Giving up a baby for adoption – what to consider

The first thing we say to all women who are pregnant and considering adoption for their baby, is that you are never ‘giving up’ your baby for adoption.

 

If you make the decision to place your baby for adoption, we encourage you to think of this as a positive and proactive step you are taking to ensure your child has the life you want for him or her that you don’t feel you can provide right now.

 

Placing a baby for adoption is never an easy choice to make, but looking into the adoption process is a good way for expectant mothers to make an informed choice about their child's future.

 

Reaching out to an adoption agency does not constitute any kind of commitment to adoption. Instead, a reputable adoption agency will help you explore all available options, and support you in whatever choice you make.

 

Here’s what we’ll cover on this page:

 

1. What does giving up a baby for adoption involve?

2. What is an adoption plan?

3. How do I find adoptive parents for my baby?

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1) What does giving up a baby for adoption involve?

 

Placing your baby for adoption involves a carefully planned process that should prioritize your feelings and personal circumstances throughout.

 

In the initial stages, if you work with an adoption agency like Adopt International, you will have the opportunity to discuss all available options with a trained counselor, including parenting, abortion, and kinship adoption.

 

Should you decide to go ahead with looking for adoptive parents for your child, the next step will be to decide whether you want an open or closed adoption. At Adopt International, we support expectant mothers and potential adoptive families seeking an open adoption arrangement, as research shows that this often serves the best interests of the child, birth family, and adoptive family long term.

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2) What is an adoption plan?

 

An adoption plan is created by a an expectant mother who is considering adoption for her child.

 

This is your opportunity to outline your wishes for your child's ideal future and plan how you would like the adoption process to unfold. The adoption plan includes key details such as how much contact you would like with the child and adoptive family.

 

The adoption plan helps expectant mothers become better equipped to deal with the emotional aspects of adoption, as you can make critical decisions ahead of time and understand better what to expect.

 

For example, your adoption plan will stipulate exactly how and where the potential adoptive parents will meet the child, and whether you wish to be present or not.

 

3) How do I find adoptive parents for my baby?

 

The first step when searching for potential adoptive parents is to think about qualities and values that are important to you.  Once you communicate these qualities and values to your social worker the adoption agency team will then recommend a shortlist of potential families for you to review, and facilitate contact with any that you wish to meet.

 

You may make a connection with the first family you meet, but there is no harm in asking to interview more families if you are unsure. Never feel pressured into making a decision, and don't hesitate to check in with the agency team if you have any concerns at all.

 

Once you have chosen a potential adoptive family for your baby, any further contact with them can be guided by your adoption plan. Some expectant mothers choose to meet several times to get to know the adoptive family, while others prefer minimal contact.

 

If you found this article useful, you might also find this useful: Birth families

 

• If you are pregnant and wondering whether adoption could be the right option for you and your baby, you can contact us any time on (800)-969-6665 or by filling out this form.

 

• Adopt International is a non-profit organization. We provide extensive support and assistance to expectant mothers who are considering adoption for their child. Learn more here.

 

• If you are a family who is considering adopting a child, learn more here.