Creating Your Adoption Profile Book: How to Write a Story That Connects Meaningfully with Expectant Parents
Your adoption profile book isn’t just a project—it’s a deeply personal, emotionally weighty task.
It’s also the part of the process that tends to send hopeful adoptive parents into panic mode.
Why? Because it matters.
Some agencies ask you to “write a letter to expectant parents” or “tell your story,” like it’s a quick homework assignment. But to you? It feels like the make-or-break moment—the difference between being chosen or passed over.
What if you don’t consider yourself a writer? What if you have no idea what to say—or worse, what not to say? What if your words don’t reflect your heart the way you hope they will?
At Little Ampersand Co., we’ve walked this journey ourselves. We know how overwhelming it can feel to put your love, values, and hopes into a few pages. But we also know that it’s possible to do this in a way that feels natural, warm, and deeply true to who you are.
Let’s take a look at how to craft an adoption profile book that connects meaningfully with expectant parents.
1. Keep It Real
Expectant parents aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for people they can relate to. Families who feel genuine and grounded help ease their uncertainty and build trust.
Instead of over-polished or generic language, focus on the parts of your life that feel familiar, warm, and human.
What does that sound like?
❌ “We have always dreamed of becoming parents.”
✅ “We can’t wait for the day a little one joins us on the couch for popcorn and a Pixar movie night.”
❌ “We enjoy spending time with our extended family.”
✅ “Sundays at Grandma’s house mean two things: meatballs and way too many board games.”
These small, specific moments give a clearer picture of who you are, without needing to oversell or overexplain.
2. Use Words to Invite Expectant Mothers Into Your Experiences
Your words should do more than describe your life—they should welcome someone into it.
When you’re writing your adoption profile, think about how your experiences and routines might feel to someone reading them. You're not just reporting your lifestyle; you're extending an invitation.
Use moments that are emotionally rich and visually engaging. These help an expectant parent imagine their child in your world.
Here’s what that looks like:
❌ “We love to travel.”
✅ “If there’s a road trip involved, we’re in! Our favorite vacations usually include a packed cooler, a good playlist, and a scenic detour or two.”
❌ “We love kids.”
✅ “Our nieces and nephews know that when they visit, two things are guaranteed: pancake breakfasts and bedtime stories with all the silly voices.”
❌ “We live in a quiet neighborhood.”
✅ “Home for us means front porch coffee, chats with neighbors, and a backyard big enough for games of tag and summer cookouts.”
These kinds of details pull expectant parents into the experience. They don’t just hear what you love—they begin to feel what life might be like in your family.
3. Acknowledge the Expectant Parent’s Journey in Your Adoption Profile
This is not just a chapter in your story—it’s a pivotal moment in theirs.
Acknowledging the emotions and complexity of their decision shows humility, empathy, and respect. And it builds trust.
Here’s how you can be mindful of the language you use:
❌ “We can’t wait to raise your baby!”
✅ “If you choose adoption, your child will always know how deeply loved they are—not just by us, but by you.”
❌ “We are so excited to start our family by adopting your baby!”
✅ “We know this is a difficult decision, and we are honored that you are taking the time to learn about us. Your journey is important, and we respect whatever choice you make.”
Use Positive Adoption Language throughout your profile.
✔ Say “make an adoption plan” instead of “give up a baby.”
✔ Refer to “expectant parents.”
✔ Avoid language that implies entitlement, like “our child,” in reference to an unborn baby.
These small shifts make a big difference—they communicate that you see and honor the expectant parent's story, not just your own.
4. Use Photos That Tell the Story
Words matter—but photos can bring your story to life in an instant. A well-chosen photo says, “Here’s what it feels like to be part of our world.”
Don’t just include pictures because you feel like you have to. Be intentional. Each image should support your story and create a connection.
Here’s what to aim for:
❌ Stiff, posed portraits.
✅ Candid moments—cooking dinner, reading books, laughing in the backyard.
❌ Shots of just your family.
✅ Images that show your entire village—friends, family, and your everyday community.
❌ Filler images with no context.
✅ Photos that match your words—like a picture of your backyard BBQ if you mention hosting summer dinners.
📥 Need help choosing the right photos? Download our free resource:
“15 Photos Every Adoption Profile Should Include” – a guide to help you select meaningful, connection-building images.
5. Make Your Adoption Profile Easy to Read and Engaging
Expectant parents often review multiple profiles—sometimes in one sitting. That means yours needs to be easy to readand inviting to browse.
Here are a few ways to keep your writing accessible:
❌ Long paragraphs with too much detail.
✅ Short, skimmable sections with breathing room.
❌ Formal language that feels distant.
✅ A conversational tone that sounds like you’re talking to a friend.
❌ Walls of uninterrupted text.
✅ Headings, bullet points, and plenty of whitespace.
Before finalizing, read it out loud. If it doesn’t sound like you, rewrite it until it does. If it flows naturally, it’s much more likely to create the connection you’re hoping for.
Your Story Is Enough
You don’t need perfect words or the trendiest photos. You just need your story—told with honesty, warmth, and intention.
At Little Ampersand Co., we understand the nuances of adoption storytelling. We know how to help you share your life in a way that feels true to who you are—while honoring the incredible responsibility of being chosen by an expectant parent.