As a professional who may support those facing an unplanned pregnancy, knowing how to start a conversation about options counseling can make all the difference. Read our practical guide on discussing your patients’ or clients’ options with care.
What is Options Counseling
A positive pregnancy test can be overwhelming, especially when the pregnancy is unplanned. Options counseling helps support expectant parents as they navigate decisions about their plan for their baby.
Options counseling is named for its focus on possibilities. It provides information and education, not direction. At The Cradle, our counselors can help clients explore plans for adoption, parenting, assistance from relatives, temporary care and more. They can also connect clients with resources based on their decisions.
Why Options Counseling is Important
An unexpected pregnancy often comes with fear and uncertainty. Options counseling helps guide the decision-making process in a way that considers more than just the present moment. Cradle counselors are also equipped to assist with feelings of grief or loss that may arise when considering adoption.
When you as a service-provider open the door to these conversations, you help your patient or client consider their options, access resources and move forward with support rather than feeling isolated or rushed into a choice.
Tips for Talking About Options Counseling
The idea of options counseling can be a delicate topic to introduce. The tips below offer practical ways to start the conversation with care and sensitivity.
- Start with open-ended questions. Questions like “Is there a way that I can be helpful?” or “Is there anything you need?” allow your patient or client to guide the conversation at their own pace. Answers to those questions can open the door to discussing more practical details like insurance, their support systems, transportation, hospital plans or childcare for other children during birth.
- Avoid assumptions. Each person’s situation is unique, and it’s important not to assume what kind of support they may need, especially when it comes to parenting on their own. Create space for them to express what support they need without judgement.
- Acknowledge your role and connect to appropriate resources. It’s okay if you’re not an expert on every aspect of your patients’ or clients’ options. Acknowledge when you are unsure about something and direct them to call The Cradle’s 24/7 HELPLINE (800-272-3534) for accurate information about adoption and accessing other resources.
Learn More
If you have a patient or client expressing concern about their ability to parent or considering an adoption plan, please direct them to call our HELPLINE (800-272-3534). This is also available as a resource to you if you have any questions about adoption or the types of support we can provide for your patient or client.
If you are interested in learning more about how to offer support to those facing an unplanned pregnancy, The Cradle periodically offers free, interactive webinars or in-person trainings on ethical considerations in infant adoption. These trainings offer Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).
If you’re unable to attend our next training and would like to be notified about future sessions, join our Professional Development email list. If you would like specific training for your hospital on ethics or other adoption topics, please contact outreach@cradle.org.
