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How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption and Dream Bigger for Their Future

Whether you’re pregnant, have just given birth, or are caring for a newborn, putting your baby up for adoption is a loving option that sets your child up for a wonderful life. 

How The Process Works

  • Step 1:

    Call, text, or fill out our quick contact form (we’re available 24/7).

  • Step 2:

    Create a personalized adoption plan — you're in control.

  • Step 3:

    Choose the adoptive family you feel is right.

  • Step 4:

    Get financial, legal, and emotional support — including help with your adoption plan — at no cost to you.

  • Step 5:

    Decide how much contact you want after the adoption (open, semi-open, or closed).

What if your next step gave you more peace of mind than you thought possible? Talk with an adoption specialist who will help — on your terms.

Could Placing Your Baby for Adoption Be the Most Loving Choice?

 

Putting a baby up for adoption is a thoughtful and selfless decision that gives your baby the life you dream for them.

Every woman’s story is different, but many choose adoption because:

  • They’re not in a place where they feel ready to parent

  • They’re already caring for other children and feel stretched too thin

  • The baby’s father isn’t involved, supportive, or part of their life

  • They want their child to have a life filled with stability, love, and opportunity

  • They want to pursue education, work, or long-term goals while knowing their child is safe and cared for

"He's got a huge family, so much love, and it makes me so happy for him."

- Birth Mother Sara

You’re Not Just Choosing a Family — You’re Creating Their Future

 

When you choose adoption for an unborn child, you decide what kind of family you want your child to grow up in, and what values matter most to you.

It’s about knowing your child is growing up surrounded by love, stability, and the opportunities you hoped for.

You Can Choose

  • Where the adoptive family lives (small town, big city, near the beach, etc).

  • Whether they already have children or are becoming parents for the first time.

  • Their lifestyle, background, and values - including religion, culture, or education.

  • How much contact you want after the adoption (open, semi-open, or closed).

You’ll get to view family profiles with pictures, videos, and personal stories — and if you want, you can talk to them before you decide.

"It was the best thing I could have done for my baby. My sons' parents are the most wonderful people in the world. I absolutely could not have asked for anything more."

- Birth Mother Erin

Adoption Is Always Free — Here’s What You Need to Know

Placing a baby for adoption is always 100% free for you. Every expense related to the adoption process is covered. This includes medical, legal and financial costs during the pregnancy and support after placement.

Here’s the kind of support you can receive for free:

  • 24/7 emotional support and counseling

  • A custom adoption plan and one-on-one support at every stage

  • Medical care for you and your baby

  • Legal representation to protect your rights

  • Financial assistance for rent, groceries, utilities, and more (based on your needs)

This allows you to focus on doing what’s best for you and your baby, without added stress or uncertainty.

If you’re wondering what kind of support might be available in your situation, we’re here to talk — whenever you’re ready.

Still Have Questions? Let's Talk Through Some Common Ones

Not at all. Adoption is still an option even after your baby is born. Many women begin the process from the hospital, at home, or weeks or months after giving birth.

If you want to. Many women choose open or semi-open adoption, where you can receive photos, updates, video calls, or even in-person visits. You decide what kind of contact feels right for you.

No — it’s not wrong. In fact, it’s one of the most selfless and loving decisions you can make. Adoption is about putting your baby’s needs first and making a thoughtful plan for their future. Choosing adoption doesn’t mean you’re giving up — it means you’re giving love.

We typically work with infants and children up to age 4. If your child is older, we can still talk with you about your options and help you find the right resources.

Yes, you can change your mind at any point before signing the legal consent forms. The specific time frame and legal implications vary by state, so it's important to discuss this with your adoption specialist.

Yes, adoption agencies are committed to maintaining your privacy. You can choose the level of openness in the adoption, ranging from open to semi-open or closed, based on your comfort level.

We offer post-adoption support, including counseling services, support groups, and assistance with communication between you and the adoptive family, depending on the openness of the adoption.

Adoptive families undergo thorough background checks, home studies, and interviews to ensure they can provide a safe, loving, and stable environment for a child.

Not Sure What Comes Next? We Can Help. 

You don’t have to have all the answers to reach out. 

Whether you’re still exploring your options or ready to take the next step, we’re here for you — anytime, day or night.

Your specialist will listen, answer your questions, and walk with you through every part of the process. There’s no pressure and no cost — just real support from people who care.

You are strong. You have options. And you deserve the chance to dream bigger — for you and your baby.

 

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Read More

Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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