Deciding To Place While Parenting

If you're already parenting a child and you find yourself pregnant and considering adoption, there may be a lot of different things on your mind. People may not understand how you can make the decision to place the child you are pregnant with while parenting the child you already have. There are a lot of things that you may have to deal with that other women in your position may not have to deal with. For example:

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Judgment over your decision

People often have a hard time understanding how a woman can be in a position to parent one child, yet not parent the other. This is true for women who are already parenting a child when they find out their pregnant again as well as for women who have already placed a child for adoption and find themselves pregnant again. Either way, people often don't understand adoption and can make some pretty hurtful remarks as a result. It's important for both you as well as your unborn child, that you make the decision that works best for you. People who may judge you for the decision that you make are not the ones who will have to live with that decision for years to come. Make the decision that works for you, the child you are parenting as well as the child you are carrying. Sometimes, that means placing your unborn child for adoption and sometimes, it doesn't.

Explaining your decision to your parented child

Something people don't often consider when making the decision to parent or place while already parenting a child or children is how they will address the issue of adoption with the child(ren) already at home. Discussing adoption can be as easy or as complicated as the adults make it. Most children understand the basic concept of children living with other parents, so introducing adoption as just one other way families are formed and keeping language simple and age appropriate is key. Make sure you keep the lines of communication open and honest so that the child you're parenting feels comfortable enough to come speak to you when or if he or she has questions.

Making the decision to place, even if you don't already have a child at home that you are parenting, can be difficult and emotional, but not impossible. Researching your options, becoming educated about your rights and making the best decision you can make not only for you and the unborn child you're carrying, but also for the child you are already parenting, is important. Visit the Adoption.com Directory of Adoption Professionals to find out more about adoption or to find support resources during this difficult time.