Every prospective birth parent chooses adoption in their own time. For some, this can be well before the baby arrives. For others, this decision is made at the hospital after delivery.

If you find yourself in this situation, then don’t worry. You’re not alone.

There’s nothing wrong with giving your baby for adoption at the hospital. It can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Also, adoption is always free for birth mothers.

To help you feel confident as you begin the process, we’ve created this guide on five steps to take when choosing a hospital adoption.

If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey today, then you can fill out this short form to get in touch with an adoption professional now.

How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption at the Hospital

Step 1: Choose an Adoption Professional

When you’re considering giving your baby up for adoption at the hospital, the adoption professional you choose will significantly affect your experience. That’s why it’s recommended to work with national adoption agencies for their wider reach and extensive services.

National agencies may even support you after the adoption. These agencies are equipped to connect you with an adoptive family in a short amount of time. A good adoption professional will walk you through the entire process to ease any worries or concerns.

Below are some reputable adoption agencies to consider:

• American Adoptions
• Family Connections Christian Adoptions
• Gladney Center for Adoption

Step 2: Make Your Adoption Plan

After you’ve chosen an adoption professional, they will walk you through creating an adoption plan. It’s a playbook for your entire adoption experience and is designed specifically for your needs. During this step, your adoption professional will also determine your preferences and ensure you receive the financial assistance you’re entitled to.

When you’re considering giving your baby up for adoption at birth, ask yourself two key questions:

• What is best for your baby?
• What is best for you?

These questions will ensure that the adoption goes exactly how you want and that your child will have the life you always hoped for. You are in charge every step of the way, from choosing the adoptive family to deciding how much contact you want. The choice is yours.

Step 3: Find an Adoptive Family

Part of your adoption plan includes choosing an adoptive family. To help you decide on a family for your baby, most adoption professionals will offer print profiles to help you get an idea of what a family is like. But, some of the best adoption agencies will offer adoption profile videos.

Adoption profile videos go beyond print profiles to offer an in-depth look into a family’s life, personalities and desire to become parents. Many birth mothers have found that adoption profile videos have helped them stay committed to their adoption plan.

By watching families interact, you’ll be able to envision your child’s life in their home, which can help you feel more confident when you’re giving your baby up for adoption at the hospital.

Step 4: Get to Know the Family

If you’re worried that giving your baby up for adoption at the hospital means goodbye, then you’ll find comfort knowing this isn’t the case anymore. Because you’re in charge of your adoption plan, you get to decide the level of openness with the family.

When you choose open adoption, you can build a relationship with the adoptive family. This keeps you connected to your child at whatever level you feel comfortable with. There is no set rule on how much interaction you’re supposed to have.

You are in complete control of your adoption and, when you’re building your adoption plan, you can work with your adoption professional to better understand how much openness you prefer.

Step 5: Prepare for the Beginning of a New Chapter

Adoption can be the path to a brighter future. Knowing that your child is in a home filled with love and opportunity can help you move forward to do the things you’ve always wanted. Whether that’s pursuing educational goals or career aspirations, adoption can give you and your baby the life you deserve.

Life doesn’t end after adoption. Instead, it can contain endless possibilities. As you move through the process of giving your baby up for adoption at the hospital, you can dream big about what your future holds.

Are you ready to begin the adoption process? Connect with an adoption professional by filling out this contact form.