Baby is Born: Can I Still Choose Adoption? For Birth Mothers Giving Up a Child for Adoption in Missouri
By Samara Wiley
“Help – I’ve just given birth, and now I’m considering adoption for my baby!”
After delivering your baby, you feel the overwhelming realization that you are not in the position to care for or give your child the life he or she deserves. Maybe your circumstances just don’t fit with having a child right now, so you find yourself in the position of giving a child up for adoption after the baby has arrived.
Good news! Adoption in Missouri after the baby is born is still an option, whether you find yourself at home or in the hospital, and Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help.
I’m in the Hospital. My Baby is Born. Can I still Choose Adoption?
You’re in the hospital. Your baby is here. You quickly realize you are not equipped to be a parent and want to give your baby a better life by choosing adoption.
You ask the nurse to contact us, your local adoption center, and request to speak with a Birth Parent Counselor. In an anxious state, you explain that you’d like to place your baby for adoption. The adoption caseworker assures you that everything is going to be ok and that you can still choose adoption after your baby has been born.
Three Types of Adoption Plans:
You can sit with this decision as there is no rush. When you have finally decided on adoption, your adoption caseworker will help you develop an adoption plan that is right for you and your baby. There are three different types you can choose from:
- Open adoption – has the most interaction between the birth parents, adopted parents, and child. (Examples: phone calls, virtual communication, or in-person visits)
- Semi-open – has limited contact between the birth mother and adopted parents or child. (Examples: letters and sharing photos through our secure, confidential online portal, ChildConnect.)
- Closed adoption – no contact information is shared between the adopted parents, birth parents or child.
Adoption after Birth
At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we are here to support and guide you through this decision in your life. Our Birth Parent Counselors will assist with every part of the adoption process, giving you the tools and the support that you and your baby need throughout the adoption process.
Yes! You can still choose adoption, whether it has been just days or a few weeks after your baby is born. You will receive help from an adoption professional and the services necessary to start your adoption plan if you feel like you are unable to care for your child at this time in your life.
Choosing Adoption After Your Baby is Born
Choosing adoption after you give birth is not an easy thing to go through. With the help of one of our licensed adoption counselors, you can rest easy knowing that you have the emotional support you need and deserve during this process. You are never alone!
You can ask as many questions as you have and receive non-judgmental answers that will leave you feeling better about your choice of adoption. Our agency will treat you with the kindness, respect, and compassion that you deserve as a birth mother.
