The Adoption Process: Giving a Baby Up for Adoption

Giving a baby up for adoption can feel stressful- before we begin, know that you can always get help from one of our adoption counselors any time of day or night. If you decide to place your baby for adoption, our team can help you. For now, let’s talk about how placing a baby for adoption works.

Step 1: Decide whether giving your baby up for adoption is right for you. Our counselors can help you choose between options like parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff is trained to help you decide which choice is right for you.

Step 2: Make an adoption plan. Your adoption counselor will help you decide whether open adoption or less contact with the adoptive family is right for you. You will learn about the kinds of contact and rights that birth parents have during this time.

Step 3: Choose an adoptive family. Most birth parents choose from a group of qualified families waiting to adopt a baby. If you decide to, you can choose the family that adopts your baby and even meet them before you decide.

Step 4: Prepare for your hospital stay. Your counselor will help you make a birth plan that you are comfortable with. Adoption focused birth plans are important for birth parents and designed to make sure you are in charge. Your counselor will ensure your care is first priority.

Step 5: Plan for contact with the adoptive family. If you have an open adoption plan, think about how contact will go after your baby is born. Many women receive letters and pictures- others meet regularly with adoptive families. Remember that adoption is not giving up.

Step 6: Create a Post-Adoption Support System. After you place your baby for adoption, your counselor will help you create a support system to help you remain strong. This might involve continued counseling, joining support groups, or getting connected to services you need to succeed.