Giving Baby Up for Adoption in Maryland
If you're thinking about placing your baby for adoption in Maryland, you may be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply in need of guidance.
Whether your pregnancy was unplanned, your circumstances have changed, or you're already parenting and considering adoption, it's important to know that you're not alone. American Adoptions is here to walk with you every step of the way.
We understand the complexity of this decision and the emotions that come with it. Our goal is to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered. Choosing adoption is not giving up — it’s giving love, security, and a bright future to your child.
We work with women throughout Maryland to create thoughtful, safe, and personalized adoption plans. Whether your baby is not yet born or already here, we offer financial assistance, emotional support, and access to hundreds of waiting adoptive families.
Learn More About Adoption in Maryland
Understanding the Adoption Process in Maryland
If you're searching for how to place your baby for adoption in Maryland, it's important to understand what the process looks like — and who will support you along the way. Working with a national, fully licensed agency like American
Adoptions means you get access to a safe, step-by-step process, personal guidance, and trusted professionals who understand Maryland adoption laws and what you're going through emotionally.
This section breaks down each step of the Maryland adoption process, helping you visualize what to expect and how we’ll walk with you from start to finish. Whether you’re early in your pregnancy or your baby has already been born, here’s what the adoption process looks like when you work with American Adoptions:
Step 1: Contact Us Anytime
Our adoption specialists are here 24/7 — by phone, text, or online form. Whether you're early in pregnancy or already at the hospital, you can reach out anytime for support.
We'll listen, answer your questions, and help you explore your options without pressure or judgment. Every situation is different, and we’re here to offer clear, compassionate guidance that fits your needs.
Step 2: Meet Your Adoption Specialist
You’ll be matched with a personal adoption specialist who will guide you through every step of the process. They’ll explain how adoption works in Maryland, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your rights and choices.
In addition to walking you through the basics, your specialist will support you emotionally and help with key decisions, like choosing an adoptive family or creating a hospital plan. Their job is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident from start to finish.
Step 3: Build Your Personalized Adoption Plan
You have complete control over your adoption plan. You'll decide:
- What type of family you’re looking for
- How much contact you want before and after the adoption
- What your hospital experience should be like
We’ll make sure your wishes are respected and carried out.
Step 4: Choose the Right Adoptive Family
We offer a wide range of adoptive family profiles, including bios and videos that help you see each family’s values and lifestyle. Every hopeful adoptive family has passed background checks, home studies, and interviews to ensure they’re ready to provide a safe, loving home. If you have questions or want help picking the right family, our team is here to guide and support you.
Step 5: Create a Birth and Hospital Plan
When the time comes to deliver your baby, your hospital plan will make things easier. You’ll decide:
- Who will be with you during labor and delivery
- How much time you want with your baby
- When the adoptive family should be involved
We’ll work with the hospital staff to make sure your plan is followed.
Step 6: Placement and Support After Adoption
Your baby will go directly to the adoptive family — no foster care involved. Our support doesn’t end there. After placement, we offer free counseling, regular check-ins with your adoption specialist, and help managing contact with the adoptive family if you choose open adoption.
What If I’ve Already Had My Baby?
You can still choose adoption, even if your baby has already been born. Many women reach out from the hospital or weeks later when they realize parenting may not be the right path.
We help birth mothers in all situations:
- Just delivered and want to place baby directly from the hospital
- Took the baby home but are struggling to parent
- Realized adoption might be best after some time has passed
In any of these situations, we can help. You’ll still have the same options and support as any other birth mother.
Helpful Information About Newborn Adoption
Free Adoption Services in Maryland
Adoption is always free for birth mothers, and many women in Maryland qualify for additional financial assistance through their adoption plan. This help is legally approved and provided by licensed agencies like American Adoptions to support your health, safety, and well-being during pregnancy.
You may receive help with rent, utilities, groceries, maternity clothing, and transportation to doctor’s appointments. In some cases, women also receive assistance with childcare for older children, phone bills to stay in contact with their specialist, and other basic needs. You’ll also have access to free legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you understand every step of the process.
Emotional counseling is available before, during, and after the adoption, helping you cope with the emotions of pregnancy and placement. All of these services are designed to reduce stress and allow you to focus on your health, your baby’s well-being, and making the decision that’s right for you.
Can I Get Paid for Adoption in Maryland?
While you cannot be paid to place a child for adoption, you can receive financial support for pregnancy-related expenses through a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions. This support is fully legal, safe, and designed to reduce your stress so you can focus on your health and your baby’s future.
In Maryland, adoption-related financial assistance may include:
- Rent and utility bills to keep your home stable
- Groceries and hygiene products to support your daily needs
- Medical care and prescriptions related to your pregnancy
- Transportation to prenatal appointments and the hospital
- Free legal support to protect your rights
- Emotional counseling during and after the process
Your adoption specialist will assess your situation and help ensure you receive the financial support you need — with no obligation to choose adoption until you’re ready.
Learn More About Financial Support
Is Adoption a Selfish or Wrong Choice?
Not at all. Adoption is a selfless act of love that puts your child’s future first. For many women, choosing adoption means providing their baby with opportunities and stability they may not be able to offer at this moment — and that choice takes deep strength and courage.
“I just came to the point where I didn’t want their life to consist of their mom working really hard at two jobs just to get by, and then I’m barely home,” says Casey, a birth mother who shared her adoption story. “Some people are a product of their environment… I didn’t want the streets to raise them because I’m so busy trying to provide for them, and I wanted them to have a father figure.”
Stories like Casey’s remind us that adoption isn’t about giving up — it’s about giving more. It’s about making a plan for your baby’s future that reflects your hopes and values. And when you work with a trusted agency like American Adoptions and find a family you connect with, adoption can be one of the most meaningful decisions you ever make.
How to Find the Right Adoptive Family
One of the most empowering parts of the adoption process is choosing the adoptive family. You decide what matters most — whether it’s location, religion, lifestyle, or parenting values.
Every hopeful parent must pass:
- Background checks
- Home studies
- In-depth interviews
You can view waiting family profiles, watch their videos, and even speak with them before deciding. If you want to stay in touch after placement, we’ll help you find a family open to communication.
What to Expect at the Hospital
Your hospital plan puts you in control of the delivery experience, ensuring that your wishes are honored during one of the most emotional and personal moments of the adoption journey. With the support of your adoption specialist, you’ll be able to make detailed decisions about how your hospital stay should go, including:
- Where you want to give birth, and whether you prefer a specific hospital or birthing center
- Who should be with you during labor and delivery, whether it's a friend, family member, or just your adoption specialist
- How much time you’d like to spend with your baby after delivery, including whether you’d like private moments to bond or say goodbye
- When and how the adoptive family is involved — from being in the waiting room to being present in the delivery room if you wish
You can also make choices about things like whether you want to name your baby, take photos, or create keepsakes. Your adoption specialist will coordinate all your preferences with the hospital staff and the adoptive family, making sure your voice is heard and respected.
You deserve to feel safe, supported, and in control — and your specialist will be right there to advocate for you every step of the way.
Learn About Hospital Plans in Maryland
What About the Birth Father?
Birth fathers can play a role in the adoption process, but situations vary. In Maryland, the law typically requires both parents’ consent. However, there are exceptions depending on your circumstances.
Whether the father is supportive, unknown, or uninvolved, talk to your adoption specialist. We’ll connect you with legal experts who can explain your rights clearly.
Understand Birth Father Rights in Maryland
Important Maryland Adoption Laws
Adoption laws are designed to protect your rights and ensure you have time and clarity before making any legal decisions. Here are some key legal facts you should know about adoption in Maryland:
- You must wait at least 24 hours after giving birth before you can legally sign adoption consent forms. This waiting period allows you to recover physically and emotionally before making a final decision.
- Consent must be given in writing, in front of a qualified witness, and in some cases, also notarized. This process ensures that your choice is voluntary and legally sound.
- You may have a limited time to revoke your consent, depending on specific circumstances and the legal advice you receive. Your attorney will explain your rights and any potential revocation period in detail.
These protections are in place to make sure you feel confident and supported when finalizing your adoption decision. Don’t worry — our legal team and your adoption specialist will guide you through every step so that everything is done properly, ethically, and with care.
Life After Adoption: What Comes Next?
Your adoption journey doesn’t end at placement. We stay involved to make sure you’re supported in the weeks, months, and even years afterward. Our post-adoption services include:
- Free ongoing counseling for grief, healing, or adjustment
- Help maintaining contact with the adoptive family
- Invitations to support events and retreats
- Continued communication with your adoption specialist
Whether you need someone to talk to or just want to check in, we’ll always be here for you.
Explore Contact After Placement
How Do I Know If Adoption Is Right for Me?
Adoption isn’t for everyone — and only you can make that decision. But if you’re asking yourself questions like:
- Can I give my baby a stable home right now?
- Am I emotionally or financially ready to be a parent?
- Do I want to provide more for my child than I can offer today?
...then adoption is worth exploring. We’re here to answer your questions honestly and give you space to think it through.
Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Maryland
We’re Here for You
Whether you're early in your pregnancy, at the hospital, or already parenting, you can reach out at any time. There’s no pressure, no commitment — just support.
Call us at 1-800-ADOPTION, or Connect Online
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