How Do I Give Up My Baby For Adoption?

Giving up your baby for adoption is a legal process whereby another person or family will parent your biological child. You will be revoking all legal rights concerning your relationship with your child and placing his or her care and legal responsibilities into the hands of another family. Giving up (or Placing Your Baby For Adoption, which is now a more commonly accepted and positive term) begins with a serious look at parenting. You will need to decide if adoption is right for you and your child. If you decide you cannot parent your child or baby, then adoption may be a good choice. Next, you'll need to find the right family to adopt your baby. This involves choosing an adoptive family either online or with the help of a qualified adoption professional (attorney or agency). You will also want to consider many important questions like: Do I want to keep in contact with my child (open adoption), can I change my mind about adoption, and what is adoption grief? Once you are fully committed to adoption, you can continue to create an adoption plan and find more comfort during this challenging time. Remember, adoption is a serious life decision and you must consider all its ramifications and consequences. Once finalized, adoption is permanent. That means once you place your child for adoption, you cannot go back on the decision, regardless of how you feel. Here are some important questions to ask yourself as you consider adoption:

• Consider why you do not wish to parent. Will you feel this way in five years or 10?
• Begin to look at adoptive families. Are there any that seem like they would be a good fit? If so, consider reaching out to them to see how that feels.
• Start a plan for the adoption. Do you wish to maintain contact with your child and the family? Do you wish to see your child on occasion?
• Do you need financial assistance or legal help? Ask your adoption attorney or agency for this assistance.
• Prepare for the birth of your child and relinquishment. Visit your doctor regularly and stay healthy.
• Maintain a relationship with the adopt a family and get to know them better. Make sure they are the right family for you.
• Understand that you can change your mind about adoption up until the point of signing the legal documents. But after that, your adoption is legal and final.