Life Connections FAQs

Pregnancy Counseling

1. What does the counseling consist of?

All counseling is free and provided by a knowledgeable and experienced counselor.  Counseling is nondirective and nonjudgmental and focuses on addressing the choices of parenting or making an adoption plan so that you can make the best decision for you and your baby.  Counselors are also available to explore other issues with you depending upon your individual circumstances.

2. Can I continue counseling if I choose to parent my baby?

Absolutely.  The decision to parent can be overwhelming and our services are designed to help you sort out the many feelings you may be experiencing as you anticipate becoming a parent.  For example, there may be relationship issues you are dealing with; you may have questions about balancing your decision with desired goals you have set for yourself; you may be coping with feelings you are having around the pregnancy; or perhaps you want a safe place to talk about all the changes you will be experiencing as you transition into parenting your baby.

Catholic Charities offers a variety of supportive services that could assist you both before and after the birth of your baby.  Prenatal Nurturing classes are offered in both English and Spanish to help you learn parenting and nurturing skills while you are pregnant.  Life Support can assist you with maternity clothes, car seat information, and once the baby is born, provide help with formula, diapers, baby clothes, and infant supplies.  We can also direct you to additional community resources that could assist you further.

3. Will the father of the baby be offered counseling?

Yes, the father of the baby will be offered the same counseling as you. The sessions can be held jointly or separately.

4. What about my family, can they receive counseling also?

Catholic Charities offers counseling to those in your life that are directly affected by the pregnancy and the decision you make.  This counseling can assist family members with adjusting to your pregnancy and provide information regarding the adoption process if you decide to make an adoption plan.

5. I don’t know much about adoption, what is the difference between an open and closed adoption?

An open adoption shares identifying information between you and the adoptive parents and can even provide the possibility of a life-long relationship between all parties. On the other hand, a closed adoption is a confidential adoption where there is no shared identifying information between the birth parents and the adoptive parents.  This means that you would not know who the adoptive parents are and they would not know your identity.  Ultimately the decision is left up to the birthparents as to whether an adoption plan includes openness.  Since many birth parents don’t understand all that is involved with an open adoption, it is a significant part of the counseling process.  It is our experience over a number of years of providing services to birth parents, that the far majority welcome the opportunity to establish an open adoption plan.

6.  If I want to can I choose the adoptive parents?

You have the opportunity to select and meet the adoptive parents.  All the parents in our program have been trained to understand the benefits of open adoption.  Although they look forward to forming an open relationship with birth parents, they will respect whatever decision you make.

7. If I place my baby for adoption will I regret it forever?

You will never forget that you placed a baby for adoption.  However, the counseling is designed to help you to deal with the sadness that birth parents may feel and provides some coping skills to help you accept the decision you made for you and your baby.

8. Can I change my mind after the baby is born?

Yes, you can change your mind at any time up until the Judge/Magistrate has signed the official court papers that allows for the adoption of the baby.

If you have any questions please contact us.