Giving Baby Up for Adoption at the Hospital
If you’re at the hospital with your baby and considering adoption, know that this is an option available to you anytime — right after birth or even later. Choosing adoption is a selfless decision, offering your child a future filled with love and opportunities.
If you’re unsure what to do next, call 1-800-ADOPTION for guidance. Our compassionate specialists will provide the information you need to make the right decision for you and your baby.
Can I Give My Baby Up for Adoption at the Hospital in Indiana?
Yes, you can choose adoption at the hospital, even right after giving birth. This decision, while difficult, allows you to ensure a bright future for your child. In Indiana, you can decide to place your baby for adoption:
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When you arrive at the hospital
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During labor
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After your baby is born
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Anytime later, even after leaving the hospital
Adoption is a flexible process, and many mothers make this choice at different stages. At American Adoptions, we work with women no matter where they are in their pregnancy journey. We’ll guide you every step of the way and help you create a plan that’s entirely under your control.
How Difficult is it to Put a Baby Up for Adoption?
Placing your baby for adoption after birth is always an option in Indiana, and the process remains the same regardless of when you begin. If your baby is already born, the process moves quickly — but with our professionals by your side, it’s smooth and manageable.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Step 1: Weigh Your Options
Whether you’re newly pregnant, close to your due date, or just gave birth, adoption remains an option for you. You can take your time to explore your options and make the best decision for your child. At American Adoptions, we support mothers who:
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Are newly pregnant
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Are near their due date
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Have just given birth
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Have taken their baby home
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Have parented for a year or more
You’re never too far along to consider adoption.
Step 2: Make an Adoption Plan
Every adoption is unique, and as the birth mother, you remain in control. With the help of an experienced adoption specialist, you’ll create a plan tailored to your wishes. This includes:
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Deciding how “open” the adoption will be (how much contact you’ll have)
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Choosing the adoptive family
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Deciding how much time you’ll spend with your baby before placement
Your adoption plan is built around you and your preferences. We’re here to support you in making the best decisions for your future and your child’s.
Step 3: Pick an Adoptive Family
When you choose adoption, you also have the opportunity to pick the perfect family for your baby. With over 300 waiting families, you’ll find profiles that showcase families of different backgrounds, careers, and interests. Each family provides a profile filled with pictures, videos, and personal information to help you find the best match.
Step 4: Create a Post-Placement Plan
Open adoption is now the norm, meaning you can maintain contact with your child and their adoptive family after the adoption. You’ll decide what kind of relationship you want, whether it’s:
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Receiving photos and updates
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Video chats and phone calls
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In-person visits
Whatever you envision for your future relationship, we’ll help you make it happen.
Step 5: Finalize the Adoption
Once you’ve chosen an adoptive family and created a post-placement plan, your adoption specialist and attorney will help finalize the paperwork. From there, you’ll begin a new chapter, knowing your child is in a loving home.
Can I Tell the Hospital I Don’t Want My Baby?
If you’re at the hospital and feel that parenting isn’t the right choice, it’s important not to simply tell the hospital you don’t want your baby. While they may place your baby in foster care, this decision could prevent your child from finding a permanent family and limit your ability to remain connected.
Choosing adoption instead allows you to:
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Find a forever family for your baby
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Maintain a relationship through open adoption
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Ensure your baby has access to important medical history
Adoption is a compassionate, long-term solution that benefits both you and your child. If you’re unsure, our specialists are here to help. Call 1-800-ADOPTION for support in making this decision.
Disclaimer
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