Infertility - Caring for the birthmother

1. The birth mother is no longer likely to be an
unmarried adolescent who travels to a distant
town to deliver her unwanted child. Yet, the
decision to place a child for adoption is difficult
and emotional. The physician may counsel
pregnant or just delivered women. The counseling
may take time and involvement and additional
social service and/or psychological counselors
may be needed.
2. The decision may change several times in the
course of the pregnancy and postnatal period.
Financial, social, medical and personal reasons are
all likely to be involved.
3. A complete social, family, medical and personal
history is essential, including drugs and alcohol
use. The woman may be afraid to be specific.
4. A woman considering placing her child for
adoption may be at higher risk for STDs and
social problems. She may require additional
medical and social supports, even after the
placement of her child.
5. Care during delivery should be the same as for all
mothers. However, delivery may not be joyful; in
fact, the mother may show signs of grief and
bereavement. The mother may not want to see her
child or stay on the labor and delivery floor. These
wishes should be honored.
6. The adoption may be private or through an
agency. Mothers may have had significant input
into the choice of adoptive parents, even having an
“open” adoption. In this, the birthmother may
visit the adoptive parents before and after
adoption.
7. All legal work should be completed in advance.
The physician does not need to get involved in the
legal work, unless she feels the woman is being
forced or unduly pressured.

Posted in: Health,Infertility