Self-Care Tips for Florida Birth Mothers Navigating Adoption during May 

By Lindsay Parkoo

May is a month dedicated to mothers, but if you’re a birth mother going through the adoption process, you might have mixed emotions. You may be feeling sad or guilty, and it can be hard to keep yourself afloat. This is normal. The most important thing is that you’re taking care of yourself while going through this process. So, while May is about celebrating mothers, know that as a birth mother choosing adoption, you deserve to feel good too.  

If you’re wondering where to start when it comes to self-care, Florida adoption agencies can help you. With Adoption Choices in Florida, birth mothers receive financial, medical, and emotional care. Professional counselors will be there for you with advice on how to cope or simply as a listening ear. Search “adoption Florida” and find the closest agency that can help you navigate adoption. 

Practicing self-care means finding healthy practices and activities that improve your mood and mental health. Self-care looks different for everyone. It can include anything from meditation to cooking a nice meal for yourself.  

5 tips and suggestions on how to practice self-care during May  

1. Journaling 

Writing out your thoughts, events in your day, and notable experiences is a great way to relieve stress and negativity. If you’re going through an unplanned pregnancy, utilize a journal to write down what you’re going through. Journaling also lets you be honest with yourself if you can’t talk to anyone else about your feelings. Through journaling, you can better realize that your thoughts, emotions, and experiences are valid and normal. You might find that having a journal with you helps you understand yourself more while on this journey.  

2. Treat Yourself 

Take days off to pamper yourself and relax. This can be anything you enjoy. Some suggestions are taking the time to read, going out to eat, or staying in and watching a movie. Doing things for yourself helps you be kinder to yourself, which is a good way to improve mental health. During the adoption process, you’re giving so much of your time and energy. So, it’s important to have time for yourself and the things you want to do. 

3. Connect with Friends and Loved Ones. 

Surround yourself with people who make you feel good and celebrate you. The process of adoption can be a scary one, but a close support system will help you get through it. With that, the people that support you will make you feel special during a time when you might not. Maybe stay inside or plan a day out with them. Take the time to let them know you appreciate them and how you’re feeling. Their support can help you feel less alone and solidify your decisions. Having someone by your side during this tough time can boost your mental health.  

4. Start a Hobby 

Starting a new hobby is a good way to distract yourself from any negative feelings you have during May. Putting your focus on something that doesn’t have to do with adoption can be a much-needed break. It’s also a good way to unwind at the end of a long and hard day. Activities you can try include learning a new skill, doing some physical exercise, or even writing short stories. You can even start a hobby with a friend and do it together.  

5. Consider counseling 

Adoption agencies in Florida provide emotional support through counseling. This can be something you add to your adoption plan to make the process go smoothly for you. Agencies can also give you information about any support groups you might want to join. Professional counselors can offer support and advice for you. Your mental health might not be in the best place during the process. In those cases, it’s important that you feel comfortable talking to a counselor. They are there for you if you are going through the process alone. No matter the circumstances you’re in, counselors will not judge, as they are there to accommodate your needs.

Practice These Self-Care Tips during May 

So, while May can feel conflicting for you, there are ways to make the best of it. After all, you’re choosing adoption for the sake of your child and yourself,  so you deserve self-care.  

To begin your adoption journey, look into Adoption Choices of Florida. Florida agencies make sure you are well informed on the process, types of adoption, and the support you can expect.

If you are a pregnant woman in Florida considering adoption and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call or text us at: (833) 352-3678.