What is Open Adoption Like Iowa?

We understand that your priority is ensuring your baby grows up in a loving, stable environment, filled with endless opportunities.

Through open adoption, you can not only choose the perfect family for your baby but also have a front-row seat to their life, watching them grow and flourish every step of the way.

But what is open adoption like? Many birth parents discover that opting for open adoption reaffirms their decision, assuring them that they've paved the way for a brighter future for their baby.

By choosing open adoption, you can be present for milestones, birthdays, holidays and so much more.

If you want to learn more about how an open adoption would look in your situation, then contact us online now or call us at 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a specialist. To start looking at open adoption families, check out our waiting families page.

What is Open Adoption Like in Iowa?

Every open adoption is different because you as the birth parent are in charge of how much contact you want to have with the adoptive family. Whether you want updates through texts, videos, photos or email, you’re in complete control of determining the type of relationship you want.

Open Adoption Stories From Birth Mothers

Michelle

One open adoption story from birth mother Michelle tells the story of how she placed her son Ryan for adoption in 1998 when she was 17. Although it was one of the hardest decisions of her life, she knew his life wouldn’t have been the same had she decided to parent. Over the years, she received updates about Ryan from his adoptive family.

In 2021, Ryan reached out through text.  He’d gotten her number from his adoptive mother, who knew that Michelle was open to any contact he would want, if and when he wanted it. During that first year, they got to know each other through texting and photos. After that first year, Ryan asked if he could meet her in person.

“Ryan is now 26 and over the past few months we have been getting together more often. This entire experience has been a dream come true and lifted a weight off my shoulders that I did not even know I was carrying all these years. I have always felt so strongly about my decision to place Ryan with his family and meeting him was a missing piece of my life that I didn’t even know that I needed filled,” said Michelle in a recent update to her adoption story.

Depending on your relationship and level of contact with the adoptive family, you may be an active part of your child’s life right away, or your child may reach out further down the road.

“I want to remind birth parents to be patient and respect that space your child might need to get to a place where they want to connect. I always thought, ‘It will happen when the time is right’. I can tell you, for me…it was worth the wait!”

Read more of her story here.

Michelle has been an adoption specialist since 2003, helping birth mothers like you navigate the decision-making process, while also helping sort through your emotions and reasons for choosing adoption. She can also help you learn more about what your open adoption relationship can look like based on your preferences.

If you would like to get in touch with Michelle, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION and ask for Michelle or fill out this form.

Megan

Megan knew from the moment she met Tony and Amy that they were going to be her son’s adoptive parents.

 “This is it,” she said. “He was a baby that I carried and I obviously feel connected to him and I feel connected to them because of this experience that bonded us but I wouldn’t say that I’m watching my child grow up somewhere else. I’m just watching new friends raise their kid.”

Watch more of her story.

Rebecca

Many open adoption stories from birth mothers say the same thing: That their decision gave their child the life they always imagined for them and a family they never had. For birth mother Rebecca, she wouldn’t have wanted her open adoption to be any other way.

“I see happiness in my son’s life with every picture and video. His smile is contagious, and he makes me proud to be his mother every day. Adoption has changed my life for the better. I’m able to be a part of my son’s life, while also gaining new family in Katie and Andy.”

Read more of her story here.

Stephen and Devlin

Through open adoption, Stephen and Devlin have been able to watch their son Atticus grow and have even become an active part of his life.

“[The adoptive mom’s] insistence on having it be open and allowing us to be a part of their world and their family, it’s opened my eyes. It’s a blessing being able to see him grow up and have an opportunity to actually be with him and with them.” – Stephen

Watch more of their story here.

If you're not quite ready for direct communication, that's 100% okay. You can ease into the process with a semi-open adoption, allowing us to facilitate contact until you’re ready.

And if you ultimately decide that a completely open adoption isn't the right fit for you, you’ll always have the option to build a meaningful, lifelong relationship with the adoptive parents when you feel comfortable.

With our guidance and support, you can navigate this new chapter with confidence, knowing that your wishes are respected every step of the way. To start creating your open adoption plan, contact us online now or text us at 913-213-1344.

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