NEW LIFE BLOG
How Do I Support My Friend Experiencing an Unexpected Pregnancy?
Finding out that a friend is going through an unexpected pregnancy can stir a lot of emotions, and you might wonder how best to support her. The most important thing you can do is simply be there—listen without judgment and offer empathy. Sometimes, the reassurance...
What is an Open Adoption?
In decades past, almost all adoptions were closed. A closed adoption meant neither the birth mother nor the adoptive parents knew anything about one another. A doctor or social worker chose the adoptive family, so everyone remained anonymous. Today, nearly 90% of...
What Can I Do if My Partner Doesn’t Support My Pregnancy?
What Can I Do if My Partner Doesn't Support My Pregnancy? An unplanned pregnancy is difficult enough, but finding out your partner doesn’t support you makes it even harder. Ultimately, the decision about your pregnancy is yours and yours alone. No one can force you to...
Coping With Complex Emotions During the Adoptive Process
Adoption is a beautiful and loving decision for families. However, it can also be difficult on both parties, who often must deal with complex emotions. Parents could also experience negative emotions throughout the process, a gap in the adoption conversation that is...
Don’t Be Scared By Adoption Fees
Don't Be Scared By Adoption Fees “Why does adoption have to cost so much?” “We can’t adopt because we can’t afford the adoption fees!” We have heard these statements so many times. We have also heard, “It’s all about the money!” I can assure you for some agencies,...
Manifesto
Recently, as a staff, we created a Manifesto. What is a Manifesto? It is a "a public declaration of policy and aims." New Life Adoptions Manifesto We believe life begins at conception, and that every child deserves a chance to live. We believe we should live in...
Advice to Adoptive Parents: Perspectives of Birth Moms, Part 3
In concluding our “Perspectives of Birth Moms” posts, I want to share some advice that birth moms have for adoptive families. “Give them time. Be supportive of their mental state.” There have been times when I have had birth moms initially say they want a closed...
The Rewards & Challenges of Adoption: Perspectives of Birth Moms, Part 2
In continuing with our “Perspectives of Birth Moms” posts, Part 1 mentioned that there is a time of grieving for expectant moms after placement. What do we mean by grieving? The baby is still alive, yes, but birth parents are grieving the loss of what relationship...
Experience with Open Adoption: Perspectives of Birth Moms – Part 1
I recently conducted a survey for New Life’s birth moms, of the women who participated, all said that they have an open adoption with their child and/or their child’s adoptive family. They also all shared that they are happy with their level of openness, and wouldn’t...
Debunking the Myths of Open Adoption
Let's explore some often heard myths.... 1) Open adoption is co-parenting. Myth. Especially with adoption agencies, there are well thought out policies and procedures that help define the openness within an adoption relationship. There are usually defined, intentional...