If you’re feeling like you can’t take care of your baby, you’re not alone. Many women in your situation feel scared, overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Facing this reality takes incredible courage.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right support, you can find a path forward that puts your child’s needs first while also respecting your circumstances.

Contact an adoption specialist today to speak with a specialist about your options and the benefits of adoption.

I Can’t Take Care of My Baby — But I Want the Best for Them

Realizing you can’t care for your baby in the way you want to is one of the hardest realizations you may ever face.

It doesn’t mean you don’t love your child — it means you’re brave enough to recognize when you need help.

For many women in this situation, adoption becomes a loving choice that provides financial support, the ability to choose an adoptive family, and the chance to give their baby an amazing life while still staying connected through open adoption.

Why You Might Feel Like You Can’t Take Care of Your Baby

Feeling unable to care for your baby isn’t a failure. It’s often a realistic acknowledgment of your situation. Many women face this for valid reasons, including:

  • Financial struggles: If you can’t afford a baby, you’re not alone. The cost of diapers, childcare, and medical care can feel overwhelming when you’re already struggling with basic needs.
  • Relationship challenges: Parenting alone after a breakup or without partner support can feel impossible.
  • Personal circumstances: Maybe you’re not ready to be a mom, you’re focused on education or career goals, or you’re facing challenges like addiction or unsafe relationships.
  • Mental health challenges: Postpartum depression, anxiety, and related conditions can make parenting feel unmanageable. If you need immediate support, call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA).
  • Lack of support: Trying to raise a baby without family or community support can leave you feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

Acknowledging these struggles is the first step toward finding a safe and loving path for you and your child.

Where to Turn Right Now for Support

If you’re in crisis, help is available right now:

  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA) – Free, confidential, 24/7 support
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for immediate support
  • Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-944-4773 – For postpartum depression and anxiety

You can also reach out to your local Department of Social Services, health centers, churches, or nonprofits for emergency help. Asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If You Want to Parent With More Support

Some women who feel they can’t take care of their baby want to explore parenting with additional support. Depending on your state, you may have access to:

  • Government assistance (WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, housing support)
  • Community programs that provide childcare, food, and clothing
  • Parenting classes and mentorship through local nonprofits or churches

American Adoptions can help connect you with these resources if you decide to parent. Exploring adoption does not take away your right to parent.

How Adoption Can Give Your Baby a Bright Future

When you feel you can’t take care of your baby, adoption allows you to make a loving plan for their future while receiving the support you need. With American Adoptions, you can:

Adoption isn’t about “giving up.” It’s about making the most thoughtful and empowering choice for both you and your child.

View our waiting families today.

Can I Choose Adoption After Birth?

Yes. You can choose adoption even after your baby is born and home with you. American Adoptions works with women whose children are newborns, weeks old, or even up to age 3.

Women often pursue adoption after birth when:

  • They realize they can’t provide the care they hoped to
  • Circumstances change unexpectedly
  • Postpartum depression or anxiety makes parenting impossible
  • Financial realities become clear after bringing the baby home

There’s no deadline. The right time to choose adoption is whenever you decide it’s best for you and your child.

The Support You’ll Receive with American Adoptions

American Adoptions provides comprehensive support to help you navigate this difficult situation with dignity and professional expertise:

  • Financial Support – Help with rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and full coverage of medical bills, so you can focus on yourself and your baby without added stress.
  • Family Selection – The ability to choose your baby’s adoptive family from our fully pre-screened waiting families, with opportunities for open adoption so you can stay in contact and watch your child grow.
  • 24/7 Free Counseling – Trained specialists are always available to provide emotional support, answer questions, and help you feel confident in your decisions.
  • Adoption Planning – Guidance to create a personalized adoption plan, set hospital preferences, and design the level of openness that works best for you.
  • Post-Adoption Support – Continued resources and counseling after placement, helping you navigate healing and maintain healthy contact in open adoption.

Stories from Women Who’ve Been There

These are real testimonials from American Adoptions birth mothers:

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I know in my heart it would have been much more difficult to try to provide for a child that I know I wasn’t ready for.” – Ann, American Adoptions Birth Mother

“I chose adoption for my baby not because I didn’t want her but because I love her.” – Sandra, American Adoptions Birth Mother

“A mother’s love for her child is like no other love. To be able to put that feeling aside because you want the best for your child is the most unselfish thing I know.” – Mary, American Adoptions Birth Mother

“You are making another family extremely happy and you may not even realize it. I knew it, but it wasn’t until I saw the three of them together that next morning that I realized all their dreams had come true and it was thanks to me and my sacrifice for them.” – Lona, American Adoptions Birth Mother

“This choice was the hardest but best choice I will ever have to make. I know it was the most unselfish thing I could have done.” – Angel, American Adoptions Birth Mother

How to Take the Next Step

If you’re thinking “I can’t take care of my baby” and want to explore your options, taking the next step doesn’t commit you to any decision – it opens doors to information and support.

Remember, there’s no “wrong” choice – only the choice that’s right for your circumstances. What matters is making a thoughtful decision based on love for your child and respect for yourself.

Contact American Adoptions now to speak with a counselor, available 24/7.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Whatever you’re feeling is valid, and whatever you decide deserves support and respect.