What Happens at the Hospital if I Give My Baby Up for Adoption?
By Ryan Yau
If you’re a birth mother considering adoption, you may be wondering what the adoption process looks like in the hospital. Fortunately, you have a lot of control over the entire adoption process, including what happens at the hospital. Adoption Choices of Oklahoma can help you create a birth plan so that you will be informed throughout the entire process.
Whether you are set on adoption or are still considering options for your baby, being informed can be a huge help.
Creating an Adoption Hospital Plan
The first step is to know where your nearby adoption agencies are. Once you have that sorted, your agency will help you plan your adoption. You will be provided with the services of an adoption specialist, who can help you create a birth plan or hospital plan. They will also assist you with an adoption plan, which will lay out your medical and financial needs, among others.
Your birth plan is specially focused on your experience in the hospital. Here are some of the considerations you may want to make in your plan:
Should the Adoptive Parents be in the Delivery?
This is something many people do not consider, but it is nonetheless important to think about. Giving birth can be a very emotional journey, especially if you are a first-time mother. Therefore, having people nearby can help you feel supported and make you comfortable.
Your plan can include who you want to be present at the moment of birth. Perhaps this can include your parents or significant other. If you wish, you may even ask the adoptive parents to be present, either in the room or waiting outside. The choice of who you would want to surround yourself with is completely up to you.
Who Should Get to Hold the Baby?
Small ceremonies, such as holding the baby after birth, are a large part of the pregnancy experience. As such, you will want to consider who you want to hold your child after birth. Cutting the cord is another similar ceremony, and both can be outlined in your adoption plan.
You may be concerned about getting attached to your baby before placing them for pregnancy. This is a valid concern, as pregnancy creates an unmistakable bond between mother and child. Unfortunately, it is possible that you may experience some form of grief upon placing your child for adoption.
However, there are ways to help with this. You may want an open adoption, which allows you to exchange contact information with your child’s family. Choosing the right type of adoption is something you can do in your adoption plan. You can also seek counseling and other services provided by your agency.
How Much Time Do You Want With Your Baby Before Placing With the Adoptive Family?
Choosing how much time you want to spend with your baby is another big consideration. Especially if you are concerned about getting too attached, this can be an important decision to make. Most hospitals allow you to stay for up to 48 hours after giving birth. Some birth mothers choose to stay in the hospital with their baby for that time. On the other hand, others have the adoptive family present to take the baby immediately.
You can also decide on the nature of your interactions with the baby and the adoptive family. Maybe you want to be in a separate room as the adoptive family and have the baby sent between rooms. Alternatively, you can all be in one room. Of course, you have the freedom to change your mind when the time comes. However, having a plan to follow helps you be informed and prepared for what’s to come.
What Happens in an Adoption After I Give Birth?
You may be wondering what happens after you’ve given birth and placed your child for adoption. Our adoption services do not end after giving birth, and Adoption Choices of Oklahoma will be there to support you further.
Your adoption specialist will check in after you’ve given birth about your adoption plan. If you want to make changes to any part of the plan, you still have the ability to do so. Furthermore, you can seek counseling services or support groups if you experience any grief from the process. This is a natural reaction to physically separating from your child, and there are others experiencing the same feelings. Knowing you are not alone and having a strong support system can be very helpful.
If you are a woman considering adoption and seeking information about the entire adoption process.
