About 95 percent of adoptions today have some level of openness, according to a recent study.

Although the research looked at U.S. placements, it’s safe to say that the situation here in Canada isn’t all that different from what it is south of the border.

According to the study, two reasons account for the trend toward openness. First, families and professionals realize that secrecy is harmful. And second, birthmothers want it.

If you’re hoping to connect with an expectant mother considering adoption, this last bit of information is worth nothing. In fact, it could be the game changer in your outreach efforts.

Knowing that birthmothers desire openness, you could potentially increase your chances of finding a match by emphasizing that you’re interested in it as well in your adoption profile or in your conversations with her.

And it could also help you build the framework of a strong and lasting relationship with her after placement.

Here are some of the main reasons why birthmothers choose open adoption when placing their baby with an adoptive family.

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When it comes to adopting a baby, everyone knows that waiting is a big part of the process.

If you have a family member or friend who’s waiting now, sometimes it can feel like it’s the only part.

That can be tough on the waiting parent. But it can also be tough on you.

You may be anxious to help, but you may not know what to do. Or you may be worried about getting in the way.

To be sure, adopting a baby is complicated and can make for some awkward moments.

One thing you need to know is that there’s no direct path to do it. There’s no one clear way to get from Point A to Point B.

The other thing to keep in mind is that there is no set wait time. While some couples bring home a baby in a few months, most hopeful parents wait longer, sometimes a few years.

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Adopting a baby can sometimes feel like an obstacle course.

No sooner have you overcome one hurdle—taking the PRIDE course, finding an agency, completing your home study, etc.—than another one comes your way—writing your parent profile, creating your social media channels, spreading the word to family and friends, etc.

But those challenges are minor compared to the one that eventually awaits you down the road: Meeting an expectant mother with an adoption plan for the first time.

Match meetings are a lot like a first date, with both parties checking each other out to see if they’re the right fit. Continue reading →