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Resources for Birthparents
The Cradle's MentorMatch Program
The Cradle offers a mentoring program designed for
women who are considering adoption for their child. This program
provides an opportunity for expectant parents to get answers to
their adoption questions from someone who has first-hand experience
making an adoption plan. Our mentors are birthmothers
who have previously placed a child in an open adoption. Contact
us for more information.
Planned Parenthood
Chicago Area
Planned parenthood offers a variety of gynecological and reproductive
health services throughout the Chicago area. The Cradle also offers counseling
through Chicago Planned Parenthood offices.
Community
Youth Network, Grayslake IL
Community Youth Network is a non-profit counseling center, which serves
children, individuals, couples, and families. Fees for services are based
on a sliding scale.
WIC
- Supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) helps Illinois mothers, babies and
children get the foods they need for proper growth and development.
YWCA
Rape Crisis Hotline and Counseling Serices
Operating 24 hour support for survivors of sexual assault and their significant
others.
Call 888-293-2080 in Chicago Metropolitan Area
Call 630-971-3927 in DuPage County
Call 708-748-5672 in the South Suburbs
Books
 Click
on the book title to order from Amazon.com. A portion of the purchase
price will be donated to The Cradle.
The
Third Choice
by Leslie Foge and Gail Mosconi
This book explores the many decisions that need to be made when considering
adoption, as well as the emotional ups and downs along the way. The book
covers a lot of ground, in a low-key way. Areas covered include open
adoption, what to look for in adoptive parents, what to expect during
pregnancy, what kind of emotions might come up, and the legal aspects
of adoption. Creative Arts Book Company, Copyright 2004
Given
in Love
by Maureen Connelly
The mother who chooses adoption for her child is not usually recognized
as a grieving mother. People assume that you do not feel sad or have
a sense of loss. This book has been warmly written to help you prepare
for the separation and loss of your child, and to support you during
the grief you may experience.
Centering Corporation, copyright 1990
Order from www.centering.org
Saying
Goodbye to Baby
by Patricia Roles
Written by a birthmother, this book explores the loss and grief that
is unique to the birthparent experience. The book discusses the feelings
women may experience from first discovering their pregnancy through placement,
including grief, and learning how to share their experience with important
people in their life.
Child Welfare League of America, copyright 1989
The
Open Adoption Experience
by Lois Ruskai Melina and Sharan Kaplan Roszia
Two leading experts provide an authoritative and reassuring guide to
the issues and concerns of adoption and birth families through all stages
of the open adoption relationship. It covers the steps from initial preparation
to placement and the first year through the challenges of adolescence.
HarperCollins, copyright 1993
Out
of the Shadows: Birthfather Stories
by Mary Martin Mason
Through powerful stories and photos, Out of the Shadows examines the
invisible population of birthfathers…men who become fathers but who may
never get to hear their children call them "Daddy."
OJ Howard Publishing, copyright 1995
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