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Adoption is a great way to expand your family and make a difference in the process. There are many babies and children out there who don't have a family to support them. Their birth parents may not have the necessary resources to give them a good life. If you're looking to grow your family and you're open to adoption, you may be wondering if an open adoption is the right choice for you. Keep reading to learn more about open adoption:

What is Open Adoption?

In an open adoption, a baby or child is adopted. During the selection process, the birth mothers as a say in who the new adoptive parents will be. The birth mother and the adoptive parents also agree to have some sort of relationship after the adoption is finalized. While the specifics of an open adoption can be negotiated and are not the same from one child to the next, sometimes, the birth mother is able to send letters and communicate with the parents or their child. In some cases, they may even be able to see the child every so often. This is a way to keep a relationship open with the child's birth mother or birth parents as they're cared for by their new family. 

Why Might I Consider an Open Adoption?

If you're planning to adopt, you may be wondering why you should consider choosing an open adoption. Here are some reasons why:

• It can give your child a sense of identity. They won't have to seek out their birth family later in life when they already know them and have answers to their questions.
• It can be easier for your child to have a relationship with birth siblings and other family members.
• It also allows the birth mom or birth parents to maintain some level of a relationship.

What Are the Disadvantages to an Open Adoption?

While there are many pros, open adoption can be an adjustment. It can also have its disadvantages:

• It can be an emotional situation.
• It can be difficult to share your child with their birth parents.
• It can be confusing to your child.
• It can feel like you have little privacy.

Open adoption can work well, as long as it's well thought out and there is a plan in place for when times get tough. If you want to explore open adoption, reach out to an adoption counselor to learn more and to discuss your feelings and concerns. Your counselor can help guide you toward making the right choice for your family.