Can You Put a Baby Up for Adoption? [Requirements]
Placing Your 2nd Child for Adoption [Or 3rd, or 4th…]
You can choose adoption for your second, third or fourth child. Just because you are already a parent, or you have already placed a child for adoption, doesn’t exclude you from this unplanned pregnancy option.
Adoption can be the right choice for women in many different circumstances:
- Women who are married
- Women who are already mothers
- Women who have already placed a child for adoption
If you are overwhelmed by a 2nd unplanned pregnancy or considering “giving a third child up” for adoption, then this guide is for you. We want you to know that adoption is always an option. We also want you to be aware of the unique things to consider when putting a 2nd child up for adoption.
If you have more questions about your situation, you can contact us at any time.
How to Deal with an Unplanned Second Pregnancy
More than two million women in the U.S. experience unplanned pregnancies every year. Many are experiencing a second or third unplanned pregnancy, but that doesn’t make this any easier.
The first (and most important) step in how to deal with a second unplanned pregnancy or unplanned 3rd pregnancy is to see a doctor. Take care of your health. It may be tempting to jump to making an abortion or adoption plan, but you need to make sure you’re taking care of your body first.
Once you’ve done that, you can turn to your unplanned pregnancy options:
- Parenting
- Abortion
- Adoption
Here, we’re going to focus on putting a 2nd child up for adoption (or a 3rd, or 4th).
“Giving Third Child Up” for Adoption
Whether it’s your second, third or fourth child, you may wonder how putting a second child up for adoption is different from the first.
In many ways, it is the same. The process will follow the same steps. The same adoption laws and requirements apply.
But, there are some differences in this process if you’ve placed a child for adoption before. Perhaps the most important is considering whether or not you’d like to place your child with the same adoptive parents who adopted your first child.
Research has shown that biological siblings staying together can be beneficial to both siblings as they grow up. It gives them a touch point to their biological heritage and an immediate, special connection. For this reason, many women who are “giving a third child up” for adoption will try to place them with the same adoptive parents as her other children.
If this sound interesting to you, then you will want to reach out to the same adoption agency you worked with last time. This is the best way to work with the same adoptive family for a second or third time.
Of course, you don’t have to go this route. When you choose adoption for your unplanned second pregnancy or unplanned third pregnancy, you are totally in charge of the process. That means you can do what you think will be best.
Whether that’s choosing the same adoptive family as before or looking for new adoptive parents, the most important thing for any adoption process is to work with an agency you trust.
“Giving Baby Up” for Adoption When You Already Have Kids
Did you know that women who are already mothers can choose adoption? There is a misguided idea about adoption that assumes choosing adoption means you would be a “bad parent.” But this isn’t the case at all.
You may be a great mother to your children. But that doesn’t mean your family is ready to handle an unplanned third baby or unplanned fourth pregnancy. Your family may be perfect as is. If so, then choosing adoption in response to a second, third or fourth unplanned pregnancy could be a good choice for you.
Your adoption process will be the same as any other prospective birth parent. But, one big thing you will need to consider is how to explain putting a baby up for adoption to your older kids.
The most important thing is to emphasize that you love your baby, and you are choosing adoption so that they will have the best life possible. You could also explain how open adoption will still allow your kids to stay connected, even after the placement.
In general, it’s best to be honest and not deny any concerns your children have, while also doing your best to emphasize the clear benefits of adoption.
Contact Us Today
This can be a lot to think about. An unplanned third pregnancy is never easy, and putting a second child up for adoption (or third, or fourth) can be a real challenge. But, it might also be the best thing you can do right now.
Adoption can be beautiful for everyone involved. It can create a bright future for yourself, your children and the adoptive family. If you’d like to learn more about this process and how you can get started, please contact us today. We can connect you with an adoption agency, free of charge.
Ready to get started? Contact an adoption agency now to get free information.