Most mothers who plan to place their child for adoption face an internal struggle. At times they wonder if adoption is the right choice. This indecision escalates when they already have a child, but for a variety of reasons are unable to parent their second child. In open adoptions, where the biological mother and family remain in contact with the child and their family, this may cause the child to resent the mother. Some children may think they are not good enough. Here are some common reasons mothers place their second child.
Financial Reasons
Financial instability or lack of financial resources remains the number one reason most people place a child for adoption. A scenario where a mother was financially stable with her first child, but lost a job or fell on hard times happens more often than most people realize.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects the children in a family just as much as the mother. In many cases, women stay with an abusive partner out of fear or financial reasons. They may already have a child but do not want to bring another child into a toxic environment, so many decide to place their second child.
Mental Health
Lots of women experience postpartum depression after having a child. Finding out they are expecting another child might make their battle more difficult. For this reason, many women decide to place their second child. Also, people can develop anxiety and other mental illnesses. Bringing a second child into an already challenging situation may make circumstances worse.
Health Problems
Similar to developing a mental illness, physical health issues may prevent a mother from capably caring for two children. Other factors such as accidents that leave mothers disabled and illnesses impact the decision to place their second child. Placing your second child for adoption does not mean she does not love the first one. The circumstances might have changed in her life and this is just the best decision for everyone involved.
