FLORIDA ADOPTION AGENCY — CONTINUED SUPPORT — HEART TO HEART ADOPTIONS
Support for Birth Mothers Considering Adoption in Florida
Whatever you decide, you deserve support. Not judgment. Heart to Heart Adoptions’ Florida counselors are here around the clock, supporting you before, during, and long after your adoption.
You do not have to have made a decision about adoption to receive counseling. If you are pregnant and uncertain, Michelle or Wendy are exactly the people you will want to talk to. They have years of experience talking to women in various situations. Your situation is unique and they can help you decide what will work best for you and your baby.
Post-placement counseling for grief, adjustment, and ongoing emotional processing is available at no cost for as long as you need it.
What support does Heart to Heart provide for Florida birth mothers?
- One-on-one counseling throughout your pregnancy with a dedicated case manager who knows your situation personally.
- Hospital support. A Heart to Heart counselor can be with you during labor and delivery if you want.
- Post-placement counseling for grief, adjustment, and emotional processing. this is provided at no cost, for as long as you need it.
- 24/7 availability by phone and text.
- Support if you are still deciding. You do not need to have made any decision to receive care.
- Connection to community resources, parenting support, and peer networks if that is what you need
What if I am struggling emotionally but have not made a decision yet?
That is exactly the right time to call. You do not need to have decided anything to receive support. We have women call that talk about how long they have been worrying. Talking to someone who won’t judge and will help think through the process take the weight of uncertainty off of you. It is exhausting not having an idea of the future. This can feel isolating. You don’t have to feel isolated.
Heart to Heart counselors are experienced working with women. Their go to is not to steer you toward adoption, but to give you a safe place to think out loud, ask hard questions, and figure out what you actually want.
“Sometimes people judge me and don’t understand, but I know in my heart that adoption isn’t abandoning my baby. With my other two little ones, I can barely give them what they need. Each day that passes gets harder, but I know this sacrifice comes from the deepest love a mother can have.”
— Dani, Apalachicola, Florida
What does emotional support after adoption actually look like?
Grief after adoption is real, and certainly should not be considered a sign that your decision was wrong. A lot of women that we work with start to feel peace right after choosing their adoptive family. But grief is not a one and done. Some birth mothers carry grief for a long time.
Sometimes this springs up around holidays and milestones like going to kindergarten or learning about the child’s first earache. Heart to Heart does not disappear after the adoption is finalized.
→ Open adoption options in Florida
“The grief became softer over time but never completely disappeared. Seeing my child loved helped me carry the adoption differently.”
— Mia, Orlando, Florida
Is counseling available in person or only by phone?
Both. Heart to Heart’s Florida office is based in Gainesville, and in-person meetings can be arranged for women in North Central Florida. For women throughout the rest of the state, phone and video counseling is available at any hour. Your counselor can also connect you with local in-person resources in your area.
“I checked out three agencies before choosing Heart to Heart. They were the only ones who didn’t rush me and really listened to what I wanted for my baby.”
— Birth mother, Florida
What if I decide not to place my baby for adoption?
Your counselor will help you find resources for you if you decide parenting your child is the best option. The support you receive from Michelle or Wendy as you are trying to decide is not contingent on you go through with an adoption. We are here to help you make the right decision for you and your baby.
What if I am having thoughts of harming myself?
Please call or text right now: 877-437-3424. Heart to Heart counselors are available 24/7. You can also text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) or call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). You do not have to carry this alone. Someone will answer.
“I stopped feeling like a problem somebody needed to solve.”
— Birth mother, Florida
“The grief became softer over time but never completely disappeared. Seeing my child loved helped me carry the adoption differently.”
— Mia, Orlando, Florida
In-Depth Guide
Is counseling free for birth mothers in Florida?
Yes. You can receive counseling and support whether or not you have made any decision about your pregnancy. Many women call Heart to Heart simply because they are pregnant and scared and need someone to talk to.
Is there support for birth mothers who chose closed adoption?
Yes. Post-placement counseling is available for birth mothers regardless of the level of openness they chose. Your counselor helps you find peace and process your experience in a way that fits your situation.
Can I get support during labor and at the hospital?
Yes. A Heart to Heart counselor can be with you at the hospital during labor and delivery if you want. You are in control of who is present and when.
What happens to counseling support after my adoption is finalized?
Post-placement counseling continues at no cost for as long as you need it. Heart to Heart does not close your case when the paperwork is signed. Ongoing support for grief, adjustment, and open adoption contact is part of the service.
What is post-placement grief and is it normal?
Yes, grief after placing a baby is completely normal and does not mean you made the wrong decision. Heart to Heart counselors are trained specifically in post-placement grief support.
Can I get support if I am considering parenting instead of adoption?
Yes. Heart to Heart counselors will support you regardless of what you decide. If you decide to parent, your counselor can help connect you with parenting resources, housing support, and community services.
What if I am having thoughts of harming myself?
Please call or text right now: 877-437-3424. Heart to Heart counselors are available 24/7. You can also text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) or call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). You do not have to carry this alone.
Can I talk to someone at Heart to Heart at 2 AM?
Yes. Heart to Heart counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week — by phone and text. There are no business hours when you are in crisis.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Everything you share with Heart to Heart is confidential. Your information is never shared outside the legal process without your permission.
We're Here for You
Whether you're just starting to explore or ready to talk, our compassionate team is here to listen and support you—without pressure or judgment.
You don't have to do this alone.
We're here to walk beside you—every step of the way.
Call or Text Anytime
801-563-1000
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