8 Questions About “Giving” a Baby Up for Adoption

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and thinking, “I want to put my unborn baby up for adoption,” then we know how much love you must have for your baby. Giving your baby up for adoption is as selfless of a decision as you will ever make.  

We also know how many questions you probably have about putting a baby up for adoption, and we’re here to help.

This article provides prospective birth mothers with all of the information they need to choose adoption and to feel encouraged and assured during the journey. You can get more free information about “giving a baby up” for adoption, plus personalized support from a qualified adoption professional, by contacting us today.

Until then, let’s take a look at a few of the biggest questions about placing a newborn up for adoption.

1. Are There Other Ways to Say “Give Up” for Adoption?

As a disclaimer, we know this may not be your biggest question. But, it is important to address up front. “I want to give my baby up for adoption” is one of the most common ways to talk about this process. It’s language you have probably heard, and even used yourself.

However, there’s something foundational in this phrase that misses the point: Nothing about adoption resembles “giving up.”

Choosing adoption for your baby is a proactive, courageous, and loving thing to do. It can create a better future for yourself and your baby. It is brave and strong. This is why you shouldn’t say “give up” for adoption, according to many adoption professionals. A better phrase could be “create an adoption plan” or “choose adoption.”

2. How Do I Place My Baby For Adoption?

Understanding the adoption process is your first big step in this journey. It’s not your job to become an adoption expert, because there will be professionals assisting you along the way (more on this later).

For now, a basic understanding of how putting a newborn up for adoption works will do. Once you get the process, you’ll be in a better position to decide if adoption is right for you.

3. What are Some Reasons to “Give Your Baby Up” for Adoption?

Women from all walks of life choose ‘giving baby up’ for adoption as a way to respond to an unplanned pregnancy.

Watch the video below or follow this link to learn some of the most common reasons for putting a baby up for adoption.

These are only a few of the many reasons you might be pregnant and looking to place your baby for adoption. There are no wrong reasons, they are yours and are personal and important to your specific situation.

4. Who Can Help Put Baby Up for Adoption?

There are professionals and other resources available to you during this life-changing journey. The first and most important is an adoption agency.

An agency provides the required services you need in order to complete an adoption. They also offer support during the journey, guiding you through the many emotions and protecting your interests. This includes things like facilitating adoption financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses.

If you are thinking of adopting a baby out and would like to speak with an agency, consider contacting one of the professionals below:

• American Adoptions (Call them at 1-800-ADOPTION)
• Beacon House Adoption Services

5. Who Is Involved in Putting a Baby Up for Adoption?

You don’t have to go through the adoption process on your own. There are personal and professional relationships that will play a part when a woman “gives baby up” for adoption. Who these people are will depend on your specific circumstances.

Your “adoption team” could be made up of people like:

• Friends and Family: Your primary support system, this should include the closest people in your life who want to help you and make you feel good about your decision.
• Adoption Specialists: Your primary contact at your adoption agency, your adoption specialist, counselor, or social worker can provide you with guidance and emotional support while “giving a baby away” for adoption. They are trained to know how to help you and ensure your adoption goals are safely, legally, and ethically achieved.
• Legal Experts: The legal procedures surrounding adoption can get complicated, especially if the adoption occurs across state borders.  Your adoption attorney will help legally complete the adoption.
• Father of the Baby: If the birth father wants to be involved, he could be a great resource. The two of you should sit down together to make sure you are both on the same page, and how you will proceed forward. Regardless of his level of involvement, you may always contact an adoption professional or an attorney who will help you explore your options.

These are a few of the people who might be involved when “giving a newborn baby up” for adoption.

6. How Much Does it Cost When a Mom “Gives a Baby Up” for Adoption?

The adoption process is always free to prospective birth mothers. The financial costs associated with pregnancy and parenting are often a motivating factor for choosing adoption.

In fact, prospective birth mothers are often eligible for adoption financial assistance to help with things like rent, groceries, maternity clothes, and more. Each state has its own laws determining what is allowed and not allowed when it comes to this assistance.

Your specialist will work to ensure that your journey is made as stress-free as possible by facilitating adoption financial assistance for your pregnancy-related expenses, including things like medical costs, living expenses, legal fees and more.

7. How Will I Find The Right Family for My Baby?

The modern adoption process puts you in charge, and that includes choosing the adoptive parents that you believe will be best for your baby.

Working with an agency, you can outline the characteristics of potential adoptive parents that matter most to you. This could be something like size of family, living situation, parenting philosophy or religious affiliation.

Ask any potential agency how they vet families, how many families they work with, and what is included in adoptive family profiles — is it just photos and letters, or are there videos, too? An agency with thorough vetting, a large number of hopeful parents, and high-quality profiles will put you in the best position to find the perfect parents for your baby.

8. Will I Get to See My Child After “Giving a Baby Away” in Adoption?

The vast majority of adoptions today are open. This means that “giving your baby up” for adoption isn’t the end of your relationship.

Open adoption relationships vary depending on what the prospective birth mother wants. This is something you can work out in your adoption plan. From occasional letters, to video calls, to in-person meetings, open adoption can be whatever you want it to be.

Get Free Information From an Adoption Professional

While we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions about “giving a baby up” for adoption, we know that you most likely have more specific questions about your situation. Speaking with a professional is a great way to get a better idea of what you can expect when placing your baby for adoption. 

Follow the button below to get connected with an adoption specialist.