Communication is huge in any relationship. It is especially important when meeting someone for the first time. In a lot of infant adoption situations, the hopeful adoptive parents can meet an expectant mom in person or have a conversation over the phone. It’s no surprise that communicating with a birthmom (after a child is placed with you) or an expectant mom (before placed with you) for the first time can make us extremely nervous. Let’s face it – first impressions are a big deal. It isn’t easy to know what to say or how much to say. These conversations are so important to you the hopeful adoptive parent, because you want to build your family through adoption. They are important for the expectant mom because she wants to find the right family for her baby. So, how do you figure out what to say – and what not to say? How can you as a hopeful adoptive family prepare for how to communicate with a birthmom? In this episode, we welcome Kyeata “Ky” Dukes from Bethany Christian Services. She is going to help us figure out the best ways to communicate, with some DO’s and DON’Ts and great advice from her years of experience. Ky is the Private Adoptions Program Manager in the Bethany – Atlanta office. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and has worked with expectant moms, birthmoms, and hopeful adoptive families for years. You will hear Ky sharing her wisdom and ideas about how to communicate well with expectant moms and birthmoms. You can contact Ky at Bethany Christian Services or email her at kdukes@bethany.org What you will learn about in this episode: * Why it is important for hopeful adoptive parents to communicate well before, during and after a child is placed with you. * The most important things to remember when having the first phone call or meeting with an expectant mom. * Why using positive adoption language is important especially when talking with a birthmom. * What are open adoption agreements – and should you have one? * How to communicate with a birthmom at the hospital – before and after she gives birth. * Ky shares her tips for hopeful adoptive couples so they can communicate well with expectant moms and birthmoms. * How to contact Ky and Bethany Christian Services (adoption agency) to see if they can help you! * AND MUCH MORE! Links we talk about in this episode: * Bethany.org – information about how to get started on your infant adoption journey. * BirthMomBuds.com – a web-based, faith based organization that provides peer counseling, support, encouragement and friendship for birthmoms and pregnant women who are considering adoption for their child. * Birthmom video stories – these are amazing videos where birthmoms share their stories in a completely open and honest way. * Things I Wish All Adoptive Parents Knew (from a birthmom) – this is an article from a birthmom who shares her heart about things she wants all adoptive parents to know. Great read. * InfantAdoptionGuide.com/welcome – get my 4 free infant adoption ebooks that will save you time, money and stress on the adoption journey.