What Happens at the Hospital if I’m Giving My Baby Up for Adoption?

If you’re facing the complicated decision of giving a child up for adoption, understanding what to expect during your time at the hospital is crucial. What happens before, during, and after delivery might seem like a mystery. The hospital experience can be overwhelming, so learning about the process is one way to feel more grounded and secure during this time. We aim to provide you with valuable insights and information to help you navigate this sensitive period with confidence and peace of mind. So, let’s delve into the details and explore the hospital arrangements and support available to you as you embark on your adoption journey.

If you are considering adoption in Missouri, Adoption Choices of Missouri is an agency that will provide assistance to you every step of the way. We are always here to answer questions and consult with you about your personal adoption process. We believe that you should be empowered to make whatever decisions you feel are best, and our agency aims to support you in that.

How will I Prepare for My Delivery at the Hospital?

Before you go into labor or visit the hospital, you will consult with the adoption agency to develop a birth plan. This can also be called a hospital plan and is an important step. This will be part of the process whether you are consulting with Adoption Choices of Missouri or another adoption agency in Missouri. You will develop this plan to lay out how you want the hospital visit and delivery to proceed. There are a number of decisions to make about that window of time that you will consult with the agency about. The birth plan can act as a set of guidelines for you, the agency, the hospital staff, and the adoptive family.

What is included in the Hospital Adoption Plan?

The hospital plan contains whatever you want to prioritize, but here are a few examples of possible decisions to consider:

Who will be in the delivery room? You can decide if you would prefer to be alone or if you would like to include others there. This might include the birth father, the adoptive family, or anyone else you might want to support you through delivery. If you wish to have the adoptive family there but not in the room, the hospital might provide another space for them to stay during the birth.
Who will cut the cord? Some people consider the cutting of the umbilical cord to be an important moment. You might want to do it yourself or give that responsibility to an adoptive parent.
Where should the baby stay after birth? After giving birth, you may want to keep the baby nearby, or you might choose to have the baby stay with the adoptive family. You can also choose who you want to be the first to hold the baby and if you wish to breastfeed or not.
How should the baby be named? Consider if you want to name the baby yourself, leave that decision to the adoptive family, or work together to choose a name.

In an Adoption, What Happens Before and During Delivery?

Before delivery, you will want to review your birth plan to make sure you are still confident in your decisions. If you are working with Adoption Choices of Missouri, we will continue to check in with you up until delivery to answer any questions or provide support. If you need to make any changes to your hospital plan, let your adoption specialist know, and it will be revised. There will also be paperwork to fill out and sign after the birth, so make sure you have all the information you need and are aware of what those documents entail.

What Happens in an Adoption Post-Delivery

After delivering a baby, a hospital will typically keep you for at least 48 hours. This is true if you underwent surgery such as a C-section or if it was a vaginal birth. You may also request to leave before that rest period is over if that is what you want. Based on what decisions you have already made in your adoption plan, you may have no further contact with the child and adoptive family. If you have chosen to pursue an open adoption in Missouri, you will continue to keep in touch with the family and build those relationships.

Pregnancy is a personal experience and can be a complicated journey. We want to help make that process as stress-free and comfortable as possible. If you have questions about any specifics of adoption and are considering adoption for your baby, contact Adoption Choices of Missouri. To get in touch with us, you can contact us through our site or via call or text.

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Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in Missouri?

June 15, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in Missouri?

By Miranda Frank

Adoption Choices of Missouri is a non-profit agency that provides help and guidance for birth parents in Missouri. We are here to inform you about the adoption process and your real adoption choices during this period. Considering your adoption options can seem overwhelming, so we want to support you through and after your pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and considering giving your child up for adoption, you may have some questions with regard to who may be eligible to adopt a child in your state. If you are wondering if same-sex couples are able to adopt in Missouri, here are some frequently asked questions that may be helpful.

Can same-sex couples adopt in Missouri?

Yes, same-sex couples can legally adopt children in Missouri. Missouri law does not discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals or couples in the adoption process.

Are LGBTQ+ individuals or couples given equal consideration for adoption in Missouri?

Yes, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples are given the same consideration as heterosexual individuals and couples in the adoption process. An adoption cannot be denied solely based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

What is the process for LGBTQ+ individuals or couples to adopt in Missouri?

The adoption process for LGBTQ+ individuals or couples in Missouri is similar to that of heterosexual individuals or couples. It entails submitting an application, completing a home study, and satisfying other prerequisites established by the adoption agency.

Can LGBTQ+ individuals or couples adopt through Adoption Choices of Missouri?

Yes, LGBTQ+ individuals or couples can adopt through our organization. The process is the same regardless of any member of the prospective family’s sexual orientation or gender identity. All potential parents undergo the same process and must meet the same criteria and undergo a home study to ensure that they can provide a suitable home environment for a child.

Are LGBTQ+ individuals or couples subject to any additional requirements or restrictions in the adoption process?

LGBTQ+ individuals or couples should not be subject to any additional requirements or restrictions solely based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. They are expected to meet the same legal and ethical standards as any other prospective adoptive parents.

What resources are available to LGBTQ+ individuals or couples interested in adoption in Missouri?

Adoption agencies in Missouri are a great resource for people looking to adopt and for pregnant people who are pregnant and considering adoption. Adoption Choices of Missouri is a great source of information, and we are always open to answering any questions and providing any help necessary. We have a network of professionals in contact with diverse waiting families across the nation who are looking to adopt.

Do I have a say in who the adoptive parents will be?

When you are developing your adoption plan, your assigned Birth Parent Counselor will bring you adoptive family profiles to choose from. Depending on the level of openness, you can meet the adoptive family and maintain communication throughout your pregnancy. Throughout every stage of the adoption process, you will be able to communicate your preferences about what you envision for the family of your child, what you see for your relationship with them, and countless other elements.

What are the benefits of choosing an LGBTQ+ couple as adoptive parents for my child?

There are a number of potential benefits to choosing an LGBTQ+ couple as adoptive parents for your child. Queer couples often prioritize creating an inclusive and accepting environment for their child, embracing diversity and promoting both understanding and empathy, which can help them to provide a supportive space for a child to. LGBTQ+ couples also may have a support network and community that can provide additional resources and guidance that benefit both you and your child.

What are the disadvantages of choosing LGBTQ+ couples as adoptive parents for my child?

There are also challenges and factors that could be difficult to address. While society has become more accepting, there is still the possibility of encountering stigma, which may be difficult for both the child and birth mother to encounter. Additionally, a lack of representation of diverse families may also be a challenge and, therefore, another consideration.

What else should I consider if I am choosing an LGBTQ+ couple or individual to adopt my child?

Begin with identifying what qualities of a couple or home you may want to consider. This can start with the question, “What would a loving family for my baby look like?” and from there, you can determine what values and other factors you might prioritize. Seek out couples who demonstrate the kind of loving and accepting nature that might contribute to a healthy home. Will this couple provide a child with acceptance, stability, support, and communication? Also, weighing the unique benefits and disadvantages of choosing a same-sex couple as parents for your child will help you to make an even more informed decision if adoption is right for you.

If you have any further questions about how to give a baby up for adoption or any other part of the adoption process, contact Adoption Choices of Missouri via phone, email, text, or through our website so we can connect to assess your needs and circumstances.