How to Put a Newborn Up for Adoption
The thought of putting a newborn up for adoption can be overwhelming, emotional, and one of the most difficult decisions a birthmother will ever make. However, it’s also an extremely selfless decision. A birthmother who places a baby for adoption is doing so out of love, giving her child the best possible opportunity for a great future, stable home, and caring parents. At LifeLong Adoptions, we’re with you every step of the way, and our team of compassionate and understanding coordinators is available to listen to your needs and guide you 24/7.
The Adoption Process for Birthmothers
When exploring how to put a newborn up for adoption, it’s important to understand that no matter the circumstances or situation, adoption is always an option. While the steps outlined below make up the typical adoption process for birthmothers, this doesn’t mean that it’s the only option. If you have questions about the process or about certain circumstances or situations, please contact us.
Step 1: Contact LifeLong Adoptions
Whether you’ve made a decision or are still deciding, LifeLong Adoptions is here to talk you through your emotions, answer all your questions, and help. We are available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us by phone at 1-866-517-8925, chat with us online, or fill out our information form below.
Step 2: Create an Adoption Plan
LifeLong Adoption’s caring staff will help you create an adoption plan that meets your wants and needs. This involves choosing the type of adoption that’s best for you and your baby. We’ll also help you prepare for the day of your baby’s arrival with resources and other information.
Step 3: Browse & Choose an Adoptive Family
One of the most rewarding parts of the birthmother adoption process is choosing an adoptive family for your baby. All our families are thoroughly evaluated by a licensed adoption service and legally approved to provide a loving, safe, and stable home for your baby. Explore our adoptive family profiles. Once you’ve chosen a family, we will arrange your first phone call or meeting.
Step 4: Meet With a Social Worker or Adoption Attorney
As part of the adoption process for birthmothers, you will meet with a social worker or adoption attorney. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to tell them of your needs and wants, as well as learn more about the legal process for adoption. Our team will help you arrange this meeting at no cost to you.
Step 5: Coordinator Check-in & Support
Throughout your pregnancy, your birth coordinator will check in to ensure you’re getting the support, counseling, and resources you need. This includes providing information on financial assistance for birthmothers, as well as making sure your wishes are met with regard to the type of adoption you’ve chosen.
Step 6: Place Your Baby with the Adoptive Family
After the baby is born, you’ll have the option to spend time with the baby, the adoptive family, and/or a counselor. The baby will go directly home from the hospital with the adoptive family. There will be no intermediate foster care. If needed, we’ll help you make arrangements to get home from the hospital after you are discharged. Shortly after the baby is born, you will sign the legal documents consenting to the adoption of the baby. The timeframe and documents needed depend on the laws in your state.
Step 7: Post-Placement Support
The post-adoption experience is different for every birthmother. You’ll probably experience an array of emotions, both positive and negative. The amount of contact you’ll have with the baby and adoptive family depends on the type of adoption you chose and the post-placement arrangements you made with the family. We encourage each birthmother to create a post-adoption plan. Will you return to school or work? Will you join an adoption support group? Do you have other goals you want to start working towards? We will help you put together a plan that will allow you to move forward in a healthy way and have all the support you need.
“I’m happy for LifeLong Adoptions. They saved my life. How could this ending be sad? It’s not. This was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I would do it all over again.” - Sharon, birthmother
It’s Always Your Choice. Always.
Whether you’re a birthmother looking for adoptive parents or an expectant mother deciding on whether or not to place a baby for adoption, it’s always your choice. Throughout the birthmother adoption process, you always have the right to change your mind, and our judgment-free coordinators will always be here to support you through your journey. Contact us day or night, 24/7 for help, answers, guidance, and support. We’re always available to listen and share our insights with you.
Our birthmother services are 100% free and 100% confidential. Ready to learn more?
