If you're reading this, you might be facing a difficult decision. Maybe you just found out you're pregnant and feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you're in the hospital right now, or you've been home with your baby for days or weeks and realize parenting isn't what you expected. Whatever your situation, know this: You're not alone, and there's no judgment here.

Below, we'll walk through when you can give your baby up for adoption in Louisiana. We'll cover the legal requirements you need to know and how an agency like American Adoptions can support you every step of the way. If you're ready to learn more or talk with someone who understands, fill out our form today.

The Timeline: When Can I Give My Baby Up for Adoption in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you can choose adoption at any point: during pregnancy, immediately after delivery or even after you've taken your baby home. The timing of your decision affects the process, but it doesn't change the fact that adoption remains an option.

Starting Your Adoption Plan During Pregnancy

Many expectant parents begin planning for adoption during pregnancy. Starting early gives you time to:

• Browse waiting family profiles and choose the perfect match for your baby

• Create a detailed adoption plan that reflects your preferences

• Receive financial assistance for adoption- or pregnancy-related expenses

• Build a relationship with the adoptive family

Keep in mind that you don't have to decide before delivery. You can change your mind at any point before you sign legal consent paperwork. Many expectant parents appreciate having a plan in place while knowing they can still choose to parent if their feelings change.

Making Your Decision at the Hospital

Some parents make their final decision during labor or shortly after birth. You can put a baby up for adoption as soon as they're born, but Louisiana law requires a brief waiting period before you can legally consent to adoption. Mothers cannot legally sign until at least the third day after birth when working with an agency like American Adoptions (or the fifth day for a private adoption).

Before you can legally sign consent papers, Louisiana requires you to:

• Complete at least two counseling sessions with a licensed social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist or agency counselor

• Meet with your own attorney

• Understand that once you sign, you cannot change your mind except in very limited circumstances

If you're making adoption decisions at the hospital, American Adoptions coordinates closely with hospital staff to ensure you receive compassionate, respectful care. Your adoption specialist will help arrange time for you to spend with your baby, if you choose. You'll have support throughout your hospital stay and clear guidance about next steps.

Placing Your Baby After Leaving the Hospital

Perhaps you brought your baby home intending to parent, but circumstances have changed. You can still give your baby up for adoption after birth. Life doesn't always unfold as we expect, and recognizing what's truly best for your child takes courage.

The process may look different depending on your baby’s age. However, here’s what you can typically expect when choosing adoption after bringing your baby home:

Understanding Louisiana's Legal Requirements for Birth Parents

Understanding your legal rights and protections helps you make informed decisions. Here's what you need to know about Louisiana adoption law.

Mandatory Counseling

Before you can legally surrender your parental rights, you must participate in at least two counseling sessions. These sessions help ensure you understand the emotional and legal implications of adoption, feel confident in your decision and know what support is available to you.

This requirement isn't meant to discourage you from choosing adoption — it's designed to protect you and ensure your decision is fully informed.

Legal Representation Rights

Louisiana requires that you meet with and get advice from an attorney. This attorney cannot also represent the adoptive family. This ensures you have independent legal counsel who looks out for your interests alone.

The Waiting Period

As mentioned earlier, you cannot put a baby up for adoption as soon as they're born. There's a mandatory waiting period for agency adoptions, which is three days after birth. For private adoptions, it's five days. This gives you time to recover physically and emotionally before making legally binding decisions.

The Adoption Revocation Period

Louisiana law treats consent to adoption very seriously. Once you sign the consent papers and the court accepts them, your parental consent for adoption is final. This means you generally cannot change your mind about adoption after that point.

However, the law does allow you to challenge your consent if you were forced or tricked into signing. Any legal action to challenge consent must happen within 90 days of signing or before the adoption is finalized, whichever comes first.

Knowing When You're Ready: Emotions and Legal Timelines

Legal timelines are one thing. Emotional readiness is another.

You might feel certain about adoption one day and question everything the next. That's completely normal , and it doesn't mean you're making the wrong choice. It means you're a parent who loves their child deeply and wants what's best for them.

The three-to-five-day waiting period exists to give you space to sit with your decision and feel whatever you need to feel. This is your time; use it however you need to. You can talk with a counselor, pray, journal or just hold your baby. When you’re ready, you can make a fully informed decision for yourself and your child.

American Adoptions Can Support You Throughout Your Journey

No matter when you choose adoption, American Adoptions provides comprehensive support:

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. With our agency, you'll have someone in your corner who understands what you're going through.

Ready to Learn More? Connect With an Adoption Specialist

Now that you know when you can give your baby up for adoption in Louisiana, the next step is to reach out.

An adoption specialist can answer your specific questions, explain how Louisiana's laws apply to your situation and help you understand what support is available. There's no pressure and no judgment — just honest information and compassionate guidance.

It's never too late to choose adoption. Whether you're still pregnant, at the hospital or already home with your baby, you can choose a brighter future. Fill out our form or call us at 1-800-ADOPTION to get started.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.