Should I Place My Baby for Adoption? Navigating the Unexpected

by | Oct 29, 2024 | Birth Parent Blog

Depressed young woman thinking about her problems while sitting on the sofa at homeBecoming pregnant unexpectedly is a surprise that can cause a mix of emotions. You may feel nervous about what the next few months and years will look like. You might also feel scared that you are unprepared to be a parent. Having a child changes your life, and it is okay to recognize that it may be something you are not ready for.
 
In situations like this, adoption can be a wonderful option. Many women contact us, asking, “Can you tell me how the process works to place my baby for adoption?” If you have been thinking about it, too, then adoption can be a very wise and healthy choice — not only for you but for your baby as well.
 

Get Info Now

 
 

How Do I Place My Baby for Adoption?

The caring adoption coordinators at Lifetime Adoption understand the fear and uncertainty you might feel when considering adoption. Our open adoption agency allows you, as the child’s birth mother, to determine how you will remain in contact with your child and their adoptive family as the child gets older. In other words, you select your baby’s adoptive parents, and you can choose to have contact with them and your child in whatever way you feel comfortable.
 
Creating an adoption plan with Lifetime lets you talk with the parents before your baby is born, get to know them, and decide what this contact will look like in the future so everyone is on the same page. Open adoption has a variety of benefits for you, the adoptive parents, and your child. Just four of the benefits open adoption gives you include:

  • Your child knows their story.
  • They will maintain a connection with adults who support them.
  • Your worry will be relieved.
  • You can create an adoption plan that works for you.

Your child knows their story.

Every person has a story, and your child has one, too. When you place your child in an open adoption, they will know that you chose adoption out of love and care for their future. Their adoptive parents will emphasize this fact to your child from Day 1.
 
Your child will not be confused about who their parents are. Instead, they’ll have a story marked by supportive and loving adults who always want what is best for them.
 

Your child will maintain a connection with adults who support them.

The bond that children feel with their parents — both birth parents and adoptive parents — is very real. Maintaining a connection with your child and their connection with the adoptive family is an important part of raising a strong, secure child who knows they are loved unconditionally.
 
As your child grows up and starts asking questions about their background or their medical history, you and the adoptive parents will have answers. You can work together to maintain a strong support system for your child. This way, your child gets their questions answered directly, yet compassionately.
 

Your worry will be relieved.

Thinking about raising a child can be overwhelming. It can cause anxiety, stress, and worry. Birth mothers who had a closed adoption, meaning they did not contact or communicate with their children, often report that they feel a deeper sense of grief. Without knowing how their child is doing, birth mothers in closed adoptions can’t find closure. That is one reason closed adoption is rare today.
 
However, studies show that women who choose open adoption feel less worry and regret. This is because they know they will be able to communicate with the adoptive family and child. They have peace of mind knowing that their child is with adoptive parents who love them unconditionally.
 

You can create an adoption plan that works for you.

You’re in the driver’s seat of your baby’s adoption, so you can choose who gets to raise them. A social worker pre-screens all of Lifetime’s hopeful adoptive parents and requires them to get background checks. They’re 100% committed to adoption and excited to become parents. 
 
Once you choose your top picks, you can interview them over the phone. Most women speak with two or three adoptive couples before deciding on a specific family to adopt their child. Don’t feel pressured to select the first adoptive family you talk to. When you find the adoptive family that’s just right for you, you’ll know it. Sometimes, you need to talk to several families before feeling comfortable with one.
 
When it comes time to arrive at the hospital for the birth, you can decide how you want things to go. You can choose to have the adoptive family in the room with you or not. You can hold and see your baby. You make the choices.
 
With open adoption, you have rights as the birth mother that you may not have in other forms of adoption. You get to make important decisions both for you and your baby. Our caring adoption coordinators will work with you to make a plan that includes everything that is important to you.
 
Open adoption gives you the opportunity to know that your child is safe, happy, healthy, and loved. This can give you the peace you need to place your child into the loving arms of a family ready to love and raise a child.
 

Lifetime Adoption

Our team is committed to helping adoptive families and birth parents work together to ensure you are comfortable with your decision. Our adoption professionals will answer any questions you have along the way, too.
 
Avoid rushing yourself into deciding whether adoption is right for you. It’s never too late to make an adoption plan: you can choose adoption after your baby is born. It’s best to take your time when you’re making such a major life decision.
 
We provide many adoption services and offer resources for you on a variety of topics. A few of these topics include finding a family for your baby, the birth father’s rights, and the adoption process in general.
 
Lifetime can also connect you with a licensed counselor at no cost. The counselor isn’t here to convince you adoption is best. They’re available to help you sort through your feelings. Lifetime can also connect you with peer support from a woman who has made an adoption plan for her child in the past. 
 
After your baby is born and you place them with the adoptive parents, we will continue to support you. And we can also help you discuss your decision with family and friends.
 
Lifetime Adoption has helped women since 1986. So if you’re wondering, “How do I place my baby for adoption?”call or text with a caring adoption coordinator today at 1-800-923-6784.
 

Get Info Now

 
 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on August 28, 2020, and has since been updated. 

 

 

Written by Heather Featherston

As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.

Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.

As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.

Read more about Heather Featherston

You may also like…

Teen Pregnancy Help

Teen Pregnancy Help

Being a teenager is hard, but being a pregnant teen can be even harder. Many pregnant teens struggle to find the help and care they need for a healthy pregnancy, like healthcare, education, and a strong support system. They need resources for pregnant teens more than...

Can I Place My Baby for Adoption With a Catholic Family?

Can I Place My Baby for Adoption With a Catholic Family?

"I've just found out I'm pregnant. I'm scared and ashamed! I don't believe in abortion, and I'm not ready to become a mom right now. So, I'm thinking about adoption. Can I place my baby for adoption with a Catholic family?"   Yes! Lifetime has hopeful adoptive...

Grief and Loss in Adoption

Grief and Loss in Adoption

If you are an expectant mother considering placing your baby for adoption, you will likely be processing many different feelings along the way. It is normal to feel a combination of grief and sadness, denial, and even bouts of depression.   Working through these...

0 Comments
Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *