Common Adoption Fears: Real Talk from Two Adoptive Moms

Adoption fears? Every prospective parent has them. Host April Fallon and co-host Jordan Moreno of ADOPTION NOW know firsthand how overwhelming the process can feel. Having navigated their own paths to building their families through adoption, they share their experiences with common fears– and how to move past them.

Where to Start

The biggest hurdle is often knowing where to begin. With options like domestic, international, foster care, it’s easy to feel lost. Many people start by researching online or calling agencies, only to feel overwhelmed by different requirements and processes.

The key takeaway? Give yourself permission to explore different paths without feeling pressured to commit. Start by attending information sessions, connecting with adoptive families in your community, or sign up for ADOPTION NOW’s coaching program. The right path often becomes clear as you learn more.

Financial Fears

Let’s be honest – adoption costs can feel daunting. April remembers looking at the fees and thinking “we have no money, this isn’t going to happen.”

Most people don’t realize there are resources available to help make adoption financially possible. From grants to employer benefits, tax credits to payment plans through agencies, families find creative ways to make it work.

Don’t let finances be the reason you don’t move forward. Reach out to agencies and adoptive parent groups to learn about options you might not know exist.

Open Adoption Fears

It’s common to initially feel nervous about open adoption. April candidly shares she started out wanting a closed adoption but completely changed her perspective after education and experience. Now she can’t imagine adoption any other way.

Open adoption isn’t about co-parenting or splitting time. It’s about creating a supportive environment for your child. Each relationship looks different and evolves naturally over time. Some families share monthly updates, while others develop closer relationships. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Navigating the Wait

The fear of birth parents changing their minds is very real. Jordan remembers those sleepless nights in the hospital, wondering what the next day would bring.

But here’s what helped: focusing on supporting the birth parents during this time. Build a support system of people who understand these unique challenges. It makes all the difference.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The adoption community is bigger and more supportive than ever. While your fears are valid, they don’t have to stop you from building your family through adoption. As April says, “If you say yes to adoption, you’re saying yes for a lifetime” – and it’s worth working through the fears to get there.

Take your next step, whether that’s making a phone call to an agency or joining an adoptive parents’ group. Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out before starting. The path forward becomes clearer with each step you take, and there’s a whole community ready to support you along the way.