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Can I Still Choose Adoption if I’ve Already Given Birth?

Can I Still Choose Adoption if I've Already Given Birth?

The answer is “Yes.” It is never too late to make an adoption plan for your baby. Many women wait until their babies are born or after they are home. Choosing adoption is a difficult decision, and you want to feel confident.

Have I Waited Too Long?

There isn’t a time limit for planning an adoption. As the birth mother, you control the process and timing. 

There are many eager and loving couples hoping to adopt. You have time to review bios and choose the right couple for you and your baby. 

What Do I Do First?

First, you want to work with a reputable adoption agency capable of handling a legal, last-minute adoption plan. Your adoption specialist should meet with you to help you decide if adoption is the best choice.

Once you have decided to move forward, the agency you choose should provide you with one-on-one counseling and support throughout the entire process and beyond. The agency can also provide financial assistance to help you with medical expenses and other pregnancy-related costs.

Choosing Your Adoption Plan

You want to select the adoption plan most comfortable for you. The type of relationship you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family determines the best plan.

Open Adoption

Currently, most women choose open adoption. This plan allows you to have more contact with your child and their adoptive family. 

By exchanging full names, addresses, and phone numbers, you can choose how to stay in touch and meet one another. 

Semi-Open Adoption

With this plan, your adoption specialist acts as a mediator, sharing photos and letters between you and the adoptive family.

You exchange first names only, and the agency can arrange an opportunity for you to meet.

Closed Adoption

If you wish to remain completely anonymous, choose a closed adoption plan. Your adoption representative selects the adoptive family for you, and no identifiable information is shared.

The courts seal the adoption records and you have no further contact. 

Finalizing the Adoption

With the perfect adoptive couple chosen, you are ready to finalize the adoption. Choosing to place your child for adoption should cost you nothing. The agency handles all paperwork, legal arrangements, and court expenses.

To legally finalize an adoption, you and the birth father terminate your parental rights. A birth father can terminate his rights at any time, but a birth mother must wait a minimum of 48 hours after giving birth. 

The courts give the adoptive couple full parental rights and the responsibility to care for the child. They appear in court six months later for the final decree of adoption.

Contact A Gift of Hope Adoptions

Our adoption specialist can meet with you in the hospital or your home if you want to discuss the idea of adoption further. We understand this is a hard decision, and we will provide you with the counseling and support you need during and after.
Call us at 888-564-HOPE (4673) to speak with us immediately. Or fill out our confidential online contact form, and we’ll be in touch shortly. It’s never too late to choose this option.

 

What Questions Can We Answer?

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testimonials

Elizabeth and A Gift of Hope have been a touchstone during our adoption process. Having had issues with a previous agency – Elizabeth was a breath of fresh air! Reassuring, supportive and empathetic. We are so in love with our daughter and thank A Gift of Hope everyday for her!

AGOHA is a great agency that has provided amazing support and guidance though the adoption process. Would highly recommend AGOHA!

Our family has used their services for adoption. It’s wonderful dealing with someone who is looking out for the whole child, not just placing kids.

A Gift of Hope Adoptions is a Godsend for so many expectant young mothers. I completely recommend this organization for anyone interested in providing a wonderful life for their soon-to-be baby. This organization is also a Godsend for those of us who cannot have our own biological children.

I have recommended A Gift of Hope Adoptions to several mother’s considering adoptions for their babies. They have been so happy to feel supported and empowered through their decision.
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“We adopted both of our sons through A Gift of Hope Adoptions. They helped us every step of the way and answered all the questions we had, and we had a lot! We would not be where we are today, with two busy boys in our family, if it wasn’t for A Gift of Hope.”

“We decided to use A Gift of Hope Adoptions because they are very personal and caring. The wait and uncertainty of adoption seemed daunting, but A Gift of Hope helped make the process go smoothly, and we couldn’t be happier with our beautiful child.”