WATERVILLE — Maine Children’s Home, 93 Silver St., plans the reopening of free pregnancy options counseling and birth parent support in honor of Birth Mother Day on Saturday, May 13.

Pregnancy options counseling is available for people seeking assistance to explore all available options for their pregnancy. Birth parent support is for people interested in learning more about making adoption plans for their pregnancy and who may need assistance navigating the adoption process, according to a news release from Director of Marketing & Communications Chelsea Ellis.

Clients are supported by experienced, objective and licensed professionals. They have access to MCH’s licensed clinicians if mental health support is needed.

“The goal of these services is to support, educate and empower people to make the best choice for their unique situation in a way that feels safe, accepting and transparent,” said Program Director Brian McArthur. “Our goal is to lessen the anxiety of this process and support birth parents to feel confident in all their decisions, having thoroughly weighed all of the factors. No matter which path they choose, we help them to assess their needs and connect them to community resources and support.”

The Saturday before Mother’s Day and the Saturday before Father’s Day are recognized as Birth Mother Day and Birth Father Day.

“It is important to recognize and celebrate birth mothers and fathers because they give the ultimate gift to their child and to the family that adopts them,” McArthur said. “Society used to see this as a sign of weakness or failure, when in fact it is a tremendous demonstration of strength and selflessness. Many birth parents choose to place their child for adoption because it is in the best interest of the child, not because they found this to be the easiest option.”

“The language we use to describe this decision is important,” McArthur said. “Birth parents do not ‘give up’ their children out of a lack of love or interest or an inability to put the child’s needs above their own. Birth parents often logically and courageously choose to give their children greater stability and more opportunities in their lives.”

All services and support at MCH are confidential.

For more information about MCH’s pregnancy options support, visit mainechildrenshome.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!