Open vs. Closed Adoption in Iowa

If you know that adoption is what’s best for you and your baby but are struggling with the idea of separating from your baby, open adoption today can help you cope with these emotions. 

Many of the misconceptions around adoption today are based on the outdated practice of closed adoption.

In most modern adoptions, birth parents like you can choose to stay in touch with their child and the adoptive family through open adoption. We can break down the benefits of open vs closed adoption in Iowa.

To learn more about open and closed adoption in Iowa and what it can look like in your situation, contact us online now or call us at 1-800-ADOPTION. To start browsing through adoptive families comfortable with open adoption, check out our waiting families page.

What’s the Difference Between Open and Closed Adoption?

In closed adoptions, your information is kept private, and there's usually little to no contact between you and the adoptive family. In the past, these types of adoptions were more common, which led to many adoptees struggling to understand their identity.

Now, many adoptees who were once involved in closed adoptions have to go through a legal process to understand more about their roots and heritage. While closed adoptions are still an option, open adoptions are so customizable that you don’t necessarily need to stay in touch all the time.

If you need help facilitating communication with the family, we will always be there to help you feel as comfortable as you can during this new chapter of your life.

Understanding Open Adoption in Iowa

Open adoption is a modern approach to adoption that's all about staying connected. Unlike in the past when closed adoptions were the norm, open adoption encourages communication at whatever level you’re comfortable with.

The beauty behind this relationship is that you’re in complete control of what you want your relationship to look like.

Whether that’s occasional updates directly from the adoptive family and your child or in-person visits every year, this relationship is tailored to what you’re most comfortable with. This communication can include:

• Texts

• In-person visits

• Pictures and Videos

• Phone calls

• Facetime calls

• And more

You can find comfort knowing that every family that works with us has to be open to some level of communication. When you decide what your communication preferences are, we’ll send you profiles of families that are open to the level of contact you’re comfortable with.

There is no set rule on how much interaction you’re supposed to have in an open adoption, letting you take things slow as you decide the level of contact that makes sense for your situation.

Benefits of Open vs Closed Adoption in Iowa

Open adoption lets you maintain an ongoing connection and can provide peace of mind, knowing that your child is thriving in a loving environment. Most importantly, your child can grow up with a deeper understanding of their story, supported by the love and involvement of both their birth and adoptive families.

Through open adoption, your child will:

• Know the love of two families

• Have access to important medical history as they get older.

• Understand their family history and background

• Be able to get answers to questions they have about why you chose adoption.

• Develop a meaningful relationship with you for years to come.

“The biggest benefit for me, to an open adoption is peace of mind. I’m reminded every single time that I see them that I made the right decision.  It’s amazing getting to have a relationship with Cole and Tony and Amy.” -Megan, Cole’s birth mom.

Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption, What is Best for Me?

Not every birth mother feels comfortable remaining connected to the family and that’s OK! The decision is completely up to you, and our job is to make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.

Even if your adoption is open, that doesn’t mean you have to have direct contact with the adoptive family right away. If you need time to heal, you can let us or the adoptive family know when you’re ready for updates.

Your adoption specialist can also mediate the contact until you’re ready to communicate directly.

If you want to learn more about choosing an open adoption vs. closed adoption in Iowa, then contact us online now or call us at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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