Because adoption in Ohio is such a life-changing decision, having the best information and resources by your side is crucial towards making the best decision for your baby.

Here at American Adoptions, we understand the situation that you are in — and we empathize with what you are currently feeling. As one of the largest adoption agencies in the nation, we can provide you with judgment-free education about placing a baby for adoption in Ohio. And, whatever decision you choose to make, we will always support your right to do so. If you’re ready to talk to one of our adoption specialists, you can contact us today by calling 1-800-ADOPTION or filling out our free online form.

If you’re considering placing a child for adoption in Ohio, you can always speak with an adoption professional for guidance and answers to any questions or concerns you may have. In the meantime, the following information will give you a general understanding of what this process is really like.

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in Ohio

Step 1: Learn the Benefits of Adoption

Adoption could be the right unplanned pregnancy option for you.

Here’s what you should know first: Phrases like “giving a baby up for adoption” or “putting a baby up for adoption” in Ohio don’t take into account the serious amount of thought and love that go into your adoption decision. As a pregnant women, when you consider “giving a baby up” for adoption in Ohio, you will have your own reasons for doing so, as will all prospective birth mothers, but there is a common thread— you are all considering adoption because you want the best for your baby.

You’re not “giving up.” You’re giving your baby opportunities you may not be able provide yourself.

It is natural to have many different questions at this stage. If you are thinking about adoption in Ohio, you may have questions like:

• “Is adoption free?”

• “How do I put my unborn baby up for adoption?”

• “Does the birth father of the baby have to be involved in the adoption?”

• “Can I stay in contact with my child if I wanted to?”

• “Can you pick who adopts your baby?”

These are just a few of the questions you may be asking yourself. At American Adoptions, we understand the need for pregnancy and adoption support doesn’t always follow “business hours.” Because of this, we offer 24/7 support services, which means we’re available to answer any questions you may have, no matter when you have them. An adoption professional will always be available to help.  

Call us at 1-800-ADOPTION to get immediate answers to all of your questions. It’s free, confidential, and a great resource to have by your side as you weigh your options for your unplanned pregnancy.

Step 2: Creating a Successful Adoption Plan

If you choose to pursue adoption, you’re in full control of the process. You’re in charge of all the decisions when you’re giving your baby up for adoption in Ohio, including:

• The adoptive parents and family your child grows up with

• Where you give birth and receive medical care, and who is there to support you throughout your hospital stay

• How much post-adoption communication you want with the family and your child

• And more

Creating a successful adoption plan starts with your adoption professional. Your American Adoptions professional will be there to educate you about your adoption options, to offer counseling and support, and to guide you through the process of putting your baby up for adoption in Ohio.

But don’t just take it from us, read stories from actual birth mothers who have used our services to complete their adoptions. Birth mother Erika has high praises for her adoption professional.

“I could not have asked for a better set of people in my life,” she says. “They made the whole process amazing… I never went back and forth with my decision, but it was still a tough decision. “I don’t know how I would have done it without Shannon,” she adds.

Shannon was Erika’s birth mother specialist, who walked her through every part of the adoption process and served as her personal counselor.  She was always there to listen for hours on end whenever Erika needed her, even if it wasn’t about her adoption process.

As one of the largest domestic adoption agencies in the United States, American Adoptions is well versed in adoption situations just like yours. Adoption professionals are available 24/7, every day of the year, to ensure you are getting the support you need, no matter when you need it. We put your needs first throughout every step of the adoption process. To read more of Erika’s story, or other birth mother stories, click here.

Step 3: Finding the Perfect Family for your Baby

Often, when pregnant women considering adoption in Ohio see their child’s potential adoptive family in their adoption profile, they have a sense of “rightness.” You can find that peace of mind, too. Here’s how.

Before you even begin to view adoption profiles, find peace of mind knowing that all adoptive families with American Adoptions are:

• Already approved on a federal level (as well as in Ohio) through home studies, background checks and more

• Excited to grow their family through adoption

• Just as excited to get to know you and have a relationship with you through contact before and after the adoption, to whatever extent you’re comfortable with

Finding the right adoptive family for your baby is one of the most important, but also exciting steps in the adoption process. Here’s how to find adoptive parents when you’re giving a baby up for adoption in Ohio:

Step 1: You’ll talk with your American Adoptions specialist about the kind of family you picture your child having, including where they’ll live, what the parents will be like, if they will have siblings and more.

Step 2: Your Ohio adoption specialist will give you profiles of potential adoptive parents that are similar to what you were picturing. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know adoptive families that interest you through conference calls.

Step 3: Once you’ve selected your baby’s parents, you can continue communicating until the birth and then, if you place your baby for adoption with them, you can stay in regular contact throughout your child’s life.

The bond between birth and adoptive parents can be an important, strong, lifelong relationship. When you place a baby for adoption in Ohio with our agency, you can know that you’ll always be connected to your child, in whatever manner works best for you.

Step 4: Establishing Your Birth Plan

Having an established plan for your time in the hospital during delivery can help you feel calm and prepared. When you’re pregnant and considering adoption in Ohio, you and your adoption specialist will create a birth plan that suits you.

You’ll consider factors like:

• How much or little you’d like the adoptive family to be involved during the birth of the baby
• Who you want to be with you at the hospital or in the delivery room as your support system
• Who holds your baby and when
• If there are any letters, gifts, or photos you’d like your baby to have as a reminder of this special day

Ohio adoption law requires you to wait at least 72 hours after giving birth before you can sign your adoption paperwork.

This can be the most difficult step in the adoption process, but know that your specialist and adoption attorney will be there to support you and answer your questions about your rights, the birth father’s involvement and anything else.

No matter how long you’ve worked with our agency, or how far along in your pregnancy you may be, you will always have the right to change your mind about your adoption plan at any time.

Step 5: Forming a Post-Adoption Relationship: What Type of Relationship is Best for You?

If you’re interested in maintaining a relationship after giving your baby up for adoption, you can absolutely do that through an open adoption in Ohio. No two open adoptions are alike; each will have different levels of communication and openness. Choosing the level that’s right for you will completely depend upon your comfort level and desired outcome for your adoption.

In an open adoption, you can communicate with the adoptive family through:

• Email

• Video chat

• Phone calls

• Text

• Letters

• Visits

• Any combination of these — frequently, occasionally, or somewhere in between

An open adoption is simply about whatever makes everyone involved in the adoption happy and comfortable. Your adoption specialist will explain your options for post-placement contact, so you can do what is best for your baby and you. Placing a baby for adoption in Ohio means that you can customize an adoption plan that you’re comfortable with, so that you can do what you feel is best for both you and your baby.

If you’re ready to learn more about creating an adoption plan with our agency, please call us at 1-800-ADOPTION to talk with an adoption specialist or get more free information about adoption online.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.