If you’re considering adoption for your baby, you might be feeling worried, confused, uncertain, or just plain sad. You might be confused about how the whole adoption process happens, or anxious about whether you’re making the right choice.
What can really help is talking with a woman who’s been where you’re at right now. Our Peer Support Program was specifically created so that you can connect with a birth mother who has already been through the adoption process!
With Lifetime Adoption’s Peer Support Program, you can speak one-on-one with a real birth mother who chose adoption. These women are happy to be a help to you as you think about adoption for your baby. Their peer support is available to you while you think about adoption, during your adoption planning process, and after placement too. It’s your choice as to when you think this resource would help you the most.
Why Would I Need This Support?
Because when you’re making a major decision like adoption is, it helps to know you’re not alone. There’s another woman who understands just how you feel because she’s been there herself. It might be tough to walk the road to adoption alone, so walking it with someone who understands makes the journey much more comfortable.
We’ve had many women tell us they’ve found it beneficial to chat with someone who’s been through the adoption experience and is there to listen. Here are a few reviews of Lifetime’s Peer Counseling Program:
“Birth moms need other birth moms. Sure, we can talk with a friend, but having someone available who’s been through what you’re going through is super helpful! Birth moms are the only ones who know the whirlwind of emotions that come with deciding to place. They won’t judge you if you’re not sure you can do this.”
-Hailey, 29
“Talking with my peer mentor really helped me with my adoption planning. She is easy to chat with, and she knows exactly how I feel because she’s been there, too. She was even able to share how she handled certain situations!”
-Maddy, 24
“I always feel like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders after I hang up the phone. I like that we can just be ourselves with each other. My peer mentor helps me recognize that adoption was the best decision I could’ve made!”
-Emily, 22
How Do I Get Started With Peer Support?
It’s easy to get advice from a woman who’s been your shoes. Go to Lifetime’s Peer Support Program page to get started! Then you will be able to read about the women in our peer support network. After you find a birth mother that you feel a connection to, just fill out the short form on her profile page.
Each woman in our peer support network has offered her time to help lighten your journey. She has “been there, done that” and is there to listen to your concerns as you consider adoption.
What If I Need Counseling?
Adoption can be a difficult experience for many women, even if they know it’s the best choice for their baby. The right decision can also be the hardest one. Seeking support and counseling is a good idea during any major life-changing event like adoption. At Lifetime Adoption, we believe that every woman thinking about adoption should have access to quality, professional counseling.
In addition to peer support, Lifetime can refer you to a third-party licensed counselor. The peer support and counseling we make available to you are free resources that you can request and use before, during, and after your adoption decision. Lifetime Adoption does everything we can to make mental health services part of every adoption plan.
There’s support for you, in addition to Lifetime Adoption’s 24-hour help and availability.
Call or text Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784 to get access to peer support and counseling!
As the Vice President (VP) of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.