Birth Mother Blog

Newborn Adoption vs. Infant Adoption in Missouri

Newborn Adoption vs. Infant Adoption

If you are a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy or you have recently had a baby but you feel parenting is not the right choice for you, you may be considering adoption in MO and whether it is the right decision for you and your baby. If you are wondering what newborn adoption vs. infant adoption is, we can help! It is important to note that not all adoptions are newborns, but sometimes, older children too (infants and toddlers). Regardless of the age, if you feel that parenting is not an option, adoption in Missouri is a great choice for your baby, YOU, and the adoptive family who wants to start or expand their family.   

If you are thinking about making an adoption plan for your unborn, newborn, or infant/toddler, our Missouri adoption center, Adoption Choices of Missouri is here to help as you consider all of your options!

Newborn Adoption in MO

Newborn adoption usually happens after the birth of your baby at the hospital where he or she is born. If you are thinking about newborn adoption as a good choice for you and your baby, you can create an adoption plan and agreement while you are still pregnant or soon after birth. Birth mothers who choose to place their baby for newborn adoption may feel at ease as they typically have finalized their decision and adoption plan before giving birth. This allows birth mothers to not worry about the future of their child, especially if it is an unplanned pregnancy. More time can be focused on being healthy and having a safe delivery. A birth mother may or may not have communication with the adoptive family before or after birth, depending on the level of openness agreed upon in the adoption plan. 

If you are an adoptive family interested and planning on newborn adoption, you will need to complete a few essential steps that Adoption Choices of Missouri can help you with. From an application, to a home study and placement, these are all part of the adoption journey. Newborn adoption will likely happen at the hospital and the baby will likely be under a month old once he or she is officially placed with you. 

Infant Adoption in MO

Infant adoption is when a birth mother places her baby for adoption who is between birth and twelve months old. A birth mother’s decision to place her baby for infant adoption is completely valid for any reason, personal, and the choice she makes is for the best for her baby and herself. Sometimes, a birth mother may lose the emotional and financial support she had when her baby was born and can no longer provide for her baby. Maybe a birth mother and her partner or spouse are no longer together, making it difficult to raise their baby alone. It is important to remember that a birth mother’s commitment to placing her baby for adoption is a responsible one. Additionally, a birth mother who knows she can’t be there for her baby in all ways, and realizes adoption is a great choice for the future of her baby and herself, is a selfless decision that takes a lot of trust and courage. 

If you are a birth mother and have taken the first step in deciding to place your baby for adoption, you can contact our adoption center to begin establishing an adoption plan. It is completely normal to have questions all throughout the adoption process, and we want to work with you to make sure that placing your baby for adoption is a good experience for everyone involved. 

As a birth mother, you will get to meet a birth parent counselor to discuss your options, including if you want to choose the parents who will adopt your baby. Also, you can decide whether you want it to be an open adoption, semi-open adoption or closed adoption agreement. You can do what you are comfortable with when it comes to the level of openness in the adoption plan. The transition you will go through after placing your baby for adoption will take time and we are here to provide you with support as you comprehend the choice you made. 

Adoption with a Licensed Missouri Adoption Agency

Facing an unplanned pregnancy or struggling to support your baby for any reason is nothing to be ashamed of. Many birth mothers may not know that adoption is an option that can provide the best possible life for your baby. Whether you are pregnant or are raising your baby, newborn and infant adoption can be a blessing and a positive experience. It also is important to know that your adoption plan can be unique to you and your baby. 

Adoption Choices of Missouri will never pressure you to make a decision in your adoption plan that you do not feel comfortable making. We can offer you a supportive group of individuals to talk with you about your adoption plan without any of the surrounding stigma of adoption. Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 1-816-527-9800