I'm hoping you ladies can give me some much needed advice and encouragement. To make a long story short, a birthmother from another state contacted us about 3-4 weeks ago. She is due in Feb. and found us on facebook, out of all places. She is working with a legit agency from the state where she is from, but none of their profiles seemed to match what she was looking for in parents. She wants to chose us, but I'm so concerned.
We have spoken with her agency, and our social worker has contacted the agency as well. She really wants to make an adoption plan and I believe her. I'm worried about a few things and I'm hoping you ladies can shed some light.
1. she is so early in her pregnancy, she has so much time to change her mind, and I'm afraid to send in registration money to this agency with so much time on our hands between now and her due date.
2. she wants to talk to me all the time. I'm worried that she has no one and I'm turning into that someone that she is leaning on for support. I think this can be good and bad. I really need some advice on this one. She wants to talk a lot on the phone, and I'm fine with talking on the phone, but not every night. What happens when the baby comes and this goes away? I don't want her to think I'm her "friend" only to make an adoption plan with us. How do I stop from nightly phone calls?
I really nee advice. Obviously I want this to go well, but I'm so concerned and I don't want any hurt feelings or her to change her mind because now I don't talk to her every night? HELP!
Re: Help w/birthmom...
Wow.. that's exciting for you... but I understand your reservations.
Questions I'd have--
1- What happens w/your financial investment w/this agency if she backs out?
2- Does this agency allow matching this early in the pregnancy?
As for your desire to get your support...
I'd talk directly to that agency too.
Another thought- can she express why she wants you vs the agency's other profiled couples?? That may give you some insight.
Lastly, I think being as open and honest about your concerns w/her is good. Tiptoeing around a EM isn't necessary IMO. Both of you have much at stake... not focusing on the money. If you match her and she backs out.... you've wasted months of time where you could have matched elsewhere. In addition, your heart is at stake and talking about both EMs role and PAPs roles are important in the process.
How upfront should we be? I'm not so much focus on the money part, as I don't want to lose out on another opportunity for us to become parents. We have waited over 5 years and have had too many losses to lose out on any more opportunities to become parents. I know that God has a plan for us, and there is a child out there for us. I'm concerned that she is relying on us too much.
Our BM chose us early on in the process as well. We still have 4 months to go and we matched in early June. Similar timing.
Couple of questions. 1) Do you have to use her agency if she found you on her own? Sounds like she could just use yours or do private adoption.
2) Is it possible she wants to talk all the time because you are just getting to know each other?
Because she already has children the likelihood of her changing her mind is in your actually in your favor. Not sure I would sign on with her agency though if you can match with her and not use them. It will cost you less in the end. JMO.
GL
Talk w her as often as you would after the baby is born. If you wouldnt talk w her on a daily basis after the baby is born DONT set her up to feel like she would communicate with you daily.
Set boundaries now so their isnt heartache later. Maybe let her know you would enjoy Tuesday talks where you both know every tuesday is a set time where you both catch up and talk about the week? I dont know just a thought.....
I agree. How can I approach this with her, without offending or upsetting her?? Any advice????