The Adoption Process: Step by Step

It is very important to educate yourself about adoption and research all of your options. Working with an adoption professional that you trust and feel comfortable with will make all the difference in your experience. The first step of the process is to make contact and talk with an Adoption Specialist who can answer all of your questions and help you decide if adoption is right for you and your baby. American Adoption's specialists are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-ADOPTION to answer all of your questions.

You will receive information and materials to fill out about yourself. This information will be used confidentially and will help match you with the perfect adoptive family for your baby. If you have any questions about the information, an Adoption Specialist can help guide you.

This is your Adoption Plan and it is important for you to feel comfortable with your decision and have all of your needs met. During your pregnancy you will work with an Adoption Specialist to create the terms of your adoption. You have many options - this is your chance to choose what you envision as the most idea life for your baby! Listed below are some of the things you can expect to happen during your pregnancy while you are creating your Adoption Plan.

Discuss your needs (medical, living, housing) with your adoption specialist, when applicable.

Select an adoptive family. You can view family profiles to select the perfect family or you can ask your Adoption Specialist to help select the family for you.

Decide on the level of contact you want with the adoptive parents before, during and after the birth of the baby (phone calls, visits, picture and letter updates).

Read stories of other mothers and families who have gone through adoption and complete adoption workbook. You can also choose to speak with other birth mothers during this time to help you understand what to expect.

Meet with a counselor, if you desire.

Prepare for the hospital experience and know what will happen when you go into labor and have the baby.

This occurs after the baby is born. You have worked with your Adoption Specialist to get everything ready and now it is time to place the baby with the adoptive family. You decide what type of contact you want to have with the family before, during and after the baby is born. In most situations, the baby can be placed directly with the adoptive parents. This is the most difficult time of the process as this is when reality begins. Remember why you are choosing adoption, and know that your feelings are normal. Your Adoption Specialist will help you through this time and make sure that you feel comfortable with everything.

During this time you will sign the legal documents to place your baby for adoption. Ask your Adoption Specialist for more details about the process in your state as adoption laws vary from state to state. You're Adoption Specialist is an expert in this process will make sure you understand everything as it happens.

You should expect to feel sadness and many other emotions after the adoption. It is important that you stay in touch with your Adoption Specialist to help you through this time. They can provide you with information and services to explain what you may expect to feel after the adoption has occurred. Counseling services are always encouraged and can be set up for you by your Adoption Specialist.

You can expect to receive picture and letter updates during this time if you have chosen to stay in contact. Ask your Adoption Specialist for details on when and how you can expect to receive these updates.

Depending on what type of contact your child would like to have in the future, you may be able to reunite with them when they are old enough. This is a decision that is up to you and to your child. It is important to think about the life you have provided for your child through adoption and know that no mother makes that decision easily ... it is a truly selfless act of love.