Considering Adoption for Your Baby?
An unplanned pregnancy can bring up many questions and emotions. You might be asking yourself, “What are my options?” or “Is adoption the right choice for me and my baby?” We’re here to provide clear, helpful information and support without any pressure or judgment. This guide will walk you through the adoption process step by step, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
If you’d rather talk to someone directly, please call or text our Birthmother Hotline anytime at 234-206-1859.
Step 1: Making a Decision for Your Pregnancy
Finding out you’re pregnant and trying to decide what to do can be overwhelming. The most important thing is to take your time and make a choice that is in the best interest of both you and your baby.
Adoption is a permanent legal process where a child is placed with approved adoptive parents to raise them as their own. It is a loving, selfless choice. We understand this is a difficult decision, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Your Options:
- Parent your child yourself: We can connect you with resources to help you parent.
- Place your child with a relative: This can be a temporary or permanent arrangement.
- Choose adoption: This provides a loving, permanent home for your baby with a family you choose.
It’s important that you don’t let others pressure you into a decision you might regret. We are here to help you explore all of your options, with no pressure and no rush.
Step 2: Creating Your Personalized Adoption Plan
An adoption plan is a unique and private document that outlines all of your wishes for the adoption. As the birth mother, you have full control over your plan. We act as a licensed, confidential intermediary to ensure your plan is followed.
Your plan covers key decisions, such as:
- The type of adoption: You can choose a confidential adoption (no identifying information shared), a semi-open adoption (first names only, communication through the agency), or an open adoption (direct contact and communication with the adoptive family).
- Post-adoption communication: You decide if you’d like to receive pictures and letters, have phone calls, or schedule visits. An open adoption allows you to see how your child is doing and eliminates the need for them to search for you later in life.
Step 3: Finding a Loving Family for Your Baby
You get to choose the adoptive family that you feel is best for your baby. We work with a variety of prescreened and qualified families who are ready to adopt. Every family we work with has gone through:
- Thorough background checks
- State-mandated education
- Home visits by a social worker to ensure a safe and loving environment
You can view family profiles on our website and get to know them. There is no cost to you at any point in this process. We can also assist you if you have a family member or friend you’d like to place your baby with, known as a private adoption.
Step 4: Assistance and Support During Pregnancy
A full-term pregnancy requires medical attention and may bring living expenses that you’re not prepared for. The adoptive family will typically cover costs related to your pregnancy, including:
- Medical bills
- Living expenses
- Legal fees
Throughout your pregnancy, we can also help you develop a relationship with the adoptive parents, as outlined in your adoption plan. This can include phone calls, emails, or personal meetings—whatever you are most comfortable with.
Step 5: Understanding the Legal Process
Adoption is a legal process, and an attorney will be involved. The attorney, paid for by the adoptive family, will help you with all the necessary consent and adoption forms. We will be there to guide you through this step, making sure it is as simple and straightforward as possible.
Step 6: Birth and Relinquishment
The birth of your child is a powerful and emotional experience. We will be with you every step of the way to provide support. As per your adoption plan, you have the right to spend time with your newborn in the hospital. The adoptive parents will also be at the hospital, and your baby will go home with them directly.
The act of carrying and giving birth to your baby is an act of love, and making the decision to place them with a loving family is a selfless one. We honor your courage and will support you during this time of transition.
