From an Amazing Birthmother

"Before I came out to Utah, I felt like there was nothing I could do but abortion. I remember opening up the phone book to the wrong page, and the Heart to Heart logo was sitting right there. I never considered adoption before, but as soon as I called and heard the voice on the other end - the love and sincerity in Luci's voice - I knew this was what I wanted.

Once I was in Utah, I thought maybe I was wrong, that maybe I should keep the baby. But when I saw how loving adoptive parents could be, I was nothing more than to palce my child. Everyone was always there and I never felt alone or confused.

Heart to Heart was a blessing to me."

---Jasmine from Georgia---

(Delivered 4-13-09

Case Manager: Patti

Counselor: Julie

Adoptive Family Stacey and Erik)

5 tips for Post Partum Care...

The time after delivering a baby is stressful, particularly if you've placed for adoption. There are many physical and emotional stresses...here are a few suggestions to help you through this time:

1. COPE WITH EXHAUSTION

Slow down a little and we live in a fast paced world...give yourself permission to take your time now and then.

2. LIMIT YOUR OBLIGATIONS

Take a little extra time to evaluate what you really need and want to do.

3. SLEEP WHENEVER YOUR CAN

Nap if possible, and get a good night's rest!

4. NURTURE YOURSELF

A bubble bath instead of a speed shower, a short read, or quick walk with a friend could really rejuvenate you.

Watch for Post Partum Depression. There is a difference between 'baby blues' (which usually shows up between the 2nd and 5th day post partum) and PPD (Post Partum Depression - which can show up 4-8 weeks post partum - but sometimes later - and can persist for over a year)

Symptoms cover a wide range, including irritability, frequent crying, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, lack of energy and motivation, disturbances of appetite and sleep, and feelings of being unable to cope with life's demands. Anxiety often shows up through self-blame and guilt. Contact your health care provider if you notice any or all of these symptoms.

Finally....GET MOVING! You won't be able to handle your whole Pilates routine at first, but gentle exercise, such as walking, and light weights, biking, swimming (with Dr. ok) can boost your heart rate - and your mood!

The "Front Line"

The Dynamic Duo
Luci Taylor & Jodi Christensen - Birth Parent Front Line

Luci and Jodi are the first people the birthmothers speak with when they call the agency. They both bring a compassion to their work and an ability to connect with the birthmothers that supports them from the moment they make that first call.


Luci grew up in Salt Lake City and has a tender heart for children. She is an incredible seamstress - she makes gorgeous quilts and loves to stitch. She loves to travel and be on a sunny beach...anywhere... Luci and her husband, Matt, are the parents of two darling daughters and a handsome son.






Jodi also grew up in Utah and is the life of the party where ever she goes. She loves to laugh, and makes everyone around her laugh with her. She is married to Dane and has a daughter, Maya, through adoption, as well as a daughter, Layla, and a another little bun in the oven. (due in July) Jodi has a penchant for bright colors and is the reigning karaoke champion of the neighborhood.

When you call Heart to Heart, 877 -62- HEART (877-624-3278), you will have the pleasure of speaking with either Luci or Jodi. You will find them to be caring, knowledgeable, and fun to talk to. They are the first in a long line of support people you'll have at Heart to Heart. We care!

Pregnancy? Stress? Of course!

If you are pregnant, but not stressed, you aren't fully awake for the day yet! Pregnancy in and of itself is stressful. But adding other factors...like the pregnancy being unplanned, or having financial struggles, or other children to care for, or all of the above, this is a stressful time! Here are some tips for reducing stress in your life and pregnancy.

1. Look closely at your lifestyle. Are there changes you could make to take some pressure off?
2.Prepare to cut back...eventually. Even if you can maintain your current schedule or demands, as the pregnancy progresses, you will need to be smart about extra cirricular activities. Get more sleep. Rest between activities. Allow yourself some time to think; to consider all options for this baby.

3.Be in charge of your mind. Decide now that you - not your mom, friend, or boss - are in charge of your thoughts. You are going to determine how you feel about this pregnancy and how your will deal with the outcome and its possibilities. Certainly listen to the advice of both medical professionals and friends and family members that you trust. But don't allow yourself to be made to feel bad by the well-intentioned but often incorrect comments and opinions of others.

4.Communicate! People that love you are not mind readers. Communicate your feelings, thoughts and needs.

5. Do your homework! Learn as much as you can about pregnancy, child birth, and adoption. We can help! You can call our birth mother line any time with questions and concerns. And once you're in our program, your counselor is available to you, too, to openly and honestly discuss your feelings and worries.

6. Give yourself a break! Take advantage of spare moments you can sleep, read, have a bubble bath, watch a movie. This is an important time of life, and you deserve a break now and then!

Are you pregnant and considering placing your baby for adoption?

Making the decision to place your baby for adoption will be one of the most difficult decisions of your life. But making the decision to place is the most selfless, loving gift you can give to your baby and a family anxious to have a child join their lives. This decision is one that takes the utmost strength, courage, and love. At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we want to help and support you through one the of the most challenging times of your life. This blog is a good start, and has information that will help you as you consider your options.




At any time if you want to speak to someone personally, please call 1-877-62- HEART. (877 624 3278) Jodi and Luci are available 24/7 to answer questions, or link you to someone who can. We also have counselors available to assist you and discuss your feelings during this time.

At Heart to Heart, we offer two options for birth mothers...staying in their home state, or coming to Utah, where our home office is. If you choose to come to Utah, we will pay for you and your children, if any, and a support person to fly to Salt Lake City. We will have someone to pick you up at the airport and take you to your private apartment. Our apartments are fully furnished in private complexes. They are not group homes or government housing. You will have a case manager assigned to you who will take you shopping and on a weekly activity. (many of our birth mothers choose to go to lunch and a movie, or sightseeing around town...you choose!)

You will receive a weekly amount of money for food. You also have a counselor assigned to you for you to meet with every week to discuss the many emotions and questions you will have during the process of adoption. We have a birth mother support group every Thursday where you can meet with other birth mothers and our staff.

We have group activities once a month with all the birthmothers and the staff at Heart to Heart. These activities are lots of fun, and we all look forward to them. You will have a great support system at Heart to Heart; someone to always talk to - a shoulder to cry on, if need be, and a friend to laugh with and share a smile.

You, the birthmother, are our hero. Your courage to make the decision to place a child with a loving family is such an amazing gift. As one of my birth mothers told me, "I love this baby enough to give her to you." I cherish that. And I cherish my baby...and her birth mother.

Once you've decided that adoption is right for you and your baby, what comes next?