Not every prospective birth parent knows right away that they’re not ready to parent. Sometimes that realization doesn’t set in until later in the pregnancy. For some, the right choice might not become clear until after the baby is born. If you find yourself in this situation, you might be wondering if you have missed your chance to place your baby for adoption. It’s never too late to choose adoption.

It’s actually more common than you think for birth parents to not choose adoption until after they have delivered the baby. Most adoption agencies are prepared to handle hospital adoptions. Aside from taking place more quickly than a standard infant adoption, hospital adoptions have a similar process to follow.

If you are considering “giving a baby up” at the hospital or need more information about putting a baby up for adoption after birth, you can get free information and services today by contacting an adoption agency. Adoption professionals are available 24/7 to provide the support and services you need for a last-minute hospital adoption.

In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about how to “give a baby up” for adoption at the hospital.

Can I Place My Baby for Adoption at the Hospital?

Yes, you can place your baby for adoption at the hospital. This type of adoption is actually more common than you might think. In fact, we hear from many women who want to know, “Can mothers choose adoption at the hospital? Is it possible to give up a child after birth?” With the right adoption agency, “giving a baby up” for adoption at or after birth is more than possible.

Being faced with an unplanned pregnancy and coming to the realization that you are not ready to parent is an incredibly difficult reality to be faced with. You know what’s best for you and your baby, and you always have the power to choose. It cannot be stated enough that it is never too late to choose adoption. Below you can learn more about the steps involved in placing your baby for adoption at the hospital.

How Do I Place My Baby for Adoption at the Hospital?

If you have decided to place your baby for adoption after they have been born, working with a national adoption agency might be the best choice. These agencies have more resources to offer, and have a larger pool of waiting adoptive families for you to choose form.

While the process of placing your baby for adoption at the hospital might feel like a whirlwind, there are a set of steps that you will have to follow before the placement can be completed.

Step 1: Choose adoption.  Making the decision to place your baby for adoption is incredibly difficult. While you might hear phrases like “give your baby up” for adoption, it’s important that you understand choosing adoption is far from giving up. Bear in mind, only you can make this decision. Take the time to consider how this decision may impact you later on.

Step 2: Talk to an adoption professional. Once you have decided that adoption is the best choice for you and your baby, find an adoption professional that you feel can help meet your needs. Once you reach out to them, you can start creating an adoption plan. They will answer any questions you have and work with you to determine how open you want the adoption to be, as well as what you are looking for in an adoptive family.

Step 3: Choose the adoptive family.  In the adoption process, you get to decide who will raise your baby. Your adoption specialist will compile a group of adoptive family profiles that match what you are looking for. You will then be able to review these profiles until you find the perfect adoptive family to raise your baby. If you are putting an already-born baby up for adoption, a national adoption agency can help you find someone to adopt at birth who will be ready to travel to your hospital within a matter of hours.

Step 4: Complete the adoption. Once you have chosen the adoptive family, they will be notified and will travel to you as quickly as possible. While it is not necessarily a required step in the process, you will have the opportunity to meet your baby’s adoptive family in person if you want. Some prospective birth parents need time to rest and grieve and do not want to meet the adoptive family, and that is absolutely okay.

Once the adoptive family is present, and any waiting period has passed, you will then be able to officially consent to the adoption of your baby. You will be officially signing away your parental rights, and giving consent to the adoptive family to raise your child. While this can be a very emotional time, remember that you are making a very brave choice to give your baby the chance to have a loving and supportive family.

Step 5: Post-placement. The adoption process doesn’t necessarily stop after the placement has been finalized. Many adoption agencies try to encourage some degree of an open adoption. Open adoptions are typically easier on both the birth parent and the child. It allows you peace of mind knowing your child is happy and healthy, and they won’t have to wonder about where they came from.

The post-placement contact you have with your child will depend upon the arrangement you have with the adoptive family. Post-placement contact is typically in the form of photos, letters, phone calls, and even in-person visits. Over time, you and the adoptive family may even consider each other to be part of the family.

Placing Your Baby for Adoption at the Hospital

If you’re still on the fence about adoption, there is no rush. If you aren’t able to make that decision until you are at the hospital, that is perfectly okay. You can decide to place your baby for adoption at the hospital, and even after they have been born. “Giving a baby up” for adoption after birth, whether it’s been hours, days, weeks or even months since your baby was born, is always an option for you.

Choosing adoption after pregnancy will not dramatically change the steps of the adoption process; you will still be able to choose the adoptive family, get to know them, and create an adoption plan that fits your wants and needs. If this is an option you are considering, contact an adoption professional today to get more information on how to “give a baby up” for adoption after birth.

Choosing adoption for your baby is a beautiful act of love and compassion. You are making a sacrifice to give your baby the best life possible. Adoption doesn’t mean goodbye forever. If you have an open or semi-open adoption, you will be able to watch your baby grow up while staying on the path you had laid out for your life.

Next Steps

If you have found yourself considering adoption for your baby at the hospital, you are valid in this choice. You are making the selfless sacrifice to give your baby the best life possible. If you know this is the right choice for you and your child, contact and adoption professional today.