How a Birth Father can Show Support during the Adoption Journey
How a Birth Father can Show Support during the Adoption Journey
For birth fathers that are known and involved in the adoption process, it can be difficult to find your place and become comfortable in your role. Although it might seem overwhelming at first, there are many ways to show support during the adoption journey.
Your role is just as important as the birth mother’s, but it’s essential to recognize her feelings and show her that you’ll be there for support. As daunting as it may seem, it is important to acknowledge your role in this. Adoption Choices of Las Vegas has compiled some ideas to help you show support while navigating this journey.
How a Birth Father can Show Support during the Adoption Journey
- Be Involved
Staying involved can provide more of a sense of comfort, as well as make you feel like you have more control over the situation. You might feel overshadowed by the birth mother’s feelings and emotions, but don’t be afraid to address your questions and concerns.
Even if you and the birth mother are no longer together, you two still share a unique path and you deserve to be heard. This is a permanent decision that both of you will carry with you for the rest of your lives, so it’s vital that you are on the same page.
- Make sure your mental health is taken care of
As Eleanor Brown once said, “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” It can be quite difficult to offer support and be a shoulder to cry on if you lack the proper resources or your own support system.
Be sure to find some time to speak with a social worker, adoption counselor or therapist to talk through your feelings. Seeking help carries the stereotype of being “weak” or not masculine, but it actually takes a very strong person to admit you’re struggling. This will make it easier to provide emotional support to the birth mother, while also fulfilling your own emotional needs. It is an important step in the healing process and allows you to practice self-care.
- Do Research
Although it might not seem like it, this is very vital to how a birth father can show support during the adoption journey. There are many aspects to choosing adoption, such as deciding on an adoptive family, figuring out what type of adoption works best for you and meeting with prospective adoptive families. Becoming informed and showing that you are willing to learn is a great way to show support.
Nobody expects you to know everything about this process, but your willingness to learn will speak volumes. Not only will you gain more knowledge, but you’ll also gain a better understanding of what the birth mother goes through.
- Validate her feelings
This period can often come with feelings of confusion, loneliness, and anxiety – all feelings that you might be able to relate to. Show her that you’re on her side.
Don’t be afraid to acknowledge her feelings and let her know that there’s no right or wrong way to feel right now. It’s okay to show emotion and be vulnerable. Feel free to show her that side of yourself as well. You can start simply by listening.
Showing Support as a Birth Father
There’s no perfect way to offer help; it’s the thought that counts. Start by showing up and the rest will fall into place.
Adoption Choices of Las Vegas wishes you luck on this journey and we know that you’ll do a great job providing support in whichever way works best for you.
Adoption Choices of Nevada in Las Vegas has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. For information specific to Las Vegas, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas. For information specific to Reno, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno. You can also call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: CALL OR TEXT 702-474-4673
Meet the Author: Hi! I’m Ashley! I am a senior at Loyola University Chicago pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. My hobbies include: reading, writing, and binge-watching the newest Netflix craze.
I hope to one day be a reporter, but I also have an interest in social work. When I’m not in school or working, you can find me relaxing with friends, shopping or volunteering at a local foster home.