Considering Adoption?

Placing Your Baby For Adoption

Once you've made the decision to place your baby for adoption, choosing the parents who will raise your child will become your focus. Unlike placing mothers of previous generations, today's expectant mother considering adoption has the right to choose, meet, and know the adoptive family who will raise her child.

Choosing a family can be overwhelming. There are many, many worthy families hoping to adopt. As you begin the process of choosing a family for your baby, it is helpful to think about the characteristics and qualities that are most important to you. Which are absolutely vital and which might be less so? Choosing a religious family, for example, may be a non-negotiable aspect of your search. Picking a family with another child, while very important to you, may not be an absolute deal breaker.

Making a list of important traits can be a great starting point. But it isn't the only way. There are many birthmothers who speak of getting a feeling of comfort when they look at a certain profile. These women just know that a particular family is the one meant to raise their child.

Consider interviewing or meeting with more than one family, even if it is just for the sake of comparison. This can also help confirm that the family you have chosen is indeed the right one for your baby.

If at any point during this process, your chosen family begins to make you feel uncomfortable or you began to feel that they might not be right for your baby, you have the right to choose a different family.

This is a huge decision. So take your time making it. While most women considering adoption may prefer to find a family early in their pregnancies, there is no rule that says a family must be chosen before giving birth. Do not let an impending due date rush you into making a hasty decision.