Interview with Cathy Hamilton

Interview with Cathy Hamilton, CEO, San Antonio Threads

1. For readers meeting you for the first time, how do you describe your work as CEO of San Antonio Threads and the mission that drives you?

San Antonio Threads has advocated for 10 years to offer youth 12-21 to have a better alternative to receiving NEW clothing & etc. while in foster care, homeless, students or other at risk youth in SA.

 
2. Looking back on your path from CASA advocacy to nonprofit leadership, what experiences most shaped your decision to found San Antonio Threads?

Seeing first hand that teens only had access to less than thrift clothing, shoes & the manner of which it was placed in boxes & barrels.

 
3. When you first witnessed teens choosing clothing from a barrel, how did that moment crystallize the dignity-first, retail-like model you built at Threads?

I knew there was a better way & that teens deserved better for their mental health & well being as they go through foster care, homes & schools.

 
4. Zooming into the boutique experience, what is one concrete design or operations choice in your space that most protects teens’ dignity?

The clothing & shoes are displayed near key on retail fixtures, sizes & organized. There are mannequins, & fitting rooms, along with. Stylist to assist the teen shopper.

 
5. Stepping beyond the boutique, how do you structure partnerships and referrals with CPS, CASA, and other government or nonprofit partners so youth can access services seamlessly?

It’s been 10 years providing for at risk teens in SA. The website is easy to navigate to submit referrals. We are visit le in social media sites & out in the community to answer questions.

 
6. To keep improving, what is one low-lift way your team gathers feedback from teens about their experience at Threads?

We and every teen to leave a note in their own words after they have shopped & how their experience was. We also keep in contact with foster agencies & schools for feedback.

 
7. On the people side, how do you prepare and coach staff and volunteers to serve traumatized teens with consistency and care?

We train volunteers with experienced staff & volunteers & are always available while teens are shopping.

 
8. From your experience, what approach has proven most effective for running a new-clothing drive that results in items today’s teens actually want to wear?

Streamlining an item or two. Whether it’s a hygiene product drive, T-shirt or shirts drive, or shoes. The simplest drive works best & is cost effective for the donors.

 
9. Finally, for readers of Texas Adoption Center across Texas, what is one immediate action they can take this week to support a teen’s dignity in their home, classroom, or casework?

Have hygiene products on hand, get involved with other closets to see what the pressing needs are. Organize a drive, support clothing closets on social media platforms ! Collect gift cards to have on hand so the teens could shop on their own.

Crystal Wilson, Licensed Social Worker, Memorial Hermann Medical Center

Crystal, as a Licensed Master Social Worker in a Level I trauma center, could you introduce yourself and describe the scope of your role on the multidisciplinary team?

My name is Crystal Wilson, LCSW and I have been working as a medical pediatric social worker for about 8 years at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the medical center. As a level one trauma center, we experience a wide variety of patients including acute trauma, child abuse, chronic conditions, and homelessness. 

Our role varies throughout hospitalization but includes advocacy, case management, facilitating safe discharges, and preventing unnecessary readmissions through providing resources and engagement through community partners.

What experiences led you into hospital-based trauma social work and shaped your crisis‑intervention approach?

Before transitioning to the hospital setting, I worked with Child Protective Services within the Child Death and Sexual Abuse units. This background provides me with a unique lens; I can now bridge the gap between a patient’s medical needs and the critical psychosocial resources required for their recovery.

Collaborating within a multidisciplinary team has been incredibly rewarding. My colleagues know they can rely on me to be a versatile advocate, stepping in to fill any gaps in care. I take my role as a social worker deeply seriously—acting as a support and anchor for families navigating the intensity of an acute crisis during hospital admissions. 

When a high-risk patient or family arrives in a crisis, what is your first five-minute playbook, and why does it work in a trauma bay?

When a family enters a trauma bay, they aren’t just in a room—they are in a storm of adrenaline and profound uncertainty. My five-minute playbook is to serve as the structural anchor. 

By setting clear expectations and translating the ‘unknowns’ into a roadmap, I provide a safe, stable harbor during what is often the worst day of their lives. I bridge the gap between high-stakes medical intervention and the family’s need for reassurance, affirming that our world-class specialists are doing exactly what they were trained to do.

Building from initial stabilization, how do you create a safe discharge plan for a child or at‑risk caregiver, and how do you coordinate with CPS, kin, and—when appropriate—adoption agencies in Texas?

When a caregiver independently chooses adoption during a high-stakes crisis, my role is to facilitate a clinical and emotional stabilization period that is distinct from any active CPS or law enforcement involvement. 

I ensure that the social work department provides a neutral, safe harbor where the caregiver can explore reputable agencies and private placement options without the immediate pressure of state intervention. By creating this dedicated space, we can assess the caregiver’s informed consent and capacity to make a durable decision, ensuring they are choosing a path that aligns with their values rather than reacting solely to acute fear.

 My focus is on providing a non-coercive framework that empowers the caregiver to select a safe, appropriate agent for the child, thereby transforming a moment of potential trauma into a structured, protective, and ethically sound discharge plan.

Can you share a de‑identified example of navigating complex psychosocial needs and eligibility (e.g., Medicaid/CHIP Perinatal, WIC, ECI, SNAP), including how you sequenced steps to prevent gaps in care?

In a recent case involving a high-risk family in crisis, I implemented a biopsychosocial assessment to prevent critical gaps in care during the transition from hospital to home. We began with a comprehensive Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) assessment, identifying immediate stabilization needs—specifically, food insecurity, looming utility shut-offs, and a lapse in school enrollment for the children. 

By addressing these ‘survival-level’ needs first, we created the necessary stability to then address acute medical and mental health barriers that were preventing normal functioning. The final stage of the sequence involved a rigorous continuity-of-care plan, where I coordinated with case management to secure reliable medical transportation and specialized home equipment. 

During admission we complete regular check-ins, ensuring the family remained medically compliant and emotionally supported, effectively moving them from a state of acute crisis to a sustainable, managed environment.

What are your go‑to strategies for securing community assistance and special funds quickly (such as Crime Victims’ Compensation, hospital charity care, United Way/2‑1‑1, or DV shelters) in Texas?

To ensure community assistance we have to start early, and be consistent. Funds and community resources are limited and being consistent and diligent is necessary to secure assistance. 

I re-engage families when they feel defeated. I build and maintain relationships with community partners and never stop learning about all of the new resources that are being developed.

How do you provide guidance and support to a high-risk expectant mother in a trauma center in a way that helps ensure the best possible outcome for the mother and child—whether through adoption or parenting—while making sure her decision is fully informed, voluntary, and free from coercion, and that parenting and kinship care options are thoughtfully explored?

Providing guidance and support to high-risk patients is critical. Check-ins have to be regular and consistent as the family is already navigating so many unknowns. We will explore all possible outcomes and prepare accordingly. We want to be hopeful but also realistic so we can navigate and be prepared for challenges as they arise. 

I have to be knowledgeable in the patient’s care and may have to do additional research to assure proper support and understanding. I facilitate family meetings with our interdisciplinary team to ensure the family feels supported, heard, and knowledgeable as they navigate these difficult decisions.

For substance‑exposed newborns, how do you build a practical Plan of Safe Care that aligns treatment engagement with CPS expectations and day‑to‑day supports?

For cases involving substance-exposed newborns (SEN), building a practical Plan of Safe Care (POSC) requires a transparent, tiered approach that balances clinical safety with parental empowerment. My process begins by evaluating the caregiver’s current level of substance use and their functional capacity to provide consistent, safe care. 

I facilitate an honest dialogue about their desire to bond and parent, while simultaneously identifying the day-to-day supports—such as stable housing, reliable transportation, and childcare—needed to make that possible. I lead with radical transparency regarding CPS involvement, explaining clearly that while our shared priority is the newborn’s safety, our goal is to align their treatment engagement with state expectations to keep the family unit intact whenever possible. 

This education helps demystify the process, replacing fear with a structured roadmap of what to expect, ensuring the family has the essential resources and medical education required for a safe discharge.

What one practice would you recommend to hospital teams and community partners—including adoption agencies—to improve follow‑through and safety in the first 72 hours after discharge?

The first 72 hours post-discharge are the most volatile, and a single follow-up attempt is rarely enough to ensure safety. I implement a ‘Triple-Contact Protocol,’ prioritizing at least three distinct touchpoints within those first three days. Families in crisis are often overwhelmed by the transition, and the logistical demands of daily life can easily cause medical instructions or appointments to slip through the cracks. 

By staying persistent, I can cut through that noise to provide essential real-time education, reinforce medication compliance, and ensure they haven’t encountered barriers to their follow-up care. 

This level of engagement transforms a standard discharge into a true safety net, ensuring the patient remains stabilized long after they leave our doors. I am also not the only one reaching out, our nurse case managers check as well as other multidisciplinary team members. The follow up is definitely a team effort.

Interview with Amanda Dutton, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Santa Maria Hostel

Amanda Dutton

Amanda, for readers at Texas Adoption Center meeting you for the first time, how do you describe your work as a Recovery Support Peer Specialist and the communities you serve?

I love what I do and have a deep passion for helping the population I help. I work at Santa Maria Hostel with pregnant women and moms postpartum with babies 18 months and younger. 

My role as a recovery support specialist is to help guide these women in their early recovery while navigating becoming a mother. I also provide help and support with all medical appointments. 

We also deal with moms that have CPS so I walk with them through that journey as well. Our main focus is their recovery and staying sober so they can continually be the best mothers they can be.

What experiences led you into peer support with pregnant women facing substance use challenges, and how did that shape your approach today?

The experience that led me to peer support with pregnant women is that I WAS the pregnant woman at Santa Maria in 2020 obtaining the same services that I give the women today. The hope that I was given is my main drive for the hope that I give. 

I know firsthand what it feels like to be pregnant and battling substance use disorder. It is so near and dear to my heart! It is possible, we do recover! The way I shape my approach is by sharing my story and experiences in hopes that they begin to believe in themselves.

When you first meet an expectant mom who is using substances, what do you do in the first 10 minutes to create safety and trust?

In the first 10 minutes, I make sure they understand that I understand. I make them feel heard and understood. That they are not alone and that I was in their shoes just a few years ago. 

I listen to their needs and wants and ensure them that I will be side by side with them throughout the process.

Which trauma-informed practices have proven most effective for you in reducing shame and keeping moms engaged in care during pregnancy?

Safety, showing they can trust me, and being transparent. This allows them to open up so we can uncover what will truly work best for mom and baby. 

I think my key piece is that I have been there. That right there is the best practice. My experience.

How do you help clients in Texas navigate prenatal care and medications for opioid use disorder while advocating for them in clinics and hospitals?

We have a clinic at Ben Taub hospital who we partner with. It’s called the MPAT clinic (Maternal Perinatal Addiction Treatment Services).

We have everything in our clinic from OB, to MAT services, to both psychiatrist and psychologist, ultrasound, recovery coaches, parent coaches, and social workers. 

It’s a space where birth mothers are not judged or stigmatized and where they can open up about their struggles without hindering them, but actually helping them.

How do you prepare clients for delivery and potential hospital reporting or CPS involvement in Texas in a way that lowers fear and increases agency?

I’m very transparent and reassure that no matter the outcome we will be here throughout every step.

When a client is considering adoption, how do you collaborate with adoption professionals to support a noncoercive, recovery-centered decision process?

I ensure the mother gets set up with the Texas Adoption Center and let their specialists take over from there. I also provide comfort and reassurance by speaking on my own experience as I also chose adoption for my second child when I was in the depths of my addiction.

What do you want adoptive families to know about caring for newborns with prenatal substance exposure and about building a respectful relationship with the birth mom in recovery?

I want them to know that it can be very hard, and it’s a sensitive subject. And most importantly, to please hear what mother has to say and understand that the baby may need some extra care.

In the first six weeks after birth, what supports do you prioritize to help moms maintain recovery and stability, regardless of parenting or placement?

I focus in ensuring that the birth mother is always able to share how they are feeling. It is important to let them know they have a whole team who will walk with them. We have bed rest and an amazing clinical team as well. We also prioritize fighting to get baby back if that is the case, and staying sober to be able to achieve that.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I absolutely love what I do! It’s a very special population and I will always, no matter what my degree ends up being, (as I am in school) will work with pregnant women suffering with substance use disorder.

Janelle Basham, Executive Director, BraveLove

Interview with Janelle Basham, Executive Director of BraveLove

For readers at Texas Adoption Center, could you introduce yourself and share what you do as an Executive Director in nonprofit management focused on children and social services?

My name is Janelle Basham, and I serve as the Executive Director of BraveLove, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the perception of adoption by honoring birth mothers, sharing honest stories, and providing educational resources for professionals and the public.

My connection to this work is both professional and deeply personal. I became pregnant at 16 and made an adoption plan for my daughter, who is now an adult. That experience has shaped the course of my life and fuels my commitment to supporting women and families navigating the adoption journey.

In my role at BraveLove, I help guide the organization’s strategy, partnerships, and programs focused on storytelling, education, and community. Our work centers on creating spaces where adoption can be discussed with honesty and compassion—highlighting the voices and experiences of birth mothers while equipping professionals and communities with resources that foster understanding and support.

What pivotal experiences or mentors guided you into nonprofit leadership and toward work that intersects with adoption?

My path into nonprofit leadership and adoption work really began with my own story. When I was 16, I experienced an unplanned pregnancy and moved into a maternity home while trying to figure out what my future—and my daughter’s future—might look like. During that time, there were people—my social worker, counselor, and volunteers—who showed up for me with compassion, honesty, and encouragement. They gave me space to explore all of my options and to grieve the hard realities I knew were ahead.

They didn’t make the decision for me, but they created space for me to learn, ask questions, and ultimately make a plan that I believed was best for my daughter. Watching the way they cared for women during such a vulnerable season shaped my understanding of what thoughtful leadership in this space could and should look like.

The care and dignity I experienced during that season left a lasting imprint on my life and sparked a desire to support those coming behind me in their own adoption journeys.

From your community outreach across Texas, which adoption stigmas do you see most often that organizations should prioritize addressing first?

Adoption is deeply complex, and the stigma surrounding it is often rooted in misunderstandings about the people involved—birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive families alike.

One of the most significant stigmas I see is the sense of shame that can surround adoption and the individuals connected to it. For birth parents, that shame may come from assumptions about their decision, situations, or feelings that led them to an adoption plan. For adoptees and adoptive families, it can surface through misunderstandings about identity, belonging, or family structure. Much of this stems from limited knowledge or the way adoption is sometimes discussed in communities.

Language matters. When we use thoughtful and respectful adoption language, it honors everyone involved in the story. Words have the power either to reinforce stigma or to create greater understanding and compassion.

Organizations have an important opportunity to lead in this area by being intentional about how adoption is discussed and by creating spaces where all voices within the adoption community can be heard. When we honor the experiences of everyone involved, we help ensure that the child at the center of the story can grow up feeling secure in their identity and confident that they are deeply loved.

Thinking about program development, what single outreach tactic have you implemented that clearly shifted perceptions about adoption?

One of the most impactful outreach tactics BraveLove has implemented is creating a platform for honest storytelling from those whose lives have been touched by adoption.

When people are given space to share their experiences openly—whether birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents, or others impacted—it helps remove the shame and misunderstandings that often surround adoption. It also creates room to acknowledge both the meaningful and the difficult parts of the journey so the adoption community can continue to learn and grow.

Through stories shared in videos, writing, and conversations, we’ve seen perceptions begin to shift. Instead of viewing adoption through stereotypes or simplified narratives, people start to see the real individuals and families behind each story and gain a deeper understanding of the love, complexity, and lifelong impact involved.

Storytelling creates a bridge that moves communities from misunderstanding toward empathy and respect.

How do you train staff and volunteers to discuss birth parents, adoptive families, and open adoption in ways that reduce shame and misinformation?

When training staff and volunteers, we need to acknowledge that adoption is complex and deeply personal for everyone involved—birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive families. Because of this, the way adoption is discussed matters.

A key focus is using respectful adoption language that avoids phrases that may unintentionally reinforce shame or stereotypes. The words we choose shape how people understand adoption and can either contribute to misunderstanding or encourage greater compassion and respect.

It’s important to spend time helping people understand modern adoption practices, including open adoption. Many people still carry outdated assumptions about what adoption looks like today. Providing clear information about openness and communication helps reduce misinformation and gives people a more accurate understanding of how relationships can exist between birth families and adoptive families.

We always emphasize the importance of listening to lived experiences. Hearing directly from birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive families helps people better understand the emotional depth and lifelong impact of adoption.Ultimately, we encourage conversations about adoption that recognize the dignity of everyone involved and support a child’s ability to grow up feeling secure in their identity and story.

In your public relations and fundraising campaigns, how do you craft ethical, strengths-based stories about adoption that protect privacy?

When sharing adoption stories, we begin with consent and collaboration. Individuals choose whether they want to share their story, how much they feel comfortable sharing, and how their experience will be represented. That level of transparency and partnership is essential.

We also focus on strength-based storytelling. Adoption stories are often complex and deeply personal, so our goal is to present them with honesty while highlighting resilience, love, and the thoughtful decisions people make along the way. We want stories to honor the dignity of everyone involved—birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive families—rather than oversimplify or sensationalize the experience.

Protecting privacy is also a key priority. We are careful about what details are shared and always allow individuals to review their story before it is published. In some cases, names or identifying details are changed or omitted to ensure that people feel safe and respected.

Ultimately, our goal is to share stories that educate and inspire while honoring the people behind them and protecting the relationships that continue long after the story is told.

Which partnership—such as with schools, healthcare providers, faith communities, or child welfare agencies—has been most effective for reaching audiences where stigma is strongest?

Our most meaningful impact has come through partnerships with organizations that already walk closely with individuals and families during important seasons of life—particularly adoption agencies, healthcare providers, pregnancy resource centers, and schools or universities.

These spaces often support individuals navigating complex decisions and help shape how adoption is understood within the broader community. When professionals have access to accurate information about adoption, it can reduce stigma and foster supportive conversations. Many of these partners utilize our free resources and videos to help guide those conversations and provide reliable information about modern adoption.

Partnerships like these allow us to meet people where questions and misunderstandings already exist and replace stigma with more informed conversations about adoption.

For birth parents and adoptive families navigating stigma day to day, what practical talking points or responses do you recommend?

When birth parents and adoptive families encounter stigma or difficult questions, it helps to have simple, respectful responses ready—because those questions will come, often while standing in line at the grocery store or at a school function. Many questions come from curiosity but may carry assumptions. And, as we all know, these conversations often happen when little ears are listening, making the words we choose even more important.

Birth parents may reframe a question by saying, “I didn’t give my child up—I made an adoption plan for my child.” Adoptive families can acknowledge the full story by sharing limited information, such as, “Our child has a birth family who loves them, and we are so thankful for that connection.”

It’s also important to know who to share with and how much of the story to share. Over the years, I’ve learned to assess when it’s helpful to educate someone and when it’s better to hold certain parts of my story close—especially if the person may not have the best intentions. At times, it’s also okay not to respond at all. Having a simple phrase ready—such as “That’s a personal part of our story”—can respectfully close the conversation.

Being confident in your response also sets a tone of respect. Often the goal isn’t to debate, but to model thoughtful language and set healthy boundaries. Over time, these everyday conversations can help shift how adoption is understood.

Looking ahead in Texas, what one policy or community-development initiative should nonprofits and supporters rally around to reduce adoption stigma?

One initiative I believe supporters should rally around is expanding adoption education and awareness in schools and community spaces. Many of the stigmas surrounding adoption exist because people have not been given accurate information or heard honest experiences from those whose lives have been impacted by adoption.

When young people grow up hearing honest conversations about adoption, it helps create communities where children connected to adoption feel less misunderstood and more supported. It also creates space to acknowledge that those experiences can include both love and loss, joy and grief. Families are formed in many ways—including through foster care, domestic private, international, stepparent, and kinship adoptions—and each child’s experience is unique.

By equipping educators, community leaders, and youth programs with resources and voices from the adoption community, we can help shape a generation that approaches adoption with greater care and understanding. Over time, this kind of community investment helps children connected to adoption feel respected while also helping their peers develop greater awareness and empathy when talking about adoption.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

One thing I would add is that adoption conversations are evolving, and that’s a good thing. As more people feel comfortable sharing their experiences—whether they are birth parents, adoptees, or adoptive families—we have the opportunity to move toward greater honesty and understanding.Adoption is complex, and every story is unique. Some experiences include joy and connection, while others include grief or unanswered questions. Making space for the full range of experiences allows us to support children and families with greater care and compassion.

My hope is that we continue creating environments where people feel safe to share their stories, ask questions, and learn from one another. When we approach adoption with humility, respect, and a willingness to listen, we help build communities where every person connected to adoption can feel seen and valued.

How to Handle Panic Attacks During Pregnancy

How to Handle Panic Attacks During Pregnancy

Finding out you’re pregnant brings a mix of emotions — excitement, fear, and uncertainty. But when a surge of fear causes your heart to race and your breathing to tighten, it may be a panic attack. These episodes can feel especially intense for pregnant women, because anxiety symptoms and physical changes happen at the same time. Panic attacks during pregnancy are part of a broader group of mental health disorders that can affect women during this time.

Panic attacks are sudden, overwhelming periods of fear that trigger a strong fight-or-flight response. Many women experience panic attacks during pregnancy, fearing something is wrong with their pregnancy or baby, even when they are physically safe. Antenatal anxiety is a common experience and can include panic attacks as well as other anxiety symptoms.

Panic attacks can be a sign of a serious anxiety disorder, which deserves attention and care.

Common Panic Symptoms

Here are symptoms that many women report during pregnancy panic episodes:

  • Racing or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Chest pain
  • Shaking or sweating
  • Dizziness or numbness
  • Sudden fear of losing control or fainting

Chest pain, especially if it is severe, radiating, or accompanied by difficulty breathing or dizziness, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other medical emergencies.

These symptoms can feel similar to medical emergencies. Always reach out to your health care provider if you’re unsure.

Why Panic Attacks Can Feel Worse During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes, the demands of early pregnancy, and physical symptoms like nausea or dizziness can amplify panic symptoms. A faster heart rate or shortness of breath — common in pregnancy — can accidentally trigger panic when they feel unfamiliar. These hormonal and psychological stressors can also contribute to anxiety disorders during pregnancy, especially for those with pre-existing mental health conditions or heightened maternal concerns.

Your brain is also working harder to protect your growing baby, which can intensify concerns about safety, readiness, and changing identity. None of this means you are weak — it simply means your maternal mental health deserves care and support.

On top of the physical changes, big life questions — Am I ready? What will parenting look like? What if I can’t do this? — can fuel fear and uncertainty.

All of this means panic attacks aren’t a sign of weakness. They are a very human reaction to a major life transition.

Anxiety Disorder

Feeling anxious during pregnancy is extremely common — your life is changing in major ways. But when worry begins to take over your days or interferes with sleep, eating, or the ability to enjoy life, it could be a clinical anxiety disorder, not just normal stress. Antenatal anxiety disorders include a range of anxiety conditions that can arise during pregnancy.

When Anxiety Becomes More Than Stress

Many pregnant women experience new worries during pregnancy, but an anxiety disorder includes more persistent and intense symptoms, such as:

Some women may experience only mild symptoms, while others have more severe anxiety.

  • Fear that something bad will happen
  • Restlessness or trouble sleeping
  • Frequent panic attacks
  • Constant tension in your body
  • Worry that feels impossible to shut off

These symptoms can sometimes affect pregnancy outcomes if left untreated, but with early care, most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

Common Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder during pregnancy, including:

  • Previous psychiatric disorders, especially panic disorder or depression
  • Mental health history, including previous anxiety or mood disorders
  • Stress about finances, housing, or school/work
  • Past pregnancy complications or loss
  • Limited emotional support
  • Sudden changes in identity or relationships
  • Fear of parenting or choices around adoption

Having risk factors doesn’t mean anxiety will always develop — it simply means your emotions deserve support throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

Why It’s Important to Get Help Early

When anxiety is understood and managed, both you and your baby benefit. Protecting maternal mental health supports healthy development and strengthens your overall well-being.

You don’t have to wait until things feel “bad enough” to ask for help. Reaching out early is a sign of strength. Mental health awareness for pregnant women and their support networks is crucial for recognizing symptoms early and ensuring timely support.

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can feel like fear has suddenly taken over your whole body. Even though they are extremely uncomfortable, they are caused by your body reacting to perceived danger, not real danger. Unexpected panic attacks are a hallmark of panic disorder and can occur without any obvious trigger. During pregnancy, changes in hormones, sleep, and physical sensations can make this response even more sensitive.

What Can Trigger Panic Attacks in Pregnancy?

There are many psychological factors and life stressors that can spark pregnancy panic manifestations, including:

  • Previous history of anxiety or panic disorders
  • Major life changes (such as moving, job loss, or relationship issues)
  • Lack of social support
  • Financial stress
  • An unplanned or unwanted pregnancy can increase psychological stress and anxiety

• Health fears

Normal sensations — like shortness of breath, dizziness, or a fluttering heartbeat — can feel like something is wrong with your baby or your body.

• Finances and stability

Concerns about bills, food, childcare, or medical costs can intensify fear when you’re already in a major life transition.

• Readiness and identity changes

Questions like “Am I ready to be a parent?” or “What if I can’t do this?” may activate panic when your future feels uncertain.

• Sensory overload

Overcrowded places, strong smells, or loud environments can heighten panic symptoms during pregnancy when your body is already more alert than usual.

Although panic attacks are often linked to anxiety disorders, they can happen to anyone — even if you’ve never experienced them before.

Panic Disorder

Experiencing one or two panic attacks during pregnancy can be scary — but that alone doesn’t mean you have panic disorder. Panic disorder is a clinical condition where panic attacks are recurrent and a person becomes afraid of experiencing another one, which can change how they live day-to-day. Background panic disorder refers to the underlying condition that can significantly impact both maternal and fetal health.

What the Panic Disorder Severity Scale Measures

Healthcare providers sometimes use a tool called the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) to understand how intense and disruptive your panic symptoms are. It’s not a test you “pass” or “fail” — it simply helps your clinician see the full picture so you can get the right support.

The PDSS looks at several areas of your experience, including:

  • How often panic attacks happen
  • How long they last
  • How strongly they affect your body (racing heart, shaking, breathlessness)
  • How much you fear another attack
  • Whether you avoid activities or places because of panic
  • How much the symptoms interfere with daily life, relationships, or routines

How the PDSS Is Scored

Each area is rated on a scale from 0 to 4, where:

  • 0 = No symptoms or no interference
  • 1–2 = Mild to moderate symptoms
  • 3 = Noticeable impact on daily life
  • 4 = Severe symptoms that significantly limit functioning

Your total score helps determine whether you’re experiencing:

  • Mild panic disorder
  • Moderate panic disorder
  • Severe panic disorder

During pregnancy, the PDSS can be especially useful because it helps your provider track how symptoms change over time — and ensures you get care that protects both your mental health and your pregnancy health.

If you’re ever worried about the severity of your symptoms, you never have to guess alone. A clinician can walk through the scale with you and help create a plan that brings you back to safety and calm.

Panic Attacks vs. Panic Disorder: What’s the Difference?

You may be dealing with panic disorder during pregnancy if you:

  • Have frequent panic attacks that feel unpredictable
  • Avoid situations (like stores or appointments) out of fear of panicking
  • Constantly worry about when the next attack might happen
  • Feel your daily routine shrinking because of anxiety

In panic disorder, fear of the panic symptoms becomes part of the disorder itself — making it harder to break the cycle without help. Pregnancy onset panic disorder refers to cases where panic disorder first appears during pregnancy, often due to unique psychological and social stressors.

Why Existing Panic Disorder May Flare During Pregnancy

Some women have a pre existing panic disorder before pregnancy, and for others, pregnancy panic disorder can develop for the first time. Common reasons symptoms may increase:

  • Hormonal changes increase sensitivity to stress
  • Shortness of breath and heart rate changes can mimic panic
  • Times of uncertainty (finances, relationships, housing)
  • Fear of birth or parenting
  • Lack of sleep and exhaustion
  • Pressure to “be strong” or hide fear
  • Severe panic attacks can become more frequent or intense during pregnancy

Research shows that severe panic attacks occurred more often in some women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Pregnancy is a major identity shift — it makes sense that old coping strategies may not feel strong enough right now. You deserve support that honors what you’re going through.

You’re Not Alone — and Treatment Helps

Whether this is your first time experiencing severe anxiety or your panic disorder symptoms declined in the past and are resurfacing now, help exists. When considering treatment options, it is important to address any comorbid psychological disorders, as these can influence both care strategies and outcomes. With care, panic disorder can stabilize during pregnancy and the postpartum period, improving your overall well-being and confidence.

Adverse Birth Outcomes: What They Really Mean

Many pregnant women experiencing panic attacks worry about how stress might affect their baby. The truth is reassuring: most women with anxiety disorders go on to have healthy pregnancy outcomes. However, some studies have explored links between panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth or small for gestational age. Research simply shows that when panic symptoms and stress go untreated for a long period, there can be a slightly higher risk of adverse birth outcomes — but support and treatment can make a major difference.

What Does Research Actually Suggest?

Studies exploring maternal panic disorder and pregnancy show that high, unrelenting stress may be linked to:

  • A small increase in preterm birth
  • Lower birth weight in some cases
  • Difficult pregnancy complications related to chronic stress

These findings do not mean anxiety causes negative birth outcomes — only that caring for your maternal mental health is a key part of caring for your body during pregnancy. Chronic disease can also impact pregnancy outcomes and may interact with maternal mental health conditions, making comprehensive care important.

Why Stress Reduction Supports Healthier Pregnancy Outcomes

Panic activates the body’s fight-or-flight system. When that stress response becomes constant, it can interfere with rest, digestion, and recovery — all essential during pregnancy.

Supportive care helps:

  • Reduce the intensity of panic disorder course
  • Lower risk of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes
  • Improve gestational age milestones
  • Promote calmer experiences before and after birth

Small changes really do create big health protections for both you and your baby.

You Deserve Support — That’s a Protective Factor

Reaching out early helps your nervous system settle and supports healthier:

  • Pregnancy outcomes
  • Birth outcomes
  • Postpartum mental health

Caring for your emotional well-being is a form of prenatal care. You’re not just managing anxiety — you’re nurturing your baby’s future, too.

Panic Symptoms: What Helps in the Moment

When a panic attack strikes, it can feel like your body is out of control — especially during pregnancy. But there are grounding strategies that can calm your nervous system quickly and help you regain a sense of safety. These tools are commonly recommended in treatment for panic disorder symptoms and can be used anytime, anywhere.

Try These Calming Techniques During a Panic Attack

  1. Paced Breathing
    Breathe in for 4 seconds, then out for 6–8 seconds.
    Extending the exhale helps slow your heart rate and reduces adrenaline.
  2. 5–4–3–2–1 Awareness Reset
    Identify:
    • 5 things you can see
    • 4 things you can touch
    • 3 things you can hear
    • 2 things you can smell
    • 1 thing you can taste
    Redirects the brain back to the present moment.
  3. Temperature Shift
    Holding something cold (like an ice cube) or splashing cool water on your face can interrupt panic symptoms by activating the calming response in your vagus nerve.
  4. Gentle Reassurance Statements
    Repeat affirmations such as:
    ✔️ “This will pass.”
    ✔️ “I’m safe even if I feel scared.”
    ✔️ “I can breathe through this.”
    These help counter the spiral of catastrophic thoughts.
  5. Visualization
    Close your eyes and imagine a place where you feel calm and supported — your bed, a quiet beach, or someone who comforts you.

Practice Helps Your Body Trust These Tools

Using these techniques regularly — not only during panic — can lower how intense future panic attacks feel. Over time, your brain learns that panic symptoms are uncomfortable but temporary.

You are not powerless during a panic attack.
Your body can learn safety again — one breath at a time.

Creating a Wellbeing Plan for Pregnancy and Panic

A wellbeing plan is a powerful tool for pregnant women navigating panic attacks and anxiety symptoms. Think of it as your personalized roadmap for mental health during pregnancy—a way to prepare for challenges and celebrate progress. By outlining your unique needs, preferred coping strategies, and sources of support, you can feel more in control, even when panic disorder or pregnancy panic attacks feel overwhelming.

Personalizing Your Coping Strategies

Every person’s experience with panic attacks is different, so it’s important to find coping strategies that truly work for you. Some pregnant women find deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation especially helpful for calming anxiety symptoms. Others may prefer mindfulness meditation, gentle movement, or listening to soothing music.

Setting Up Support Systems

You don’t have to face panic attacks alone. Building a strong support system is one of the most effective ways to protect your mental health during pregnancy. This might include your partner, family members, friends, or healthcare providers who understand your experiences and can offer encouragement.

Open communication is key—let your support network know how panic attacks affect you and what kind of help you might need. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to or help with daily tasks can make a big difference in your wellbeing.

Consider joining a support group or online community for pregnant women dealing with anxiety or panic disorder. Sharing your story and hearing from others can provide comfort, reduce isolation, and remind you that you’re not alone in your journey toward better mental health.

Safe Treatment Options for Anxiety and Panic During Pregnancy

Just like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, anxiety disorders deserve proper care during pregnancy. Panic attacks are very treatable — and you can work with your provider to decide which options feel right for you and your baby. Both psychological and pharmacological treatment options are available for panic attacks during pregnancy, and decisions about the best approach should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Therapy Is a Highly Effective First Step

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most proven tools for treating panic attacks during pregnancy.
It helps you:
• Understand what triggers fear
• Practice grounding strategies as skills
• Reduce the frequency and intensity of panic over time

Many pregnant women notice improvements in just a few weeks.

Medication May Be Considered — With Care

Some women need more than coping tools alone. For moderate to severe symptoms, a clinician may recommend medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In some cases, anxiety medication may be considered, but it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider to carefully weigh the risks and benefits during pregnancy.

Key reminders:

✔ Many SSRIs are commonly used in pregnancy

✔ Benefits and risks must be reviewed by your healthcare provider

✔ Never start or stop medication without guidance

Medication is about safety — for you and your baby — not weakness.

Sleep, Support & Routine Strengthen Mental Well-Being

Small lifestyle anchors can be surprisingly powerful:
• Consistent meals → steadier blood sugar & less dizziness
• Nighttime sleep routines → calmer nervous system
• Movement you enjoy → reduces stress signals
• Staying connected with people who care → discourages isolation

A strong support network is protective, especially if you’ve faced untreated panic disorder before pregnancy.

What Your Provider May Check (“Other Tests”)

To rule out physical contributors to anxiety, your doctor may recommend:
• Bloodwork to check thyroid levels or anemia
• Screening for vitamin deficiencies
• Pregnancy-related blood pressure or heart rate monitoring

These “other tests” are normal parts of integrative maternal mental health care — because both physical and emotional well-being matter.

If Parenting Feels Overwhelming, You Still Have Options

Sometimes panic attacks aren’t just physical reactions — they’re tied to the very real worries that come with pregnancy:

“What if I can’t afford this?”
 “What if I’m not ready to be a parent?”
 “What if I don’t have support?”

Those questions can create intense anxiety. But having fears about the future does not mean you’re a bad person or that you don’t care. It means you want what’s best for your life — and for your baby.

Parenting With a Strong Support System

If you want to parent but feel unsure how you’ll manage everything, help is available. You can get connected to:

  • Parenting classes and newborn care resources
  • Financial and housing assistance
  • Healthcare support and counseling
  • People who can be part of your calm, reliable support network

You don’t have to figure out the next 18 years today. Support can help you take things one step at a time.

Adoption Can Also Be a Loving, Empowering Choice

For some women, anxiety is rooted in financial strain, safety concerns, or a lack of support. Adoption gives you the power to:

  • Choose the adoptive family
  • Decide the level of contact — open, semi-open, or closed
  • Feel secure knowing your baby will be cared for
  • Continue focusing on your own well-being and goals

Adoption is not “giving up.” It’s creating a thoughtful, stable plan based on love — for your future and your baby’s.

Texas Adoption Center Is Here to Support Your Mental Health

If panic attacks are making everything feel heavier, you can talk to someone who gets it. Our role isn’t to pressure you — it’s to listen, support, and help provide clarity.

We can help you:

  • Understand your mental health and get connected with professional care
  • Explore parenting resources if that’s what you want
  • Learn about adoption options without any obligation

No matter what you choose, you deserve a team that supports your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. We’re here to talk when you’re ready.

Post-Adoption Depression: What Birth Mothers Should Know

Post-Adoption Depression: What Birth Mothers Should Know

Postpartum depression is a very real issue many birth mothers face — and you are not alone. While approximately 70–80% of women experience temporary “baby blues,” between 10–20% develop clinical postpartum depression (PPD). What many people don’t realize is that PPD can still happen even if you place your baby for adoption. Your body still goes through pregnancy, childbirth, and the same sudden hormone changes as any new mother.

For birth mothers, postpartum emotions can be even more complex. In addition to physical recovery, you may be experiencing grief, love, pride, and loss all at once. These feelings are valid. Ending a pregnancy with adoption doesn’t end your bond or the hormonal shifts that affect your brain and well-being.

You may have heard that postpartum depression only appears right after birth — but that’s not true. Symptoms can start anytime from the first few weeks and up to 18 months afterward, especially as life changes settle in. That’s why understanding what postpartum depression looks like, knowing your support options, and staying connected to caring professionals is so important.

Before we go further, take a moment with this short reflection:

Journal Prompt for Birth Mothers

  • What emotions have been strongest since giving birth?
  • What support do I have available right now?
  • Who could I reach out to if I need help?

Your feelings matter — and help is always here.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Having a baby is a life-changing experience. After nine months of physical and hormonal changes, your body does not simply “bounce back” once delivery is over. The sudden shift in estrogen and progesterone after childbirth can greatly impact the chemistry of your brain. When you add in exhaustion, recovery, and the emotional weight of choosing adoption, it’s understandable that many birth mothers experience mood changes.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is an episode of major depression connected to pregnancy and childbirth. It goes beyond the common “baby blues” — which affect up to 80% of new mothers and usually fade within about two weeks. PPD is more intense and lasts longer, often affecting daily life, energy, and emotional balance. Clinical research identifies depressive symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite as common experiences during postpartum depression.

Evidence suggests about 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression in the year following birth. That’s nearly 600,000 mothers each year — and experts believe the number is even higher because many cases go undiagnosed.

Postpartum depression doesn’t always start right away. While some birth mothers feel symptoms within the first few weeks, others may not experience depression until months later, especially if they are coping with grief, stress, or major life transitions after placement.

And here’s something important that many birth mothers don’t get told:

Placing a baby for adoption does not protect or exclude anyone from postpartum depression.

Your body, your hormones, and your heart all experienced pregnancy and birth. PPD is not about being a parent day-to-day — it’s about healing and adjusting after giving birth.

Post-Adoption Depression vs. Postpartum Depression: What’s the Difference?

Many birth mothers assume postpartum depression only affects people who take their babies home. But PPD is rooted in hormonal changes, physical recovery, and emotional transition — all of which happen whether you parent or choose adoption.

However, birth mothers may also experience post-adoption depression (sometimes referred to as post adoption depression syndrome in literature), which can overlap with PPD but is shaped by distinct emotional experiences:

Post-Adoption Depressive Symptoms Include:

  • Grief and mourning the loss of day-to-day motherhood
  • Questions about identity and future plans
  • Worry about whether the baby is safe, loved, and thriving
  • Changes in relationships with friends or family
  • A sudden quiet after weeks of intense decision-making and contact
  • Depressed mood, which is a common emotional sign and may accompany other symptoms

Post-adoption depression can appear immediately after placement or during the months post placement, especially once life “goes back to normal” for everyone else — while you’re still processing everything.

Why Post-Adoption Depression Is Common

As a birth mother, you may feel pride in choosing adoption and sadness at the same time. You may love your baby deeply and feel relieved they are with the adoptive family you chose.

Those mixed emotions don’t mean you made the wrong choice — they mean you are human.

Your adoption plan may have brought incredible love and security into your baby’s life. But it can also leave you dealing with:

  • Isolation if others don’t understand what you’re going through
  • Guilt or self-judgment over not parenting
  • Stigma from people who don’t understand adoption
  • Fear about whether it’s okay to ask for updates or connection

Unrealistic expectations about the adoption process or parenthood, as well as unmet expectations regarding emotional recovery, can contribute to post-adoption depression. Recognizing and managing these expectations is important for your mental health.

These feelings are valid. And you deserve support — not silence.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Birth mothers navigating postpartum or post-adoption depression can experience a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms. These can look similar to other forms of depression — the key difference is timing and the intense life changes surrounding adoption.

While “baby blues” may involve temporary sadness, worry, or crying spells that go away within 10–14 days, postpartum depression lasts longer and interferes with daily life and emotional well-being.

Common symptoms include:

  • Loss of interest or joy in activities you once enjoyed
  • Weight gain or loss not tied to diet
  • Changes in appetite
  • Unexplained crying or frequent crying spells
  • Constant fatigue or low energy
  • Feeling guilty, hopeless, or overwhelmed
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Intrusive or frightening thoughts
  • Thoughts of self-harm or wanting to disappear
  • Difficulty concentrating

The depressive symptoms experienced by birth mothers after adoption can vary widely, ranging from emotional struggles to physical changes. Even if you felt confident in your adoption plan, your emotions can shift after placement — especially once your body and brain start healing from birth.

What Makes Symptoms Stronger for Birth Mothers?

Post-adoption emotions may be intensified by:

In addition to these, other risk factors, such as lack of support or pre-existing mental health conditions—like depression prior to adoption—can also play a role in the severity of post-adoption depression.

Sometimes, depression may show up months later, after the busy season of pregnancy and placement has passed. This delayed timing can make it harder to recognize what’s happening.

Here’s the truth:

Strong feelings after adoption do not mean you made the wrong choice — they mean your heart and body remember what they went through.

No matter when symptoms appear, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

What Increases the Risk of Post-Adoption Depression Syndrome for Birth Mothers

Postpartum depression can affect any birth mother — even those who feel completely confident in their adoption decision. But there are certain experiences that can make symptoms more likely to appear or last longer. Research also identifies low self esteem and socioeconomic status as important risk factors that can increase vulnerability to postpartum depression.

Common Risk Factors

  • A personal or family history of depression or other mental health conditions
  • Low self esteem or poor self-image
  • Lack of social support
  • High levels of stress or recent major life changes
  • Socioeconomic status, such as financial instability or limited access to resources
  • Difficulties in family dynamics, including adjusting to new roles and relationships
  • Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
  • Complications during pregnancy or childbirth

Why Birth Mothers Are Especially Vulnerable

You made a loving, thoughtful decision for your child — but that doesn’t erase:

  • The bond your body formed throughout pregnancy
  • The identity shift that comes with giving birth
  • The grief of placing a child you carried
  • The sudden change in routines and relationships after placement

Many birth mothers describe a period of:

“Everyone else moved forward, while I stayed stuck in the moment I said goodbye.”

That emotional contrast — love and loss together — can intensify depression’s impact.

How to Cope With Postpartum Depression After Adoption

Managing postpartum depression after adoption is not about “snapping out of it.” It’s about finding support, healing gradually, and giving yourself the compassion you deserve. Maintaining your physical health and prioritizing healthy eating are also important parts of coping with post-adoption depression, as they support both your mental and physical well-being. Building a strong support network—including friends, family, and professionals—can play a crucial role in your recovery. The following strategies can help you move through this season with more steadiness and support.

1. Be Kind to Yourself

Postpartum depression can make you feel like you “should” be doing more or feeling differently. But grief and recovery do not follow a simple timeline.

✔️ Let yourself rest
✔️ Do small things that comfort you
✔️ Remind yourself you made a loving choice

Your feelings — every single one of them — are a normal response to a major emotional and physical transition.

2. Focus on Your Health

Your body has been through an enormous transformation. Prioritizing healing can help support your mental health too.

Try your best to:

  • Eat regular meals and drink water
  • Get gentle movement once cleared by your doctor
  • Sleep when you can — even naps count
  • Keep up with follow-up medical appointments

Healing your body helps you regain strength in both mind and heart.

3. Avoid Isolation

Post-adoption depression is often worsened by feeling alone. It can help to:

  • Talk with trusted friends or family
  • Join birth mother peer groups
  • Stay connected to your adoption agency
  • Spend time with people who support your healing

Having someone simply sit with you, listen, or check in can make a huge emotional difference.

Connecting with other parents who have experienced adoption can also provide valuable support and understanding.

4. Talk to a Professional

Postpartum depression is medical — not personal failure. Treatment options may include:

The first step is connection, not perfection.

Your healthcare provider or an adoption counselor can guide you toward the right supports. An adoption social worker can also provide specialized support and resources for birth mothers experiencing post-adoption depression. These professionals can also provide practical tools to help manage emotions and support your recovery.

5. Create a Support Plan With Your Agency

Texas Adoption Center can help you:

  • Find counseling covered by your insurance or low-cost providers
  • Reconnect with your adoptive family updates if that brings comfort
  • Access peer support groups
  • Navigate your emotions without judgment
  • Maintain openness in adoption if that helps you heal

Such support can make a significant difference in your recovery.

You do not have to manage postpartum or post-adoption depression alone.

6. Be Patient With Your Progress

Recovery isn’t linear. Some days will feel easier — others may feel heavy. What matters is continuing to show up for yourself and asking for help when needed.

Healing takes time because love runs deep.

When to Seek Professional Help

While postpartum or post-adoption depression can vary in intensity, there are times when immediate professional support is essential, especially for serious mental health issues. If you are experiencing symptoms that feel overwhelming or are interfering with basic daily functioning, reaching out for help is the right — and brave — step. If these symptoms reach clinically significant levels, such as persistent inability to function or severe emotional distress, immediate professional help is warranted.

Contact a doctor or mental health professional right away if you:

  • Have recurring thoughts of self-harm or that the world would be better without you
  • Are experiencing panic attacks, severe anxiety, anxiety symptoms, or overwhelming fear
  • Feel unable to eat, sleep, or take care of basic needs
  • Can’t stop crying or feel emotionally “numb” most of the time
  • Have intrusive or frightening thoughts you can’t control
  • Feel unsafe, or feel like you could hurt yourself unintentionally

You deserve immediate care and compassion.
Your safety and well-being matter — deeply.

Emergency Support Options

If you are in crisis or worried about your safety:

  • Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, confidential)
  • If you feel in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
  • Reach out to someone you trust and let them stay with you until help is available

It’s More Than Okay to Ask for Help

Many birth mothers hesitate to seek help because they believe:

  • “I should be stronger.”
  • “I made this choice — so I don’t get to struggle.”
  • “People won’t understand.”

But here’s the truth:

Being a birth mother means you’ve already demonstrated immense strength.
Seeking help is a continuation of that strength — not a break from it.

Whether your symptoms are new or lingering months later, you deserve treatment that supports your healing and honors your experience.

How Openness in Adoption Can Support Healing

For many birth mothers, staying connected — even in small ways — can ease some of the emotional challenges that come after placement. While every mother is different, open or semi-open adoption can create meaningful reassurance and comfort during the healing process.

A Connection That Supports the Heart

Open or semi-open adoption can allow you to:

  • See your child grow through photos, letters, or occasional visits
  • Know your child is safe, loved, and thriving
  • Maintain a sense of identity and belonging in your child’s life
  • Reduce fears of the unknown that often fuel anxiety or sadness
  • Honor the love that influenced your decision

This connection can help soften the sudden shift from pregnancy and birth to separation — one of the biggest emotional triggers for post-adoption depression.

Choosing Adoptive Parents Who Understand

Having adoptive parents who value your role and feelings makes a tremendous difference. Supportive adoptive families are:

  • Respectful of your emotions and boundaries
  • Open to communication as agreed upon in your adoption plan
  • Honoring your place in the child’s story
  • Grateful for the trust you placed in them

When everyone works together with empathy, the adoption becomes a shared circle of care, rather than a sharp break between past and future.

You Deserve a Thoughtful, Loving Adoption Plan

Your adoption agency can support you in creating a plan that fits your emotional needs — now and in the future. With guidance, you can decide: your options,

  • How often you’d like updates
  • What kind of communication you prefer (texts, email, visits)
  • What role you want to maintain as your child grows

Your heart matters in the adoption experience — and you should never feel forgotten.

Find the Support and Resources You Deserve at Texas Adoption Center

Postpartum and post-adoption depression are real, common, and treatable. Whether symptoms show up days after placement or months later, you are not expected to handle everything on your own.

At Texas Adoption Center, we provide post-adoption services:

  • Compassionate counseling referrals
  • Connections to peer support groups for birth mothers
  • Help finding a doctor familiar with postpartum mental health
  • Emotional support from a team who understands adoption journeys, including adoption social workers and social workers who can provide guidance and support
  • Guidance to navigate ongoing contact with your baby’s adoptive family

We walk beside you — not just during pregnancy, but long after placement. Our center supports birth mothers throughout the adoption process and beyond, offering resources and care at every stage.