If you have recently received a positive pregnancy test, you may be feeling shocked or stressed about what that means. The realization that you are pregnant can be overwhelming, especially if you are addicted to drugs or alcohol. That often raises a question from expectant mothers: Can I do adoption if I’m in rehab?
The answer is yes. However, you might be wondering what steps you will need to take to tackle your addiction. Going to rehab might be one of those options.
There are also some health conditions to think about beyond your physical health. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your medical professional can assist you when dealing with mental illnesses, addiction, and so much more.
Rehab is a step in the right direction.
There is hope, too. Even if you are pregnant, living with an addiction, and planning on going to rehab, you can create an adoption plan for your baby and the prospective adoptive parents. In many cases, the adoptive parents become like family members of the birth mom, too!
Our team at Lifetime Adoption does not judge. We want what is best for you and your child. The birth parents and adoptive family can put together a support system for each other that includes long-term, open adoption plans. And Lifetime will help each of you with the adoption requirements — every step of the way.
Rehab and Adoption
If you go to rehab for an extended length of time, you will be working through a lot of things. There will be changes to your body, you will be processing a lot of feelings, and learning things to help fight addiction.
Once you settle into a routine and start making progress in living without drugs or alcohol, you can focus on what adoption looks like for your child. An adoptive family is ready to adopt your baby even if you have struggled with substance abuse.
The counselors at your rehab center can often help connect you with adoption options. In addition, lifetime Adoption’s compassionate and experienced adoption coordinators can also help find rehab options for expectant mothers.
In addition, working with Lifetime Adoption gives you the opportunity to create an adoption plan that feels comfortable to you — not only while you’re in rehab but when you get out, too.
You will be connected with an adoption coordinator who will work with you during your pregnancy.
Together, you can get to know each other and get profile information of adoptive parents that are looking to adopt a child.
Adoption Process
As you begin the adoption process, be honest with the person working with you about your alcohol or drug abuse. Sharing more about your addiction will not disqualify you from placing your child into a loving adoptive home. It will not get you in trouble. Instead, it will give the adoption coordinator the information they need to match your child with the right adoptive parents.
Our team can also help connect you with prenatal care so you and your baby get the health care you need to stay healthy even if you don’t have insurance.
We are on your side and want to connect you with the resources needed to have not only a healthy pregnancy but a safe and healthy delivery, too.
Focus on the Baby
As you are in rehab, your body will be experiencing a lot. Many expectant mothers may wonder if their baby will also be born with an addiction. There may be side effects of your drug and alcohol abuse.
Be honest with your medical team, rehab counselor, and adoption coordinator. We can work together to find a family that is open to adopting a child that has had exposure to drugs or alcohol in the womb.
Knowing your medical history and sharing that with your team means we can better advocate for you and your child.
Keep in mind that your addiction will not prevent you from finding a home for your baby.
Choosing adoption is a personal decision. It is a choice that only you can make.
Not sure if it is the right choice? Our team at Lifetime Adoption is ready to help support and encourage you throughout your pregnancy. We will help you find the right family for your child.
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
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