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How Do I Give My Baby up for Adoption?

Everything You Need to Know about the Adoption Process

Choosing adoption is a major decision, so it’s only natural if you feel nervous about it.

But, you’re not alone. People from all walks of life choose adoption for many reasons. This can be a way for you to create a better future not only for yourself but also for your beautiful baby. Here at American Adoptions, we’d love to help you create that future.

To get started on your adoption journey today, contact us online to get more free information now. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

How Do I Give My Baby Up for Adoption?

The adoption process will vary depending on your situation and needs. But, in general, there are five steps to follow when you want to give your baby up for adoption:

  • Step 1: Contact our agency to connect with a birth parent specialist.
  • Step 2: Create your adoption plan alongside your adoption professional.
  • Step 3: Choose the right adoptive family for your baby.
  • Step 4: Receive adoption financial assistance to cover all pregnancy- and adoption-related fees.
  • Step 5: Complete placement and receive post-adoption support.

Whenever you’re ready to start that process, fill out our online contact form at any time.

How Long After a Baby Is Born Can You Give It Up for Adoption?

No matter your situation, you can put your baby up for adoption. Whether you just discovered your pregnancy or have already given birth, adoption is always an option for you and your baby. We will help you find an adoptive family, receive financial support and much more.

Can I Get Paid for Giving My Baby up for Adoption?

Because this would qualify as child trafficking, you are not paid to give your baby up for adoption. Still, you’ll be eligible for financial assistance that covers 100% of the costs associated with your pregnancy and adoption journey. We’ll help determine your financial needs and make sure you receive the maximum amount of assistance allowable.

As the prospective birth mother, you can receive help for expenses like:

  • Rent
  • Utilities
  • Groceries
  • Maternity clothing
  • Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments

The amount of financial assistance you receive will vary depending on your unique circumstances and which state you live in. That’s because this support is court-mandated.

Our financial assistance can help you avoid many financial stressors. This allows you to focus on a safe, healthy pregnancy, rather than your bank account.

To learn more about adoption financial assistance with our agency, contact us online at any time.

Can I Give My Baby Away at Birth?

Yes, you can choose adoption for your baby after birth. No matter what, you can always choose adoption for your baby. Many parents have different reasons to give their baby up for adoption after birth, and every situation is unique. Whatever your circumstances are, adoption is always an option.

Here are a few ways you can be proactive about your adoption plan:

Begin the Adoption Process Today

When you’re ready to give your baby up for adoption, reach out to us. We’ll help you create an adoption plan, and you’ll call all the shots while we coordinate all the details.

From there, we’ll send you adoptive family profiles that match your preferences and explain the types of adoption relationships you can choose from. Through open adoption, you can stay connected with your child for years to come.

Caitlin, who chose open adoption, reflects on why it was the best decision for her.

“Knowing that I can be around and be there — I don’t even know how to put it into words… I’m like a cheerleader on the sideline, and that’s more than I could have asked for,” she said. “He gets this family who can take care of him and do everything I couldn’t, but he can also know that I didn’t just give him away. I had a purpose for him, and it was meant to be.”

If you’re looking to give your baby up for adoption, then you can start that process today. Fill out our online contact form to get more adoption information now. 

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Read More

Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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The Best for Her Babies - Why One Birth Mother Doesn't Regret Her Decision

Lindsey was already the mother to one baby with special needs when she found herself pregnant again. A single mom in the midst of a divorce, she knew adoption was the way to give both her daughters what they deserved.

Read the Story