“When people ask me why I chose adoption, the answer is simple. I knew that giving my baby up for adoption was my best option I had within a few weeks of getting a positive pregnancy test. I was single, living with my parents at the time and working at a job that didn’t pay well. Plus, the guy I was hooking up with didn’t want anything to do with the pregnancy. When I told my parents I was pregnant, they said I’d need to find my own place if I chose to parent. But, but I didn’t want my baby to grow up in a single-parent home.
Because I wanted to make sure someone was there for me after I placed, I chose Adoption Agency Florida. I felt like they were truly looking to help everyone involved in an adoption. I was so nervous when I first called, but so glad I did. My adoption coordinator never made me feel guilty; I felt supported every time I texted, emailed, or talked to her on the phone. She made sure to let me know they supported me no matter what choice I made, even if I decided not to place at the last minute; that this was my right. I talked to a girl, a peer counselor, who had placed her baby for adoption years ago. My adoption coordinator and I discussed lots of things, like how I was feeling, how I might feel after placement, how to find the right adoptive parents, creating my birth plan for the hospital, and what my wishes were for future contact.
When I looked at adoptive family profiles, my list of must-haves included: living in the same state as me, having the same religion as me, and the same morals. Having the same hobbies was a plus, but not necessary. I was also looking for a couple who didn’t have kids; I wanted to bless someone who couldn’t have their own children. And, finally, I wanted to make sure they were open to contact later on, including visits.
Once it was time for my baby to be born, the adoptive couple I chose came to the hospital. The adoptive mom was in the room during labor and delivery and was one of the first to hold our daughter. Nowadays, I keep in touch with the adoptive couple and my daughter through Facebook, and I visit them on her birthday and in the summer. I don’t regret choosing adoption for my daughter because through it I was able to give her the life she deserves.”
