foundation, we make sure that you have power over every decision. These include the openness of the adoption, the adoptive family, and which hospital you would want to give birth in. Do you want the adoptive family present for the birth? Do you want to spend time with your baby after giving birth? Or would you rather have our adoption agency intervene? These are all questions to consider and discuss with our counselors. But remember—every decision is yours to make.

3. Browse & Choose Adoptive Family

St. Elizabeth Foundation makes it simple to find adoptive parents for your baby. And when you choose to place your baby for adoption through our Louisiana agency, you gain access to our long list of adopting families. Find families in-state or around the country who are excited to introduce a new baby to their home. Read their profiles, get to know their faces, and then determine which family you deem to be the best fit for your child. You then have the option to correspond with these parents or leave the communication to us if you prefer little to no contact.

4. Find Support Through Post-Placement Counseling

Once your adoption has been completed and your baby has been placed with the adoptive parents, the journey doesn’t end. Our caregivers at St. Elizabeth understand the variety of emotions that come with your pregnancy, birth, and adoption decisions. Even after finalizing the adoption, you may find yourself dealing with complex feelings. This is why we offer post-placement counseling to help you work through the ups and downs as they come. Understand that our adoption agency is dedicated to delivering care, respect, and compassion before, during, and after your adoption.

5. Keep Up With the Adoptive Family (In an Open or Semi-Open Adoption)

If you choose an open or semi-open adoption, this requires some level of communication with the baby and adoptive family. But after you place your baby for adoption, our Louisiana agency can help facilitate communication through phone calls, in-person visits, and letters. From texting to keeping up on social media, you can check in with your baby wherever you are. This, of course, depends on the adoption plan you opt for. If you choose to have a closed adoption, no further correspondence is required with the family.

Looking to Place Your Baby for Adoption in Louisiana? Let St. Elizabeth Foundation Help.

Choosing to place your baby for adoption in Louisiana is not an easy decision. Our team at St. Elizabeth Foundation knows the challenges and struggles you face, and we are ready to provide support along the way. Adoption is a brave and loving choice, and make sure that you have caregivers and counselors available to guide you throughout the journey. If you are ready to learn more about our adoption process, send us a message or call us at 225-769-8888.

How to Cope With an Unwanted Pregnancy in Lake Charles

Written by

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.