For Birth Grandparents

planadoption.com - for those facing unplanned pregnancy

We recognize the vital importance of birth grandparents in a woman’s adoption plan.

When working with Adoption Associates, Inc., your daughter or son will have the benefits of experienced caseworkers to help them through the emotional hurdles. Caseworkers are also willing to help you as well. They will be there to listen and encourage, or simply stand quietly beside you. We recognize the vital importance of birth grandparents in a woman’s adoption plan. Adoption Associates, Inc. can connect you with other grandparents who have gone through the adoption process. These warm and caring people are open to sharing and supporting you in any way possible. This “partnership” can be very helpful to you. They know first hand the struggles of your child’s unplanned pregnancy because they have traveled the same road that you are traveling. They know the joy in seeing their child have the same opportunities they once dreamed of and find comfort in knowing that their grandchild has a warm and nurturing home with loving parents.

Birth grandparents have a unique experience in the adoption plan. It’s often a very difficult time. They may feel that their child’s adoption plan is a positive one but know that they too will experience some pain.

Many birth grandparents feel isolated or guilty at this time, or may not have support from their friends or family members. Some birth grandparents may see themselves as failures, or insist that their daughter or son be responsible for their actions. They often have to help their son or daughter cope with the unplanned pregnancy, knowing that the decision ultimately needs to be made by the birth parents because they will have to live with their decision. Emotional support to the birth parent is essential at this time. Birth parents need their parents’ guidance now more than ever.

Recommended reading for birth grandparents:

Parents, Pregnant Teens, and the Adoption Option, by Jeanne Warren Lindsay

  • This book helps parents cope with the shock of a daughter’s teen pregnancy and helps parents to understand how much their child needs support during this time. This book also aids in dealing with their grief as well as their child’s. This book is a great tool for those parents who feel alone and without support for themselves.

My Child is a Mother, by Mary Stephenson

  • Though a book that focuses on open adoption, this is a story told by a birth grandmother. The adjustments of the entire birth family are discussed and this story is told in a very truthful manner.

Bittersweet, by Gay Lewis

  • A story for those of the Christian faith. This book tells the story of a Christian family who faced difficult choices and decisions working through their daughter’s unplanned pregnancy.

Designing Rituals of Adoption, by Mary Mason

  • This book focuses on release services that are especially meaningful to birth families at the hospital.

Between Parent & Teenager, by H. Genilt

  • An aid toward more effective communication within a family

Pregnant?—Adoption is an Option, by Jeanne Warren Lindsay

  • Especially written for the young birth mother. Women facing unplanned pregnancies tell their stories.

Mom, I’m Pregnant, by Bev O’Brien

  • Written by the mother of a pregnant teenager

Read stories about birth grandparents just like you.