top

×
close menu
  1. Home
  2. Pregnant?
  3. Common Adoption Questions

How Long after a Baby Is Born Can You Give It up for Adoption?

5 FAQs from Potential Birth Mothers

Giving your baby up for adoption at birth is always an option.

When you work with our agency, we’ll help you make an adoption plan and provide full-service support for giving your baby up for adoption at birth or later. To get started on that process today, fill out our online contact form to get free adoption information now. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

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

There is no deadline or time limit when it comes to giving your baby up for adoption at birth or even months later. It is never too late to choose adoption for your baby, and there is no right or wrong time to start considering this option.

You can still contact us online to begin your adoption journey with our agency, whether you:

  • Are far along in your pregnancy
  • Have just given birth
  • Have taken your baby home from the hospital weeks or even months ago

2. How Do You Give a Baby Up for Adoption After Birth? [5 Steps]

When you’re giving a baby up for adoption at birth, keep in mind that no two adoption journeys are exactly alike. Once you create your adoption plan with our guidance and support, we’ll help you find the right family for your child.

Although each adoption journey is unique, you can expect to follow these five general steps:

  • Step 1: Contact us to begin discussing your preferences for an adoptive family.
  • Step 2: Browse profiles of hopeful parents that match all your preferences and needs.
  • Step 3: Choose the level of openness that you’re comfortable with.
  • Step 4: Give birth and complete the legal paperwork alongside your adoption attorney.
  • Step 5: Complete the placement.

If you’re ready to learn more about adoption with our agency, then you can fill out our online contact form at any time. We’d love to help you begin this beautiful journey today.

3. Do You Get Money for Putting a Baby Up for Adoption?

No. Compensation for giving your baby up for adoption at birth or later is illegal. This is because it can be considered child trafficking. But, adoption is always free for you because of the adoption financial assistance you’ll receive from a reliable adoption agency, like American Adoptions.

If you choose adoption for your child after you have given birth, though, then you’re missing out on some key, free services. Still, by working with a trusted agency, such as American Adoptions, your last-minute adoption can come with resources like:

  • Free medical expenses: You don’t need to fret over the finances, as all your adoption- and pregnancy-related costs will be covered.
  • Free legal expenses: We’ll supply you with an adoption attorney who will explain all you need to know about the legal paperwork.
  • 24/7 adoption support: Adoption comes with many complex emotions, and we’re here to help you navigate them with a trained counselor.

All states have their own laws about how much financial assistance you can receive, but you’ll typically be eligible for help with living expenses, including:

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

If you’re considering adoption because you can’t afford to raise a child right now, then you’re making a brave, selfless decision. To learn more about adoption financial assistance with our agency, contact us online to get more free information now.

4. What Are Some Tips Before Giving a Baby up for Adoption at Birth?

5. Is Giving a Baby Up for Adoption Hard?

When you’re giving your baby up for adoption at birth or after birth, it can be an emotionally challenging time. Not only is it hard to make the adoption decision and complete the process, but it is also difficult to adjust to your new life after placement.

Adoption may not be an easy decision to make, but it may be one of the most rewarding choices you will ever make.

Mendy, a birth mother who worked with our agency, made that difficult decision by giving her baby up for adoption at birth. But, she persevered and felt proud of her adoption journey in the long run.

“If I could reach out to every girl going through adoption, I would let them know that you will be OK,” Mendy said. “Yes, there are emotions and a lot of hurt, but it fades, especially knowing that what you are doing is truly amazing and the best thing for the baby.”

***

Whether you are giving a baby up for adoption at birth or have known for a while that adoption would be the best choice for you, you are never alone.

We’re here to help you complete your adoption journey from start to finish. Contact us online to get more adoption information now. Our trusted team is here for you at any time.

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.

Request Free Information

View Waiting Families
Want to speak to someone who has chosen adoption?
Meet Michelle — A Proud Birth Mom
Ask an Adoption Question
View More Waiting Familes
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.

Read More

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