If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, the process can seem overwhelming at first. You might have fears that you’re “giving up” your baby. But the more you learn about adoption, the more you come to realize it doesn’t mean that at all. Adoption means you are making plans for your child’s future. It means you’re making a selfless choice to put your baby’s needs before your own. It means, in other words, that you’re a great mom.
Below, we provide you with an outline of the adoption process so you know exactly what to expect when placing your baby with an adoptive family after birth. You can take comfort knowing that you don’t have to go through it alone — because we’re here to help.
1. Consider Your Options
Before deciding on the path you wish to take with your pregnancy, consider all your options. Some of those options include parenting, adoption, or abortion. An adoption agency will work with you to explore all of your options to help you discover a plan that feels right. Or you can do your own research online or talk with trusted friends and family. Pregnancy centers can also be a good resource. If your partner is involved with the pregnancy, it can be important to discuss your thoughts and feelings.
Keep in mind that there is no time limit on choosing adoption during your pregnancy, so you don’t need to rush this decision. However, if you’ve decided that adoption is the right choice, the next step is to reach out to an agency to inquire about creating an adoption plan for your baby at birth.
2. Contact an Adoption Agency
You might want to consider an agency that is local. Having a local Texas adoption agency that provides in-person support will be very different from working with one that is out of state, where most of your interaction will be over the phone. A local center can even meet you at a place that is more comfortable for you. You’ll have full control of the process to reduce as much stress as possible.
You might also want to consider what type of financial and emotional support the agency can provide. It’s important to make sure you’ll like working with the Adoption Specialist — are they friendly and caring? Make sure they’re someone you’ll want by your side on your adoption journey.
During this time, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be honest about your feelings. There are quite a few steps that go into placing your baby with an adoptive family at birth, and it’s important that you understand each one and how your Adoption Specialist will help you navigate the process.
3. Pick an Adoption Plan
Once you’ve selected the agency you want to work with, you can decide on what type of adoption plan you want: open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption. The type of adoption plan you choose will determine the kind of contact you will have with the adoptive family and the baby throughout the adoption process as well as in the future. Your agency will help you understand what the options are, so you can decide what feels right for you.
When making this plan, consider the type of relationship you’d like to have with both the parents and child. Placing your baby with an adoptive family doesn’t mean that you’re no longer a part of their life. Be open with your Adoption Specialist about your thoughts and feelings regarding involvement in your baby’s life. Your adoption plan is uniquely yours, and your Adoption Specialist can help you select a level of involvement and find an adoptive family that will meet these expectations.
4. Pick a Family (If You Want To)
Picking a family is an exciting part of the process! And the choice of a family for your baby is entirely up to you. When choosing a waiting family, your Adoption Specialist will provide you with all of the information you’ll need to make a decision. You’ll have a chance to consider the lifestyle you’d like your child to have and select a family accordingly. Your agency will walk you through the process and help you to build a relationship with the chosen family if that is in your plan.
However, if you would prefer not to choose the family, that’s up to you as well. Your Adoption Specialist is able to match you with an adoptive family instead. But whether you decide to pick the adoptive parents or not, your baby will be matched with a wonderful family.
5. Plan For The Hospital
At this point, all of your big decisions have likely been made. Now it’s time to plan for the hospital with the support of your Adoption Specialist. We’ll help guide you through the entire process, and we’ll be there to support you during your labor and delivery. Your Adoption Specialist can even be in the room with you during delivery. You get to decide what feels best.
Once your baby has been delivered, your Adoption Specialist will walk you through the next steps to finalize the adoption.
6. Place the Baby for Adoption
You should feel proud of yourself! You’ve done a lot of work to ensure a wonderful life for your baby! Texas law requires that birth mothers wait 48 hours after the baby is born before officially signing the necessary paperwork to place the baby for adoption with the adoptive family. This usually happens at the hospital, with your Adoption Specialist, before everyone goes home.
During the two-day waiting period, your Adoption Specialist will be present to provide you with ongoing support. You may also have the opportunity to spend time alone with your baby, invite the adoptive family to share time with you and the baby, or allow the adoptive family to spend the two days with the baby on their own. This choice is ultimately yours and should be one you are comfortable with.
7. Receive Continued Support
Placing the baby for adoption is not the end of your adoption journey. Depending on what kind of adoption you chose, you may have ongoing contact with the child and adoptive parents. The adoption plan that you selected before the birth will continue. Regardless of what kind of adoption you chose, Texas Adoption Center will provide you with emotional support for life — we’re here when you need us.
Adoption Post-Delivery:
Not all adoptions are arranged before the delivery. Some birth mothers may have been hesitant on whether adoption was the right route even after their baby is born. Even from the hospital or your home, you can still decide that placing your baby with an adoptive family after birth is the best choice — and we can help you make an adoption plan and move forward with it. Call us to discuss your situation!
Texas Adoption Agency is Here For You
Unplanned pregnancies can be overwhelming enough without the added stress of creating an adoption plan on your own. The Adoption Specialists at Texas Adoption Center are more than ready to help you along this journey and provide you with the support you need when placing your baby with an adoptive family. You never have to go through this process alone — we’re here for you!
Contact our team today to learn more about the adoption process in Texas.
