A positive pregnancy test can be an emotional experience, especially if your pregnancy is unplanned. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty. If you have recently found yourself in an unplanned pregnancy in New Orleans, know that you are not alone. Our Louisiana adoption agency is here to help.

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand the complexities of an unplanned pregnancy and are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re considering parenting or placing your baby for adoption, we’re here to provide a safe and understanding space to help you make the best decision for you and your baby. Here are eight steps to take after your positive pregnancy test.

Step 1: Stay Calm

First things first — take a few deep breaths. Finding out you are pregnant can be a shock, and it’s essential to give yourself enough time to process the news. Acknowledge your feelings, whatever they may be, and remember that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions.

Step 2: Reach Out for Emotional Support

You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor for emotional support. Sometimes, just talking about your feelings can provide immense relief. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we offer free counseling services to help you understand your unplanned pregnancy and explore your options in New Orleans moving forward.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment With a Healthcare Provider

The next practical step is to contact a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and schedule your first prenatal visit. Taking care of your health is crucial for both you and your baby. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on nutrition, supplements, and what to expect during pregnancy and can help determine your due date.

Step 4: Research Adoption Agencies and Support Organizations in Louisiana

If you’re considering adoption, it’s essential to understand your options and rights. Research adoption agencies and support organizations to get a comprehensive view of the adoption process. For example, our Louisiana adoption agency has helped place over 600 babies in loving homes through adoption. We can help you explore your options and provide the support you need to make an informed decision.

Step 5: Consider Your Long-Term Goals

Take some time to reflect on your long-term goals and how they align with your current situation. Ask yourself:

• Can I see myself parenting my baby?
• Do I feel financially stable enough to support myself and a new child?
• Do I have professional or personal goals that I will have to put on hold to be a mother?

These questions can help you determine whether parenting or placing your baby for adoption is the right choice for you.

Step 6: Build a Support Network

Start building a support network of people who can help you through your unplanned pregnancy in New Orleans. Whether it’s friends, family, or support groups, having a network of people around you can make a significant difference.

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we offer a range of support services tailored to the needs of birth mothers. This includes confidential counseling and financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses. Our compassionate team is dedicated to ensuring you have the resources and emotional support necessary to make the best decision for you and your baby.

Step 7: Take Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally

Your well-being is essential. Focus on a healthy lifestyle and positive self-care practices. This includes eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Remember, taking care of yourself also means taking care of your baby.

Step 8: Determine Your Adoption Plan With St. Elizabeth Foundation

If you decide that adoption is the best option for you and your baby, St. Elizabeth Foundation is here to help with every detail. From setting up an open, semi-open, or closed adoption to assisting with financial challenges and helping you determine your hospital plan, we provide comprehensive support.

Searching for Help With Your Unplanned Pregnancy in New Orleans? Call St. Elizabeth Foundation Today

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. St. Elizabeth Foundation is here to support and guide you every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the resources and care you need to make the best decision for you and your baby. Call us at 225-769-8888 or send us a message online to get started. We’re here for you.

Making the decision to place your baby for adoption is deeply significant. It’s a path chosen with love, thoughtfulness, and consideration for the child’s future. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we stand beside expectant mothers with open hearts, ready to support and guide them through every step of this courageous process. Our compassionate approach ensures that every mother feels respected, understood, and empowered. If you are considering adoption in Louisiana, here are eight reasons why mothers might choose to place their children for adoption.

1. She Isn’t Ready To Be a Mother

Becoming a mother is life-changing. Sometimes, a woman may feel she isn’t ready for the responsibilities and commitment of motherhood. This realization shows immense strength and forward thinking to ensure the well-being of her child.

2. She Wants Her Baby to Grow Up With Two Loving Parents

Many women dream of their child being raised in a household with two loving parents. However, circumstances may prevent this ideal scenario. Placing children for adoption allows for the possibility of making this dream a reality for their baby.

3. She Is Too Young to Be a Mother

Facing an unexpected pregnancy, particularly at a young age, can be incredibly overwhelming. When young women choose to place their children for adoption through our Louisiana agency, they can help their babies find loving homes while also having the opportunity to pursue their own dreams and aspirations.

4. She Has Personal or Financial Challenges

Life’s unpredictability can present many obstacles, including personal or financial struggles. For a woman facing these challenges, especially when they impact her ability to provide for a child, adoption can become a consideration. It offers a pathway to ensure her child receives the care, love, and stability she might currently be unable to provide, turning a difficult decision into a hopeful future for her child.

5. She Wants Her Baby to Have the Best Possible Opportunities

Every mother wants her child to succeed and have access to educational, extracurricular, and career opportunities that she might not be able to provide on her own. This desire for their child’s future can lead some women to consider adoption in Louisiana. It’s a sacrifice made out of love, hoping to give their child a life full of potential and success.

6. She Wants to Pursue Personal Opportunities in Her Future

Women may have dreams for their futures, from professional goals to travel and marriage. Unplanned pregnancies may put these ambitions on hold. Adoption can offer a hopeful path forward, providing children with loving homes while allowing birth mothers to pursue their own dreams and goals.

7. She Wants to Help Someone Else Grow Their Family

The desire to bring joy to others cannot be understated. Some mothers find peace and purpose in knowing their decision to place their children for adoption will help another family experience the joy of parenting. This selfless act creates a ripple effect of happiness and fulfillment across multiple lives.

8. She Knows Her Baby Will Be Deeply Loved

At the heart of every adoption is love. Mothers considering placing their children for adoption do so with the belief and understanding that their children will be cherished and deeply loved by their new family.

Discover Why So Many Louisiana Mothers Place Their Children for Adoption Through St. Elizabeth

Choosing adoption is a decision fueled by love and hope for a child’s future. St. Elizabeth Foundation is here to provide compassionate care and support for mothers on this path. We understand the weight of this decision and are dedicated to helping carry out the process with respect, dignity, and love.

If you or someone you know is considering placing children for adoption in Louisiana, please reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation. We are here to listen, support, and guide you through this journey with empathy and understanding. You can send a message online or call us at 225-769-8888 for more information. Your brave choice could open the door to a world of opportunity and love for your child.

Finding out that you are pregnant unexpectedly can make you feel overwhelmed and confused. It’s normal to have a lot of questions racing through your mind. Maybe you are not ready to become a parent yet, or your current situation does not allow you to raise a child. Whatever the reason is, please know that you are not alone. St. Elizabeth Foundation in Baton Rouge is here to provide support and help you understand your options. Start by exploring four common questions birth mothers might ask when faced with an unplanned pregnancy in Shreveport and how you can find answers.

1. What Options Do I Have?

When finding out that you are expecting, you may wonder if you’re ready to parent a child. This is just one option available to you. Additionally, you can choose to place your baby for adoption. This can sound scary, but it can be a positive decision. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we offer closed, open, and semi-open adoptions to meet each birth mother’s individual needs.

In a closed adoption, there is no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family after the placement of the child. This is unlike an open adoption where birth mothers may schedule regular visits and communication with the child and adoptive family. Semi-open adoption falls in between, with letters and updates sent through an intermediary from our adoption agency.

2. What Will My Baby Think of Me?

We understand that you may be worried about what your child will think of you if you choose adoption. However, adoption is a selfless and loving choice for your baby. They will grow up knowing that you loved them enough to choose the best life possible for them. 

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, you can connect with loving adoptive families and carefully select the best family for your child. Not only will they help provide your child with a beautiful life, but you can also have the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life as they grow up through open adoption.

3. Will My Friends and Family Support My Decision?

It’s essential to have a support system through the adoption process. This may be friends or loved ones who can offer love and emotional care as you navigate your birth and placement plan. Telling your loved ones about your unplanned pregnancy and your plans for adoption in Shreveport can be a vulnerable process. However, choosing adoption is a very personal decision, and what matters most is that you feel confident in your choice regardless of other’s opinions.

Our team at St. Elizabeth Foundation will also be there for you from start to finish. We have trained adoption professionals who offer support, guidance, and free counseling services throughout the adoption journey.

4. What Will My Future Look Like?

Adoption is a selfless act that not only provides a loving home for a child but also gives birth mothers the chance to pursue their goals and dreams. Some women may not feel ready for parenthood due to financial concerns, personal circumstances, or simply not feeling emotionally prepared. Adoption offers a sense of relief and hope for the future.

By choosing adoption, birth mothers can continue their education, advance in their careers, or simply focus on personal growth. At the same time, they are allowing their baby to grow in another stable and nurturing household. Adoption truly gives both the birth mother and her baby the opportunity for a brighter future.

Explore Your Options for an Unplanned Pregnancy in Shreveport

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Shreveport, know that there are options available to you. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are here to help you understand your options and deliver caring and compassionate support. For more information about the adoption process, call 225-769-8888 or send us a message online. Our Baton Rouge adoption agency is here to help you connect with adopting families in Louisiana and beyond as you make the best decision for you and your baby. 

Bringing a child into the world is a profoundly personal and emotional journey, especially when considering adoption. Building a birth plan is an important part of this journey. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we believe it should be tailored to meet each birth mother’s individual needs and desires. Our compassionate Louisiana adoption agency is dedicated to supporting you as you make thoughtful and informed decisions throughout this process. As you work through the details of your birth plan, keep these factors in mind.

Planning Your Birth Experience

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand the importance of empowering birth mothers to shape their labor and delivery experience. We encourage you to build a birth plan that aligns with your preferences and comfort level. Here are some questions to guide you through the planning process.

1. What hospital is right for your birth?

Selecting a hospital that feels comfortable for your Louisiana adoption plan is essential. Think about whether you have a preference for a particular hospital and discuss this with our adoption specialists. Additionally, think about the type of birth experience you want, whether it involves a natural birth, a c-section, or the use of pain management options like epidurals.

2. Do you want loved ones present for the birth?

Think about the loved ones within your support network and whether or not you want them present during the birth. Whether it’s close friends, family members, or someone you trust, having a support system can provide the emotional strength needed during this important moment.

3. Do you want the adoptive parents with you for the birth?

If you choose to have an open or semi-open adoption, you can decide whether you want the adopting family to be present during the birth. Some birth mothers find comfort and support in having the adoptive family present, while others may prefer a more private experience. Our team can help communicate your wishes to ensure everyone is on the same page.

4. Do you want to keep items to remember the day?

Think about whether or not you want to keep any items to remind you of the day. This may include keeping your baby’s hospital ID bracelet or blanket. These are items you can keep for yourself or share with the adoptive family and loved ones.

5. Do you want to spend time with your baby after the birth?

Consider whether you want to hold your baby immediately after birth or spend time alone with them before they are introduced to the adoptive family. These are deeply personal decisions, and our team is here to support you in creating a plan that reflects your desires.

St. Elizabeth Foundation Is Here to Support You

St. Elizabeth Foundation is committed to helping you throughout your adoption journey, from providing financial support to offering essential counseling services. We understand that concerns about hospital bills can be overwhelming, and we are here to help. Our team can provide financial aid to ensure you can focus on the emotional aspects of your adoption journey rather than worrying about the cost of medical care.

Navigating the adoption can be emotionally challenging. Our experienced counselors offer pre- and post-placement counseling services to help you:

• Work through the details of your adoption and birth plan.
• Learn how to talk with loved ones about your adoption.
• Process the emotional needs that may arise throughout the adoption journey.

We believe that addressing both practical and emotional aspects is crucial to the well-being of birth mothers. Together, we can tailor our counseling services to your unique needs.

Start Your Louisiana Adoption Journey

As you decide on the details of your Louisiana adoption, remember that St. Elizabeth Foundation is here to guide and support you. Building a birth plan is a major step in this process, and our dedicated team is ready to assist you in making choices that align with your values and desires.

To learn more about the adoption process or start your adoption journey, reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation today. You can send us a message online or call 225-769-8888. Our caring team is here to provide more information about adoption and help you take the first steps toward a brighter future for you and your child.

Facing an unplanned or unexpected pregnancy can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. Birth mothers may find themselves at a crossroads, contemplating various options for the future. While parenting their baby or entering foster care are possibilities, adoption is a loving and selfless choice. Birth mothers who consider adoption can provide their children with a stable and loving home and access to opportunities for them to thrive. Learn more about three adoption options available to birth mothers in Louisiana.

Understanding Adoption Options in Louisiana

Birth mothers in Louisiana can choose from three forms of adoption through St. Elizabeth Foundation: open, semi-open, and closed. Each option offers a different level of contact and involvement between the birth mother and the adoptive family, allowing birth mothers to make a choice that aligns with their comfort and preferences.

Open Adoption

Open adoption allows birth mothers and adoptive families to have ongoing contact and communication. In open adoptions, birth mothers can maintain relationships with their child and the adoptive parents. This arrangement can include visits, phone calls, and updates on the child’s life.

Benefits of Open Adoption

• Maintaining Connection: Birth mothers can continue to be a part of their child’s life, offering love and support as they grow.
• Peace of Mind: Birth mothers can see firsthand that their child is safe, loved, and thriving in their adoptive family.
• Reduced Grief: Open adoption can help birth mothers find closure and lessen the grief associated with separation.

Semi-Open Adoption

Semi-open adoption strikes a balance between open and closed adoption options in Louisiana. Birth mothers and adoptive families may exchange information through an intermediary from St. Elizabeth Foundation. While direct contact may be limited, updates and letters can still be exchanged.

Benefits of Semi-Open Adoption

• Privacy: Birth mothers can maintain some level of privacy while still receiving updates about their child’s well-being.
• Control: Birth mothers can decide how much contact they are comfortable with, allowing them to have a say in their adoption plan.
• Peace of Mind: Birth mothers can know that their child is thriving without the pressure of constant contact.

Closed Adoption

Closed adoption involves no direct contact or communication between birth mothers and adoptive families. In closed adoptions, the identities of both parties are kept confidential.

Benefits of Closed Adoption

• Privacy: Birth mothers can maintain complete privacy and anonymity.
• Emotional Distance: Some birth mothers may find it emotionally easier to move forward without direct contact.
• Freedom to Pursue Future Goals: Birth mothers can move forward with education, career opportunities, and personal growth while knowing their child is in a loving and stable environment.

St. Elizabeth Foundation: Supporting Birth Mothers in Louisiana

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand that deciding to place your baby for adoption is a deeply personal and challenging choice. We are here to support and empower birth mothers on their adoption journey, providing the resources and guidance needed to make the best decision for both themselves and their babies.

Our dedicated team offers a range of services to assist birth mothers, including:

• Counseling: We provide emotional support and counseling services to help birth mothers navigate the complexities of adoption.
• Financial Assistance: St. Elizabeth Foundation offers financial support to alleviate the burden of medical and living expenses during pregnancy.
• Education: We ensure birth mothers are well-informed about the adoption process and their rights, helping them make informed choices.

We believe every birth mother deserves compassion, respect, and the opportunity to create a loving future for their child through adoption. We are committed to helping birth mothers find adoption options that align with their needs and desires.

Discover Your Adoption Options in Louisiana at St. Elizabeth Foundation

If you are a birth mother facing an unplanned pregnancy and are interested in exploring your adoption options in Louisiana, reach out to the team at St. Elizabeth Foundation. Message us or call 225-769-8888 to learn more about adoption or begin the adoption process. Our team is here to support you on your journey, providing the guidance and assistance you need to make the best choice for you and your baby.

If you find yourself with an unplanned pregnancy, choosing adoption near Lafayette might be the right path for you. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand the challenges you’re going through. Our team is here to support and care for you as you navigate your adoption journey. One of the most daunting tasks ahead may be telling your loved ones about your adoption plan. It’s essential to remember that communication is key during this journey. Let us offer guidance and resources to help you navigate this delicate conversation. Consider this advice when sharing the news of your pregnancy and adoption plan with your loved ones.

Trust in the Power of Open Communication

Telling your loved ones about your unplanned pregnancy and adoption decision is a vulnerable process. However, open communication and sharing your story are vital to building a solid support system throughout this journey. 

If it is easier for you, choose a comfortable and private setting to speak with your family and close friends. This environment will help everyone to express their feelings freely and ensure they understand your reasons for choosing adoption near Lafayette. Be honest about your feelings and be prepared for a range of reactions. Some may be surprised or even initially resistant. But, reassure them that you are making the best choice for your and your baby’s futures.

Before starting the conversation, take some time to gather your thoughts and emotions. Remember that you have made this decision thoughtfully and with the best intentions for both yourself and your baby. Choosing adoption is an act of selfless love, as you are placing your child’s needs and well-being at the forefront of your decision-making process. Explain how much you love your child and that this decision is about giving them the best possible life. In addition, letting your loved ones know that you have carefully and thoroughly thought through your options can help them to better understand your reasoning for choosing adoption.

Be Patient and Understanding

Your loved ones may need time to process the news of your pregnancy and adoption plan. Some may not fully understand or support your decision immediately. But, that doesn’t mean they won’t come around eventually. Be patient as they process the information. It is important to give them space to absorb the information and ask any questions they may have.

While it may be challenging to hear conflicting opinions, remember that you are the one who knows what is best for your child and yourself. Their initial reactions do not define the validity of your decision. Stay true to your beliefs, trust your instincts, and seek the support of a counselor if needed.

Lean On Counseling Resources

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are committed to providing free counseling resources to help you process your emotions and thoughts throughout your pregnancy and adoption journey. Our professional counselors are available to support you, and they can also help you prepare for the conversation with your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to reach out and seek guidance whenever you need it.

Begin Planning Your Adoption Near Lafayette With St. Elizabeth Foundation

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are devoted to providing compassionate and comprehensive support to birth mothers in Louisiana facing unplanned pregnancies. Remember that you are not alone on this journey. Our free counseling resources are available to help you navigate the emotional challenges and uncertainties that may arise during this time.

If you are considering adoption near Lafayette, we encourage you to call us at 225-769-8888 or send us a message to begin building your adoption plan. Our team is here to listen, guide, and support you, ensuring your adoption journey is as smooth and empowering as possible. You are making a brave and loving choice, and we are here to help you make the best decision for yourself and your precious baby.