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Looking for Adoptions Together or FamilyWorks Together? New name, same us. Here’s why!

I’m Pregnant

Free Doula Services for Expectant Parents

If you make an adoption plan with Paths for Families, you have access to free doula services. Paths for Families is partnered with the Baltimore Doula Project to better advocate for the needs of expectant parents during delivery, and more commonly, post-partum. Along with your counselor, your doula will be able to provide specialized support. Please note that this is a pilot program and the availability of doulas is subject to variation.

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Adoption Doula Services

The goal of this Adoption Doula pilot program partnership between Adoptions Together, a program of Paths for Families, and Baltimore Doula Project is to increase the support for expectant parents and birth parents who are considering adoption. In 2022, 64% of these individuals did so with no support person at the hospital and they most often returned home from the hospital with little to no support from family. Paths for Families is partnering with the Baltimore Doula Project to better advocate for the needs of expectant parents during delivery, and more commonly, post-partum. By focusing on communities that face higher rates of stigma and fewer care options, Paths for Families and Baltimore Doula Project are working to fill a gap in quality and compassionate pregnancy care.

All doulas are trained in adoption competent care to learn about the unique needs of folks considering adoption. Doulas are not employees of Paths for Families and services are paid for by the Paths for Families expense fund. Full spectrum doula services include one prenatal visit, in person or virtual support during delivery at the hospital (depending on distance), and 2 postpartum visits. Additional visits can be discussed on a case by case basis. Paths for Families supports expectant parents regardless of their choice to place for adoption.

 

Adoption Doula FAQ

What is a doula?

A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to their client before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest experience possible.

What is an adoption doula?

A doula that has had additional training in understanding the adoption process and how to support an expectant parent who is planning for adoption. An adoption doula understands that the hospital and postpartum experience will likely look different, and the doula is more attuned and equipped to care for the grieving parent.

What is the difference between the doula and the adoption social worker?

The doula is there to care for you during labor and delivery, and briefly in the postpartum period. They are there to explain what is going on medically and give advice to caring for your healing body. They are also a listening ear and a companion while you grieve. The adoption social worker will guide you through all your options (adoption, parenting, abortion, kinship care, etc.) and will guide you in the process of choosing an adoptive family. She will meet with you at the hospital to sign adoption paperwork and will facilitate the transfer of your baby to the adoptive family or interim care family. She will help with case management needs and referrals as needed. During the postpartum phase, she will assist with clinical guidance in caring for yourself, offer coping strategies and provide psychoeducation about grieving after an adoption.

Why would I want the support of an adoption doula?

Making an adoption plan for your baby is often an isolating experience. Many of the expectant parents who work with Adoptions Together deliver their babies without a support person at the hospital. Nurses and hospital staff are often unfamiliar with the adoption process, so the doula can be an advocate if their needs may be different compared to other parents. If you do have a partner present, the doula can assist them in being a helpful partner during labor. Upon returning home, you may not have a trusted person to talk about their grief. An adoption doula is a safe and unbiased person who can provide support during this difficult time.

How many times will I visit with the doula?

Full spectrum adoption doula services includes one prenatal visit, support in the hospital during labor and delivery, and at least two postpartum visits. If you have already delivered your baby, then the doula will provide only postpartum care services. These visits may be either in person or virtual, depending on distance and the client’s preference.

Who do I contact when I go into labor?

You should text/call both your adoption social worker and your doula when you go into labor.

What if I change my mind and want to bring my baby home?

Connecting you with a doula does not stop you from being able to change your mind about the adoption plan.

Who do I contact to get updates on my baby?

Call/text your adoption social worker for photos and updates while your baby is with an interim care family. Once the baby is placed with an adoptive family, you can send messages directly to the adoptive family on the Child Connect website.

Who pays for the doula?

Adoptions Together, a program of Paths for Families, will be paying for the doula services. Your decision to place for adoption will not impact your access to a doula.

Who do I reach out to if I'm having a hard time and want to talk?

You can reach out to either your doula or adoption social worker, both are supports for you during this difficult time. The doula will often collaborate with the adoption social worker after meetings with you. We can both provide referrals to Postpartum Support International but the adoption social worker can provide birth parent specific support services.

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Expectant Parent FAQ