Placing Baby for Adoption in the Hospital: Last Minute Adoptions
Placing Baby for Adoption in the Hospital: Last Minute Adoptions
There is never a “right” or perfect moment to choose adoption in Vegas. It can be an overwhelming decision — one that you may never be fully prepared to make. While many birth mothers know from the very beginning that they will choose adoption, it is not uncommon for women in labor or women who’ve just given birth to decide that adoption is for them.
If you are curious about what the adoption process looks like when it is done with short notice, it is not much different than when done ahead of time. You may not have as much time to explore adoptive families or mentally prepare for the experience, but it is never too late to choose adoption. So, what is the process for last minute adoptions?
- Contact a hospital social worker or counselor
Hospitals have a wide variety of resources available to meet your needs. While the nurses and doctors are tending to your physical needs, you can get in contact with a social worker at the hospital or from another agency. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t feel pressured to choose adoption. The social workers and counselors are there to serve as a wealth of knowledge and emotional support.
Adoption Choices of Las Vegas has caseworkers and agency representatives available 24/7 to assist you in your adoption journey. We understand the emotions and questions that surround adoption, but it’s okay to have those feelings. Agencies like ours are well-equipped to help you navigate this journey and can work with you to coordinate an adoption at any time.
- Choose and meet the adoptive family (if you’d like)
This, of course, is optional. Choosing the adoptive family gives you more control over the adoption process, but it is not reflective of how much you care for your baby. Some birth mothers wish to choose the adoptive parents so they can pick which religion their baby grows up with, if the child has siblings, and more. It can give birth mothers more of a sense of security when they know who they will be handing their child over to in the hospital and who will raise him or her. The adoptive families do go through extensive background checks and verification before being approved to adopt. If you do not wish to choose the adoptive parents, that is fine as well — he or she will be placed by a chosen adoptive family (with just as much love as any other) by a qualified professional.
- Decide the level of contact you wish to have with the adoptive family
There are multiple levels of adoption: closed, open, and semi-open. In an open adoption, the birth parents and the adoptive parents can have direct contact. This can occur through phone calls, emails, letters, or visits. Semi-open adoption, also known as mediated adoption, usually has a third party, such as a lawyer or social worker, pass letters or photos between families. In a closed adoption, the birth mother does not have any contact with the child or the adoptive parents, and the child’s record is sealed until he or she is 18. We would be glad to work with you to help you decide which level would be a better fit for you.
- Receive support
Choosing adoption at any point can be stressful, but even more so when done with little to no mental preparation. Even after the baby is born and adopted, you deserve to have support. This can be financial, emotional, and more. We can work with you to help you find a therapist, receive financial assistance for medical costs, and even get housing assistance. While each state’s laws differ, most states allow adoptive parents to assist with your medical bills.
Your journey isn’t over once the baby is born — it’s just beginning. The postpartum period can be a difficult transition, so it’s understandable and encouraged to discuss your feelings with a licensed professional, such as a therapist, social worker, or psychologist.
Last Minute Adoptions
We know that this decision is not an easy one. Although difficult, choosing adoption is a courageous and selfless choice. Just know that you are changing another family’s life for the better and doing what is best for you baby. Whether you are at home on the couch or in labor at the hospital, Adoption Choices of Las Vegas is here to support you and answer any adoption questions you may have.
Adoption Choices of Las Vegas has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across in Las Vegas since 2012. For information more general to Nevada, please visit our mother site Adoption Choices of Nevada. For information specific to Reno, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno. You can also call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: CALL OR TEXT 702-474-4673
Meet the Author: Hi! I’m Ashley! I am a senior at Loyola University Chicago pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. My hobbies include: reading, writing, and binge-watching the newest Netflix craze.
I hope to one day be a reporter, but I also have an interest in social work. When I’m not in school or working, you can find me relaxing with friends, shopping or volunteering at a local foster home.