This is what some of the birth mothers that have come to us for help have told us:

“I first met with a counselor when I was six months pregnant. I knew adoption was best because my life was such a mess. My parents weren’t talking to me because I was living with a boyfriend they didn’t like. I had a 3-year-old son that was living with his father because I couldn’t take the pressure of raising him. I had some complications and my daughter was born two months early. I just felt like I couldn’t get my life on track. I found myself bouncing around with my daughter from place to place, going nowhere. I finally gave myself a deadline to find a safe place to live and start back to school. When my deadline passed, I decided to look at adoption again. I knew that my daughter deserved better that I could give her. At one counselor’s suggestion, she went into a TLC home for a short time so I could see if I could live with adoption. I decided that adoption was best and she went to her adoptive home when she was 6 months old. I know she is doing well because I hear from her parents. I did go back to school and got my GED. Best of all, I have been able to become a mother to my son.”

Kelly, age 22

“I came to Infant of Prague for counseling before I knew what I was going to do. I thought a lot about adoption but in the end I decided to keep my son and raise him myself. It’s not easy, but I know I am a better mother because my counselor talked to me about parenting as well as adoption.”

Cindi, age 19

“I was 14 when my Mom drove me to the ER because of a bad stomach cramps. It was then that I learned I was pregnant. I had denied to myself that I could be pregnant. My mom was in shock too! It was a hard delivery but my son looked beautiful to me. The hospital social worker called Infant of Prague and my baby was placed in a TLC home for a month while I tried to sort out what to do. I got to feed, bathe and dress my son during the visits my parents and I had at the TLC home. My Infant of Prague social worker met with my parents and me over and over again. She told me something that really made sense to me. She said my heart and my head were battling each other (my heart said to keep my baby and my head said to let him be adopted.) I was really torn up. I wanted my mom to make the decision for me but she kept saying it was my son and it had to be my decision. I finally called my counselor and told her that my head won out and I was ready to select a family for my baby. I cried, but I knew it was best for my baby boy. I gave the social worker a list of at least ten things I wanted for my son and my social worker found the perfect family for me. My son got everything that I wanted and I got to meet and stay in touch with his new family. They still send me pictures and letters.”

Melody, age 18

“I had been matched with a family through a facilitator. They were a very nice family but I realized they were not the right family for me. I met with a counselor at Infant of Prague and she helped me sort out my feelings about adoption. I looked at several albums of waiting families and found one that was just perfect for my daughter.”

Heather, age 17

“Adoption became a part of my life 19 years ago, when I made the decision to make a plan of adoption with my daughter. This was a choice that changed my life forever, but a choice that I do not regret. Make no mistake, if I could have kept my daughter, I would have in a heartbeat, but circumstances would not allow me too. This is when Brad and Lynn came into my life back in October 1990. From the moment I met them, I knew they were the couple I was looking for to raise my daughter. It’s hard to explain why I instantly felt they were the right choice from the beginning, but a big part of it was the incredible peace I felt inside of me. I did not feel pressure from Brad and Lynn, just their genuine concern for me and my child.
Even though I felt a peace from the very beginning, I did not make my final decision until I made a trip to their home early on in my pregnancy. I wanted to see their little family in action, stay in their home and meet the family and special people in their life. I remember leaving their home that weekend, asking myself, “Is this what I want for my child?” and my answer was “yes!” We had spent hours talking about what parenthood meant to them and what their hopes were for the future. Brad and Lynn assured me from the very beginning that I would have the opportunity to be a part of my daughter’s life, and that meant so much to me. I never felt like they were just telling me what I wanted to hear, but felt that they genuinely meant what they said.
Having the choice to have an open adoption, made it easier for me to make the hard decision of allowing someone else to raise my child. I never had to wonder, “Is my child okay?” because I already knew. Lynn always took the time to call me with updates as well as write me letters, and send me pictures. I will never forget the excitement I felt when I would receive pictures in the mail! To see her smile and the joy in her mom and dad’s face, was so comforting to me.
Brad and Lynn always made it known to me that their door was always open. Did I always walk through that door as the years passed by? No, but just knowing I could, made all the difference in the world to me.
My daughter is now 18 years old and we communicate often! I treasure the visits we have with each other, and love hearing her tell me that she feels blessed to have 2 mothers who love her so much. That is what adoption is all about!”

Krista, age 45