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Friday, 09 December 2022

Birthmother Finds Perfect Match in Adoptive Parents

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When 28-year-old Tamara arrived at the emergency room with severe stomach pain, what she learned next would change her life forever. She was surprised to find out that she was pregnant, and the baby was full-term.

Understandably, Tamara was overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for help. She was no longer in a relationship with the baby’s father, and he showed no interest in parenting their child. Tamara was uncomfortable with the idea of being a single parent.

Seeking Guidance for an Unexpected Pregnancy

Tamara’s living situation with her mother and stepfather wasn’t ideal either. Although her parents were supportive, they simply weren’t prepared to welcome a newborn into their home. Wanting the best for her daughter and grandchild, Tamara’s mother suggested she consider adoption.

Soon after, Tamara met with her social worker from the hospital and requested a referral to a faith-based adoption agency. Her social worker gave her the phone number for Joining Hearts’ 24/7 pregnancy hotline.

Joining Hearts Empowers Pregnant Women

Catholic Charities’ Joining Hearts program walks alongside women experiencing an unexpected pregnancy with dignity and compassion. Joining Hearts’ pregnancy hotline is staffed by knowledgeable specialists who help women and couples choose life-affirming options for their pregnancies.

The team at Joining Hearts is committed to keeping women informed about parenting, adoption, adoption law, birth parent rights and more. Pregnancy clients receive lifelong support from caring staff, whether they decide to parent or place their child for adoption.

Choosing the Best Plan for Mother and Baby

When Tamara called Joining Hearts’ hotline, she was connected to a pregnancy specialist immediately and scheduled an appointment to meet with her. At the meeting, the specialist listened to Tamara’s concerns and answered all her questions, providing much-needed support at a difficult time in her life.

Ultimately, Tamara decided adoption would be the best choice for her and her baby. By looking at profile letters, she was able to select an adoptive family from the wait list who shared her same interests and values.

Successful Adoption Brings Peace of Mind

Next, she met the family in person at a match meeting. This provided Tamara the reassurance she needed to know that her baby would be going to a loving home. The couple she chose exuded love and gratitude.

Tamara felt content with her decision, knowing the adoptive family could provide the love and experiences she would want her baby to have. She is grateful to Joining Hearts for being a lifeline in her time of need.

If you or anyone you know is facing an unexpected pregnancy, help is only a call or text away. Contact Joining Hearts at 888-818-4445 for free and confidential services.

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Teresa Doud

Teresa Doud is a Pregnancy Specialist at Joining Hearts. Teresa earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana and has worked in the adoption field for over 15 years. She has been providing pregnancy, parenting and adoption support services to women and families through Joining Hearts, a program of Catholic Charities Community Services, since 2011.

In her free time Teresa enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult children. Teresa and her husband enjoy attending Blues music festivals in Arizona and California throughout the year. They also enjoy relaxing at the beach in Southern California. Teresa is an animal lover and has a dog and two cats from a local animal rescue group.