Adoption Blog

You’ve discovered you’re pregnant. You have weighed the pros and cons of parenting versus adoption. You have decided that adoption is the right path. So, what’s next?

The next step is understanding how to give a baby up for adoption. There are many ways you can go about doing this, whether it be directly contacting an adoption agency or sending in a few contact requests online. If you have already began to research your options, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of information available. This guide is a simple outline of how to give a baby up for adoption.

Visit a Doctor

Whether or not you give a baby up for adoption, the first thing to do after finding out you are pregnant is scheduling a doctor’s appointment. A doctor will confirm the pregnancy and teach you how to care for yourself and your baby.

Contact AdoptList

Understanding how to give a baby up for adoption is the first step in your decision-making process. Once you’ve decided to give a baby up for adoption, an adoption counselor will help you make an adoption plan. If you are still deciding, your counselor will explain the adoption process and provide any information you need to make a decision.

Create an Adoption Plan

Your adoption coordinator at AdoptList will explain all of your options to help you create an adoption plan that works for you. We will assist you from start to finish, whether it be choosing a family, deciding between open adoption and closed adoption, requesting financial assistance and preparing for delivery. On top of all that, we’re here to provide guidance and support 24/7.

Choose an Adoption Type

As mentioned above, your adoption counselor will help you choose an adoption type. AdoptList works with two types of adoption; open adoption and closed adoption. You are able to decide what type of contact (if any) you wish to have with the adoptive family and your baby. Some women choose to receive pictures and letters once a year, while others request in person visits with the adoptive family. Many women prefer a closed adoption, where there is no ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families.

Choose an Adoptive Family

Choosing the adoptive family for your child is one of the more enjoyable parts of the adoption process. We encourage all birthmothers to browse our online library of adoptive family profiles. Once you find a family you like, we will arrange a phone call or meeting.

Plan for the Hospital

You will want to discuss a delivery plan with both your healthcare provider and adoption coordinator. Contact your adoption coordinator once you go into labor. They will contact the adoptive family who will meet you at the hospital.

Make Post Adoption Plans

Your adoption coordinator will be there for you not only during your pregnancy, but also after the adoption is finalized. They will help you work through your emotions and offer ongoing guidance and support.

Now that you know the basics of how to give a baby up for adoption, it’s time to take the first steps. Feel free to contact us anytime. We’re here to talk, offer advice or just listen. If you’re not ready to talk, you can simply request more information.