Laura had always known, deep in her heart, that she was meant to be a mum. And being single was never going to stop her from making that dream a reality.
Before beginning the process, Laura spent a lot of time researching and learning. Choosing a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) made sense to her — their close connections with children’s teams meant she could be part of something truly local and supported.
She chose Adoption in Merseyside, knowing it offered strong guidance and support, not only through the adoption process but well into family life.
Early on in Stage 1, Laura completed an ‘All About Me‘ booklet — a reflective journey through her childhood and past experiences. “It really made me appreciate my own upbringing,” she said. “Looking back helped me understand the kind of parent I wanted to be — and the love and care I hoped to pass on.”
Laura also attended mandatory preparation training, which turned out to be more valuable than she ever imagined.
The prep training was incredible. I met so many others going through the same journey — and many of them have become friends for life. We still meet up regularly for playdates and birthday parties. It’s become our own little adoption family.
Parenting is never without its challenges, but Laura feels that being a single adopter has brought a unique kind of closeness between her and her daughter.
“Because it’s just the two of us, the bond we’ve formed is so strong. She knows I’m her constant. She relies on me, and she trusts me — that’s such a powerful connection.”
Laura came into adoption with previous experience in childcare, which gave her confidence in handling the day-to-day practicalities — but she’s quick to say that it’s the emotional connection that truly matters.
“I’d tell anyone thinking of adoption to really do their research and, most importantly, talk to people who’ve been through it. And if you can get any childcare experience, it helps you feel more prepared.”
One of the most unforgettable moments for Laura came when she saw her daughter’s profile for the first time.
“It was the most surreal, beautiful moment. I just knew — she was meant to be mine. When I got the call to say I’d been selected, I cried and cried. They were happy tears, overwhelming tears — it was such a powerful, life-changing moment.”
And there have been many more special memories since then.
“The first time she called me ‘Mummy’ — we were in the supermarket. It stopped me in my tracks. That’s when it really hit me: I am her mum. I’m the one she looks to for comfort and safety, and that means everything.
Every night, Laura writes down one special memory from the day — a moment, a laugh, something her daughter said or did — all captured in a journal of love and growth.
“It’s something we’ll look back on together in the years to come. A way to remember all the little things that make up this incredible journey.”
