Hello, I’m Faria! Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering me as an adoptive mother.
I grew up in rural Alabama in a blended family – mother, stepfather, and stepsiblings. I have lots of happy memories of small-town life, spending time with family and friends exploring the woods, hanging out with our family dog, or boating. I also had fun at school: cheerleading and basketball in middle school followed by playing flute and later being drum major in my high school marching band.
As far back as I can remember, I wanted to work in medicine because I love science, and I love people. My stepfather, to whom I am very close, is in the medical field and he inspired me to work hard and pursue my dreams. I am fortunate now to be living my dream and using my knowledge to help others.
I have also always wanted to be a mother. Having grown up in a very close family, it seemed natural to one day have a family of my own. For a long time, I searched for a person with which I could share my life and live this dream, but I have not found him (yet)… However, my desire to be a mother is still strong. Thus, I am extremely excited to grow my family through adoption and begin this amazing journey!
Expectant mothers who choose to make an adoption plan may qualify for some level of financial assistance during their pregnancy. However, each person's situation and specific needs are different. Your adoption social worker can help you determine what level of assistance you qualify for and deserve. Many expectant mothers qualify for financial assistance to cover basic pregnancy and living expenses, including but not limited to - transportation reimbursement, utility assistance for phone, water, and electricity/gas, maternity clothing and supplements, etc.
It won't cost you anything. If you choose to place your baby for adoption, all of your medical and legal fees will be covered and you may be eligible for financial assistance with other pregnancy-related expenses.
Yes. Even if you don’t know the identity of the birth father, you can still choose to make an adoption plan. However, every adoption situation is different. The adoption social worker you’re assigned to will get to know you and your story first, and then guide you through the process accordingly.
You can make an adoption plan at any point in your pregnancy, even after the baby has been born. But, it's important to start the process as early in your pregnancy as possible. Connecting with those resources will allow you to gain access to important medical services, including prenatal care, to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
One aspect of your adoption plan is the "Hospital Plan" an outline of how you'd like your hospital stay and delivery to go. You can craft this on your own or with the help of your adoption social worker. But everything is up to you. You’ll be able to choose who comes to the hospital with you, who is in the room with you during delivery, and how much time you’d like to spend with the baby before signing the final papers.
As part of your adoption plan, you'll determine whether or not you’d like to have an open or closed adoption or something in between. Open adoptions may include phone calls, messaging (via social media, email, or text), and/or periodic visits each year. Closed adoptions may include no contact at all or annual updates provided to the birth parent(s) by the adoptive family. Each post-adoption relationship is different and can vary based on what an expectant mother chooses in her adoption plan.