How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Wisconsin

If you’re thinking about giving baby up for adoption in Wisconsin, you may be overwhelmed with emotions and questions. This guide is here to help.

“There is no reason to be ashamed of my decision, even though not everyone was going to agree with my choice,” said Sara, a birth mother. “I knew I had done what was best for Theodore. I gave him the best possible future, filled with unconditional love, financial stability, education and so much more!”

Whether you’re newly pregnant or already at the hospital, you still have options. In this guide, you’ll learn how to place a baby for adoption, how to find support and what to expect at every step of the process. When you’re ready, you can contact us to connect with a professional.

Adoption Agencies in Wisconsin: Why Work With One?

When you’re thinking about how to give a baby up for adoption, having a licensed adoption agency on your side makes a big difference. These agencies aren’t just service providers — they’re your advocates. They follow strict legal and ethical standards set by the state, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

You can count on them for unbiased counseling and emotional support. No pressure, no judgment, just the help you need to make the right decision for you and your baby. If you’re navigating both adoption and pregnancy, working with a licensed professional can relieve some of the stress.

Here’s what licensed agencies provide:

Want to know exactly how an agency supports you? Read more.

Private Adoption Agencies Near Me in Wisconsin

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Private adoption agencies are staffed by caring professionals who understand what you’re going through. They’ll help you explore your options without ever making you feel pressured to choose adoption.

Here are several private adoption agencies in Wisconsin:

• American Adoptions (Milwaukee, De Pere, Eau Claire)
• Adoption Avenues Inc. (Janesville)
• Adoption Choice Inc. (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison)
• Adoption of Wisconsin Inc. (Madison)
• Catholic Charities (Eau Claire, La Crosse, Loyal, Wausau, Milwaukee, Madison)
• Evangelical Child and Family Agency (New Berlin)
• LifeLong Adoptions (Ephrata)

Free Adoption Services for Pregnant Women in Wisconsin: How Agencies Can Help

Does putting your baby up for adoption cost anything? No. Licensed adoption agencies are committed to ensuring that money is never a barrier to a better future.

Rather, agencies can help you get support like medical care, legal help and housing assistance. They’re here to help you stay safe and healthy while you decide what’s best for you and your baby.

Here are the services that adoption agencies provide:

How to Give a Baby Up for Adoption in Wisconsin: 5 Steps

No two adoption journeys look the same. However, there are five common steps for putting a newborn up for adoption.

Step 1. Find a Licensed Adoption Agency

This is your first and most important step. A licensed agency will ensure you’re protected, informed and cared for. They’ll help you explore all your pregnancy options and give you the time and space to make a confident choice.

Connect with a professional today

Step 2. Create Your Personalized Adoption Plan

You decide every part of your adoption plan: the type of family you want for your baby, how much contact you’d like with them, what kind of support you need and how your hospital experience will go.

Your agency will make sure that everyone involved respects your wishes. Your plan can also be adjusted at any time when you choose adoption for your baby.

Step 3. Choose an Adoptive Family

You get to choose the family who will raise your baby. You can review adoption profiles that include photos, letters and even videos to get a real sense of who these families are.

There’s no deadline, so you can take your time. Other birth mothers have said they just knew when they found the right family. It’s important to find adoptive parents who align with your vision for your baby’s future.

Step 4. Prepare for Delivery

Your hospital plan ensures that your birth experience is exactly how you want it. Nothing happens without your approval. This is especially important if you’re giving baby up for adoption at birth or giving baby up for adoption at the hospital. Your rights and wishes are still fully protected.

That includes signing the legal paperwork for the adoption. You decide when (or if) you’re ready to sign consent. You should never feel rushed or pressured into anything. Your comfort, emotional well-being and healing are the top priority.

Step 5. Receive Post-Placement Support

Life after placement can be emotional. Your agency can provide counseling and connect you with support groups. Many agencies also offer open adoption guidance to help you stay connected with your child and their adoptive family.

Are you wondering, “How will I react to giving baby up for adoption?” Know that everyone processes it differently, and support is available for as long as you need it.

Can I Give My Baby Up for Adoption After Birth in Wisconsin?

Yes. It’s never too late. Whether you’re still at the hospital or already home with your baby, adoption is still an option. Some parents even choose adoption after parenting for a few weeks or months.

You can make an adoption plan at any point. Your agency will help you move quickly and ensure you and your baby are supported every step of the way.

Are There Adoption Agencies That Pay Birth Mothers in Wisconsin?

No. You cannot be paid for choosing adoption. But that doesn’t mean you’re left to handle things alone. Wisconsin allows adoptive families to cover reasonable expenses related to pregnancy and adoption, including:

• Counseling
• Legal help
• Medical costs
• Maternity clothes (up to $300)
• Living expenses (up to $5,000)
• Transportation
• Birthing classes
• A small gift ($100 limit)

Your agency will help make sure all financial assistance follows state law.

How Adoption Opens the Door to the Best Life for Your Baby

Adoption is not about giving up. It’s about giving more. By choosing adoption, you’re creating a life of stability, love and opportunity for your child.

Adoptive families go through extensive screenings to make sure they’re ready to provide the best possible life. They’re emotionally, financially and practically prepared to give your baby everything you dream of.

Are you asking yourself, “Is giving my baby up for adoption right for me?” This section might help you start to find your answer. It’s okay to explore the pros and cons of giving baby up for adoption before you decide.

Finding the Right Adoptive Family in Wisconsin

Choosing the adoptive family is one of the most empowering parts of adoption. You might want:

• A family that shares your religion or culture
• Parents who already have children (or don’t)
• Someone who lives in Wisconsin or in another state
• A family with specific values, hobbies or lifestyle

You’ll get to look through profiles, watch videos and even talk to the family before making a decision. National agencies work with hundreds of families, giving you more options to find the perfect fit.

Do I Have to Work With the Baby’s Father?

Depending on your situation, you may need the birth father’s consent to adoption. Wisconsin law generally requires that the baby’s father is notified and may need to consent. But there are exceptions, especially if he’s unknown, uninvolved or hasn’t legally established paternity.

Your agency can walk you through this process and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Adoption Hospital Plans: What to Expect During Delivery

When you create a hospital plan, you outline how your delivery experience will go. It can include:

• Where you deliver
• Who supports you in the room
• Whether the adoptive family is present
• How much time you’d like to spend with your baby

Your adoption professional will communicate your plan to hospital staff so your wishes are honored.

What Happens After Adoption?

After placement, life continues — and so does your connection to your baby, if you want. Your relationship with your baby doesn’t have to end at placement. Through open adoption, you can:

• Exchange letters and photos
• Have phone or video calls
• Schedule in-person visits

How hard is giving your baby up for adoption? The honest answer is that it’s not easy. But support, love and healing are available to you. Your adoption agency will continue supporting you with counseling and resources.

You Aren’t Giving Up — You Are Choosing Love

Adoption isn’t the end. It’s a beginning for your baby, for you and for a hopeful family.

You’re not giving up. You’re choosing love, security and a brighter future. And your agency will be there to walk with you every step of the way.