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Well, I guess not Trouble, but an issue that has come to my attention, and I'm balking at addressing. Basically.
I've only posted once or twice before, so a little background on my story--I'm a "birthmom" who has yet to give birth ( though any day now, they keep telling me. ) We are very friendly with the adopting family, they call to check up on me, how I'm feeling, all that sort of thing. Everyone's on board, everyone's confident, and under most circumstances, it seems like so far, everything is perfect ( considering the situation, of course. )
Except one thing.
After the baby is born, I've decided that she will go home with the adopting family, and stay with them in their hotel until the 72 hour deadline is up, my decision is finally made, and the papers are signed. I've also agreed that my family can see her as much as they want before that deadline, because we and the adopting family have agreed on an open adoption, and they ( the a-family ) are more then happy about all of this. ( Again, everything seems perfect so far! ) But it has come to my attention that my Mum and my grandmother are wanting to buy a carseat, so they can bring her ( the baby ) home with them sometimes, so they can have her at our house. Call me cruel, but I think this is a little too much.. and a little dangerous for their emotions.
I know it's going to hurt them to see their Grandbaby/Greatgrandbaby taken away ( they've never dealt with an adoption so close to home before ), and I don't want to hurt them any more than I must. But knowing my Mom and Grama, I know that if this happens, it's going to hurt them more, they're going to get attatched, which is something I want to avoid not only for myself, but for their sakes, too. Even a little thing like a carseat is, I think, not a good thing to get, because once Baby is gone, it's just a cruel little reminder that they don't have their Grandbaby here with them. There have been other little things like this too--checking out the Baby clothes at stores when they go shopping, and even almost buying diapers. It's just a reflex, I know ( "A baby is almost here, we have to get ready!" ) and thankfully, they've stopped themselves. So far.
So here's my question; what's the best way to tell them "No." I respect my Mom and Grama very much. As a child, I was taught that they are an authority I will never surpass, and you never tell you parents "No" because they know best, they've been there and dealt with it before you. But I know that at this time, I NEED to say something, but I want to do so in as gentle a way I can. Any advice out there that I should keep in mind when going about this?
Wow, that's a tough one. I can honestly say I think your mom and grandma are going to be devastated when you actually go through the adoption.
I don't think it would be a good idea for them to spend any time with the baby or buy anything for it because like you said, it's going to be harder on them.
You just have to put your foot down and tell them you're trying to save them problems with emotions and hope they understand and aren't angry with you for long.
I know you have to do whatever is best for you I guess. I'm not in your situation and I don't have any "good advice". I've been through adoption in 1976 and had I had the support of my parents in bringing my baby home I'd have jumped on it and kept her. My life has been a living nightmere because I gave her away.
My sister one time told me that if her daughter (who is only 6 soon to be 7) if she was single ever got pregnant in the future as a teenager (or whenever) she'd forse her to give the baby up for adoption. She'd have no choice.
Just thinking about that gave me such nightmeres and I am only an Aunt and not the mother whose grandchild would be gone because I had no say so in any of it.
So, if your mom and grandma really love the baby already no matter what you do or say it's going to affect them for the rest of their lives and they will probably have a lot of issues build up. I know I would.
Rylee
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Heartland_Song
After the baby is born, I've decided that she will go home with the adopting family, and stay with them in their hotel until the 72 hour deadline is up, my decision is finally made, and the papers are signed. I've also agreed that my family can see her as much as they want before that deadline, because we and the
I know it's going to hurt them to see their Grandbaby/Greatgrandbaby taken away ( they've never dealt with an adoption so close to home before. .
I respect my Mom and Grama very much. As a child, I was taught that they are an authority I will never surpass, and you never tell you parents "No" because they know best, they've been there and dealt with it before you. But I know that at this time, I NEED to say something...
When you were a child, your Mom and Grama were the grownups. But you are not a child any longer. You are about to be a PARENT. Even though you are young, even though you are single, even though you are placing the baby for adoption, YOU ARE THE PARENT. You have already made the decision to place and chosen the people to be your child's adoptive parents -- those are BIG decisions. Now, you have to tell Mom and Grama that You, the Mother of the Baby, think it is best if the baby stays with her adoptive parents and Mom and Grama visit the baby.
(Maybe they are thinking that if they have the car seat and some diapers and a few outfits and bring the baby to your home that they can get you to change your mind?) You might encourage them to make a family photo album to give to the baby, or a special outfit to give? Maybe you could ask the adoptive parents to take pictures of Mom and Grama holding the baby so they will have a memory to hold onto?
There is no way to make them happy about this situation and there is no easy way to do it -- so You decide what is best for Your Baby and you TELL them what will happen and how. Because You Are The Mother.
I'm an e-mom due in 2 months, i have a little different perspective on this than the pps. One of the things I dread is people trying to tell me what I can and cannot handle. I'm an adult and can decide for myself what I need to do to live with this decision for the rest of my life. No one else knows what I can handle but me. They are adults and in some ways this is their baby too. As long as you are clear that you won't change your mind they should be able to do what they need to to say goodbye too. That said, it seems a little weird that they want to take the baby to their home. Maybe they just want to make sure they get a little time without the a-parents looking over their shoulders? Do you think they will try to get you to change your mind?
I wish my family seemed to care about meeting the baby before he goes home with his a-parents, they think I'm crazy for even wanting to see him. In fact I think they would prefer I just pretend I'm not pregnant anymore now that I've decided to place him for adoption.
I think you need to have a good talk with them and try to understand their motives.
My mother was devastated when I put my son up for adoption. From my experience, the best advice I can give you is *not* to let them visit the child without the adoptive parents present--and you might want to be there, too. My mother has met my son twice, once before I signed TPR and once after--both times there were people around to keep an eye on her, and she was really obessively attached, still talks about "getting him back." If the aparents are adopting him, I really think it's inappropriate for your mom and g'mom to try to get the child alone. Plus, a car seat will just sit in the garage and depress them after the babe is gone.
I took my baby home for a few days to make sure I was making the right decision...72 hours is a minimum for signing I believe...you can take weeks. I'd let them have some time with the baby alone...they are adults and can deal with their own emotions and grief and loss in their own time and way...the baby seat can be returned or onsold it's not your worry...it is their grandchild too. Could your mother bring up the child? I wish mine had...blessings to you
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I am a birthmother from a closed adoption who reunited joyfully with my daughter 20 years ago!
I just want to say that I agree with Susan_Book totally.
I feel greatly for you because you are being torn in two directions between the adoptive parents and your mom and grandma and you have yet to even had to deal with your own emotions when your child is born. I pray that you have someone reliable to support you and give you individual counseling through all of this. My prayers are with you!