When working with adoption professionals and exploring the option of placing your child with an adoptive family, it is crucial that you are honest and straight-forward. This is especially true if you have a history of alcohol or drug use during your pregnancy. You need to talk to the professionals you’re working with. How do you broach these difficult topics? Keep in mind, as you read through the list below, that it will be different for each person because of the vast variances in situations.
Complete Honesty: As mentioned earlier, complete and total honesty is crucial to a healthy and professional relationship when working with any type of adoption professional. You may feel that your alcohol or drug use history is completely personal. To a point, it is. But because you’re pregnant and are exploring adoption, the health of your child is at risk. Any relevant professional you’re working with is entitled to know of any difficult-to-share information that will directly affect your growing child. Remember, they are not there to judge you. Their job is to keep your child’s best interest in mind, as well as yours. These professionals will help you through the adoption process, if you decide that is the best option for both you and your baby.
Addressing Addiction: If you are still battling an addiction, the first step is to address it or admit that you have a problem. It isn’t something to be ashamed of. Addressing your addiction shows you have courage and strength. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it. Whatever you need to do to make positive changes in your life, do it.
Understanding the Risks: Whether you currently have an addiction or you did during the pregnancy, it is important that you understand the potential risks for your child. If you use drugs or alcohol while you’re pregnant, your baby runs a higher risk of disorders, developmental issues, and other problems.
Support Group: You may need some additional support when addressing your addiction or verbalizing the topic with an adoption professional. If this is the case, consider attending and participating in a support group. Share your story. Listen to the other stories. A support group is a great medium for emotional healing.
Whether your difficult topic is drug and alcohol use or not, it can be stressful talking openly about your situation with someone you may not know well or trust. If you feel that you can’t trust that professional, find another one. Ultimately, you need to be comfortable with the professionals you’re working with throughout the adoption process. In the end, you need to do what’s best for both you and the baby. And if there is a difficult topic you need to discuss that will directly affect your growing child, then talking to the adoption professional is what you should do.