If you’re a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s a fair assumption that you’re under at least some amount of stress. Becoming pregnant is a life-changing event for anyone, and it can be especially jarring if it’s not something you’ve been planning for. To start, let’s address the three options that every woman has for an unplanned pregnancy:

1. Parenting

2. Abortion

3. Adoption

It’s no one’s place but yours to decide which path you take. While family members, friends and even the baby’s father may have strong opinions about what you should do, you and you alone know what’s best for you and your baby. If, however, putting a baby up for adoption in North Dakota is something you’re considering, we want to make sure you understand what will happen during that process.

Before we explain how to give your unborn baby up for adoption in North Dakota, though, we’d like to address a phrase that’s commonly used in adoption discussions: “giving baby up for adoption.” While this language is popular, it isn’t exactly sensitive. In no way are you “giving up,” “giving away” or abandoning your child by placing him or her for adoption. Instead, you’re selflessly putting your baby above yourself. It’s a decision to be commended, not judged.

How do I put my unborn baby up for adoption in North Dakota?

To put a baby up for adoption in North Dakota, you’ll complete the seven following steps:

Step One: Choose to place baby for adoption.

As we mentioned above, you have three choices for your unplanned pregnancy: parenting, abortion or adoption. While you are the only one who can make this decision, it is absolutely possible for you to speak with one of our adoption specialists at 1-800-ADOPTION prior to making a choice one way or the other. Our social workers will not push you to give your baby up for adoption, but they will provide you with unbiased information and advice for any route you choose. 

Step Two: Work with your adoption specialist to create your adoption plan.

If you do choose to place a baby for adoption in North Dakota with American Adoptions, you’ll be in the driver’s seat of the adoption process. Once you reach out, you’ll be matched with your own individual adoption specialist, who will work with you to determine exactly how you want your adoption process to go.

Step Three: Choose your child’s adoptive family.

That’s right; when you work with American Adoptions, you’ll be able to choose your child’s adoptive parents. If you choose to put your child up for adoption in North Dakota, it’s because you want him or her to have the best life imaginable. It’s absolutely your right to make sure you place your baby in a home that can provide that. Every family that works with American Adoptions creates an adoptive family video profile, which will allow you to learn quite a bit about them before ever speaking to them. If you like, your adoption specialist can arrange a phone call with them for you to learn more.

Step Four: Develop a relationship with your child’s adoptive family.

Once you’ve chosen an adoptive family, we recommend that you begin to get to know them better. At American Adoptions, we always recommend some degree of openness when giving a child up for adoption in North Dakota. This means that you’ll share communication with your child’s adoptive parents as your child grows up, whether that’s through texts, emails, phone calls, in-person visits or more. The more you get to know them now, the more comfortable you will be with your relationship after your child is born.

Step Five: Make a hospital plan.

Just like any other pregnant woman, you’ll need to prepare for your stay in hospital when it’s time to give birth. You’ll consider delivery methods, whether or not you want pain medication and more, but as a woman giving a baby up for adoption in North Dakota, you’ll also have a few more details to consider. Your adoption specialist will help you to consider factors like whether or not you want time alone with your baby, who should be in the delivery room, if you want to interact with the adoptive parents at the hospital, and more.

Step Six: Consent to placing a baby for adoption in North Dakota.

Before you can give a baby up for adoption in North Dakota, you’ll need to make sure you properly consent to his or her adoption. In North Dakota, you can do so at any time after your child is born, and you will be required to consent before an individual authorized to take acknowledgments, or a notary. Your adoption specialist and attorney will be able to prepare you for and guide you through this document-signing process. They’ll make sure you fully understand your rights and that you’re comfortable with your decision.

Step Seven: Continue to bond with your child’s adoptive family.

The relationship you started when you chose your child’s adoptive parents prior to giving your baby up for adoption can continue for the rest of your life, if you choose. Like any other relationship, it can change over time. If you need your space in the beginning to grieve the loss of your child and work on your own goals, there’s nothing wrong with that — and you can slowly build up to more communication as you feel ready. It’s entirely up to you and your child’s adoptive parents.

If reading this article helped you to think that giving a baby up for adoption in North Dakota may be the right decision — or if you’d like to talk over your options with an unbiased professional — please don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION. 

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