Birth Parent Resources

Emotional Support for Birth Mothers

It is hard to know how you will feel during different stages of your adoption journey. You may feel a combination of excitement, relief, and grief. Everyone has a unique experience and there is no one way to feel. There are many resources available to you to help you work through the many emotions you will feel throughout the process. Our adoption counselors are here for you and will provide emotional support to you throughout your pregnancy, after your child is born, your adoption plan, and even after you place your child. It can also be helpful to have people you know and trust to talk to during this time. However, people close to you may not know exactly what you are going through. This is when it can be helpful to talk to others who have made adoption plans. There are support groups available as well as the ability to talk to someone who has made an adoption plan in the past.

Need Support ?

Talk to a counselor today. We'll review ALL your options together to help you make the best decision for yourself and your baby.

What expenses will be covered for me during my pregnancy and adoption plan?

Every situation is unique and different and depends on your individual circumstances. You will work closely with one of our knowledgeable adoption counselors to discuss your needs and questions related to adoption expenses and what resources are available to you. 

Support for birth mothers after adoption

After you place a child for adoption, you may feel that you want to talk to others right away who have made an adoption plan. You may also feel that you want time to yourself to work through your feelings. Whatever you are feeling, our adoption counselors are here to assist you and link you to any resources you may need. There are many ways to get support after adoption. There are support groups available for birth parents as well as other ways to connect to birth mothers who have placed their children for adoption.

Other Resources Available to Birth Mothers

The following resources are designed to assist expectant parents or birth parents in their exploration of adoption:

  • Birth Parent Support Group in Hales Corners: (see website) Open to anyone who has placed a child for adoption recently or years ago.
  • BraveLove (https://www.bravelove.org/) provides information on adoption through education and strives to change negative perceptions of adoption.
  •  Amstel Life (http://amstel-life.blogspot.com/) is a blog written by Amy, a woman who placed her daughter for adoption at age 18 years and continues to have an open relationship with her daughter and the adoptive family more than 8 years later.
  • Birthmothers 4 Adoption (http://www.birthmothers4adoption.blogspot.com/) is a blog written by Jessalyn, a birth mother who placed her child for adoption.
  • Birthmom Buds (http://birthmombuds.com/)  provides peer counseling, support, encouragement, and friendship to birth moms as well as pregnant women considering adoption.
  • From The Heart blot (https://alicetellsall.blogspot.com/) follows the story of a birth mother who documents her feelings and experiences during her pregnancy and after placement.
  • On Your Feet Foundation (www.oyff.org) honors and values the choices birthparents have made to place their children for adoption, helps birth parents become self-sufficient, and provides support and community after placement.
  • Child Welfare Information Gateway(www.childwelfare.gov) is a website that contains extensive information on adoption for both adoptive parents and birth parents.
  • Virtual Birth Parent Support Group-Eau Claire area. You can register for these Zoom support groups here.
  • Wisconsin Birth Parent Support Group Network-Facebook Group.  This is a private group where you can connect with other birth parents and counselors for support and discussion. Link to request membership in Facebook group here.

Support for Birthmothers FAQs

Are there agencies that pay birth mothers when making an adoption plan?

Agencies cannot pay someone to make an adoption plan. However, we are here to assist you with resources that are available to you and discuss your eligibility for certain expenses incurred during your pregnancy, at birth, or shortly after your child is born.

Can Birth Mothers "Get Paid" For Adoption?

While you cannot be paid for making your adoption plan or placing your child for adoption, you may be eligible for some financial assistance when you are placing your child for adoption. You may be wondering what financial assistance or “compensation” may be available to you and what that actually means. To get some general information, contact us today or read about some commonly asked questions about financial assistance.

How much does it cost to place a baby for adoption in Wisconsin?

Whether you are looking for information on the adoption process or considering placing for adoption, our services are completely free and confidential to expectant parents and birth parents. We provide options counseling to help you explore the decisions you have to make during this time. We provide support throughout your pregnancy, post-pregnancy, and adoption planning and also help to refer you to any local resources that may be available to you. You may also be eligible for some financial assistance to cover specific pregnancy or adoption related expenses