If you’re a woman considering adoption in California, you’re most likely at a stressful time in your life. This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and it may be hard to know what the right decision is. If this describes your situation, there are two things you need to know: First, you are not alone. Second, no one can tell you what to do with your unplanned pregnancy.

If you're ready to begin your adoption journey, call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our contact form.

You are the only one qualified to make this decision for yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t research your options. As an adoption agency, we’re passionate about making sure you have access to reliable information about giving a baby up for adoption in California. This article exists solely to educate you, never to persuade you; adoption is not right for everyone. However, if you’re wondering what happens if you give a baby up for adoption in California, we’re here to help.

“Giving Baby Up” for Adoption in California

First, let’s address a misleading phrase that’s frequently used in conversations surrounding adoption: “giving a baby up for adoption.” In no way, shape or form are pregnant women who consider or choose adoption “giving up.” Placing your baby with an adoptive family is one of the most selfless acts imaginable, and it comes with grief for the women who do so. Giving a baby up for adoption is putting a child above one’s own wants or needs; it’s certainly not throwing in the towel or “giving up” in the sense that this phrase is traditionally used.

How do I put my unborn baby up for adoption in California?

When considering “giving your baby up” for adoption in CA, it may help to know what the adoption process will look like. Here’s what you can expect to happen when you give a baby up for adoption in California:

1. Decide if adoption is right for you. As we said above, you’re the only one who can make this choice. While friends and family may mean well, only you know what’s right for yourself and this child. If you need help making this decision, you can call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with one of our social workers for free, unbiased information.

2. Create your adoption plan. With American Adoptions, you’re in the driver’s seat of the adoption process. When you contact us, you’ll be assigned to an Adoption Specialist who will work with you to understand exactly what you want to happen for your baby. She’ll help you identify your perfect adoptive family, determine the type of contact you’d like to have with them, and more.

3. Find an adoptive family. If you choose adoption, it’s because you want your baby to have the best life imaginable. But who to place your baby with? This can be a stressful process, which is where American Adoptions steps in. Every family we work with completes an adoptive family video profile to help you get to know them before reaching out. All prospective adoptive families have also undergone home studies and background checks as well as committed to adoption and to communicating with you as much as you wish. Once you’ve identified with your Adoption Specialist what you’re looking for in an adoptive family, she’ll send you the profiles of families who might be a good fit.

4. Get to know the adoptive family. Once you’ve chosen a family for your baby, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know them before placement. American Adoptions recommends some degree of openness, or communication, in most adoption situations. If you wish, you can communicate with the adoptive family — and later, your baby — via emails, texts, phone calls, or even in-person visits.

5. Prepare your hospital plan. Of course, you’ll want to prepare for your hospital stay just like all other pregnant women would, but when thinking about adoption, your hospital plan will include a few additional factors. For example, who do you want in the room when you have your baby? Who should hold him or her first? Do you want to have time alone with your baby or would you prefer the adoptive parents be present? Your hospital plan can go however you want it to, so your Adoption Specialist will work with you to determine every detail of the day.

6. Continue to share contact after placement. Your baby doesn’t have to leave your life forever when you leave the hospital. The relationship you’ve developed with your child’s adoptive parents will be a lifelong one. Adoptive relationships, like all relationships, do evolve over time, so communication methods may evolve as well. Sometimes, it’s easier — especially in the beginning — to agree to periodic emails or phone calls as you grieve the loss of your baby, but this is something you can determine with the adoptive family. Many women feel like the adoptive parents become part of their family, too!

If you’re considering adoption for babies in California, it’s because you have your child’s best interests in the front of your mind. If putting a baby up for adoption is something you’d like to explore, please call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time to speak with an adoption specialist.

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