You may find yourself in the difficult situation of considering placing your second or even third child up for adoption. Many mothers wonder if this decision is “right” or “okay.” Remember that you are making the best decision possible in your situation. Below, we will walk you through factors to consider when deciding to place a second child for adoption.
Do I Use the Same Agency to Place a Second Child for Adoption?
As a birth mother who has previously chosen adoption, it may be a good option to return to the same adoption center that helped you before. Working with the same center may be able to reconnect you with the adoption specialist who handled your adoption process before. This provides a continuity of care and familiarity with the person handling your case. You may also be more comfortable disclosing personal information with an adoption specialist who knows your background.
If you cannot work with the same adoption specialist when placing your second or third child up for adoption, it is still a good idea to work with the same adoption center. They will have your records on file and easily transfer them to a new specialist who can read over your information.
The only time it would be advisable to change adoption centers is if you were unhappy with the process or how the staff treated you. Your comfort is of the utmost importance, and you deserve to be treated with kindness and understanding.
Adoption Process for Placing a Second Child for Adoption
The adoption process for your second child may feel familiar. If it does, your instincts are not wrong! The adoption process for placing a second child for adoption is similar, if not the same, as the first adoption process. This time, you just have more experience and are a bit more familiar with the process.
If you’re still unsure, let us refresh your memory with this quick rundown of events that will take place after you select an adoption center or return to your previous center.
Design an Adoption Plan
Working with an adoption specialist, you will design an adoption plan that includes the adoption type and how much interaction you want with the adoptive family. While you may be familiar with the process, you are by no means required to create a similar adoption plan to your previous adoption. In fact, you should consider the unique factors of this situation to create an equally unique plan for this child. An adoption specialist will help and support you through this process.
Choose Adoptive Parents
Choosing the family can be a hard decision, but just remember, the power is in your hands. Take time to consider each family carefully, and seek the guidance of an adoption specialist. You may also choose to meet the adoptive family to set your nerves at ease.
Delivery
Each delivery is different, but what remains the same is Texas’ adoption laws. In Texas, a birth mother has to maintain parental rights for at least 48 hours after giving birth. After 48 hours, the birth mother will sign a relinquishment of parental rights document. The adoption center will then transfer parental rights to the adoptive parents.
Post-Adoption Care
No matter how much experience you have with adoption, it does not change that this can be a stressful and challenging experience. Be kind to yourself and know that even if this is your second time going through placing a baby for adoption, there are people and adoption centers available to help you navigate this new yet familiar territory.
There are several post-adoption services available to help you deal with whatever you’re feeling. Also, there are many birth mother blogs and books about adoption for birth mothers to help you connect with women in similar situations. There are resources available—you just need to reach out and ask!
Contact Texas Adoption Center for Help With Placing a Second Child for Adoption
At Texas Adoption Center, we value a birth mother’s complicated experience who decides to place a second child up for adoption. We will make sure that you are both supported and empowered through making the best decision for your baby and yourself.
Contact us for more information about the process of placing a second child for adoption.
