Counseling: A Shoulder To Lean On
We understand that deciding to parent your baby or give that opportunity to another family may be one of the most challenging decisions you ever make. Couple this with the physical and emotional changes brought about by pregnancy, and it becomes all the more important to rely on the experience and guidance of Hope Cottage counselors as you weigh options.
Giving Your Child a Loving Home
First of all, placing your child for adoption with a qualified, caring family is a loving decision.
And if you do decide to place your child in adoption, Hope Cottage will ensure you get the support and encouragement needed throughout the process. So we'll be there to help you:
- Actively participate in an adoption plan.
- Select an adoptive family for your child.
- Decide on a comfortable level of post-adoption communication.
- Get the counseling and support services you and your family need.
- Find support services after the placement in an individual and/or group setting.
Deciding To Parent Your Child
If you choose to parent, we offer a parenting preparation program during your pregnancy and the first few months of your child's life. It equips you with:
- One-on-one support to prepare you for childbirth and infant care.
- Case management services to help you develop skills and access the resources required for successful parenting.
- Parenting education and support services.
Supporting the Birth Family
As part of our pregnancy counseling program, Hope Cottage also offers a monthly support group for birthparents and their families.
This group is open to:
- Pregnant women who are considering an adoption plan.
- Birthmothers who have placed their child in an adoptive home.
- Birthfathers and birthgrandparents.
In this small, supportive group setting, everyone is welcome and encouraged to discuss feelings and thoughts, ask questions or just listen. We meet every first and third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Hope Cottage.
Please remember — you don't have to go through this alone. For any and all of our counseling services, please call 214-526-8721 or 1-800-944-4460.