How do I place my baby for adoption?

Make an adoption plan.

Deciding to place a baby for adoption is never easy, and it is natural for expectant mothers to have questions about the adoption process. 

If you are unsure or undecided on what to do, it can be helpful to understand what happens when a baby is placed for adoption, as well as what the alternative options might be.

Learning more about any of these options does not mean you are committed to them. By learning and researching, you can better make an informed decision, whatever that may be. It is common for expectant mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy to look into different options when deciding what is best for themselves and their child.

One of the steps to help you through the decision-making process, is making an adoption plan:

 

Making an Adoption Plan

When placing a baby for adoption, your social worker will help you create an Adoption Plan. 

An Adoption Plan outlines the details of your wishes and expectations at each stage of the adoption process and also forms the framework for choosing your adoptive family, deciding on what type of adoption you would prefer, and what you feel is best for your child. 

a. Paperwork

There is paperwork to initiate the process with the adoption agency. Signing paperwork should not bind you to any decision but will help the adoption agency understand your wishes and provide you with the best services.  

A medical history form and a release of information are usually completed so your adoption agency can communicate with your doctor’s office and hospital, when you are ready. 

Again, none of these forms should be legally binding. 

b. Make contact with support services

Your adoption agency will be able to connect you with services such as peer counseling, adoption-competent therapy, and specialist support groups. 

These referrals will help you meet qualified professionals to talk through your feelings, and prepare you emotionally for the months ahead. We also find that it can also be helpful for you to chat with other people with experience in the adoption process such as adults who were adopted as children, adoptive families, and birth mothers who placed their child for adoption. 

Is anyone in your community supportive of your adoption plan? This is a time to seek people who will listen to you with empathy, understanding, and respect. When expectant mothers are considering adoption, family and friends can be helpful to you to think through options, choose an adoptive family, and be there to help support you after placement.

c. Birth father involvement

Are you together with the birth father and is he supporting your adoption plan? In some states, the birth father can waive his rights before delivery, giving you control to make the decisions. If you are a couple, maybe you want to sign relinquishment documents at the same time after giving birth? If you cannot identify or locate the birth father, your social worker will advise on the best way to terminate his rights in your state. 

Ready for more information, read How to place a baby for adoption: essential guide (7 steps)

Welcome to Adopt International

If you found this article useful, you might also find this useful: What is open adoption?

• If you would like more information on adopting a child from India, click here.

• 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.