Adoption may still be an option even if…
- You gave birth yesterday.
- You’re still in the hospital.
- You’ve already gone home with your baby.
- Your baby is in the NICU.
- You weren’t planning on adoption during your pregnancy.
- You’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do next.
Get help now. Call or text (512) 270-8415.
Can I choose adoption after my baby is born?
Yes. If you’ve already delivered your baby—even if you’re still in the hospital or you’ve already gone home—you can make a personalized adoption plan in Texas. An adoption specialist can meet you to explain your options, answer questions, and help you choose an adoptive family if adoption feels right for you.
Baby Already Born? Here’s What to Do Now
If you’re contacting an adoption agency for the first time after you’ve delivered, the process will move faster, but you’ll still be able to make the same choices – including choosing the family and deciding how much contact you’d like after placement.
Need More Time to Decide?
You don’t have to rush into a permanent decision. If you need time after leaving the hospital, let us know. We can discuss options like cradle care to give you the time you need.
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Right Now: Contact an Adoption Specialist
Call (512) 477-1122 to connect with Adoption Advocates, or refer to your hospital social worker’s list of licensed adoption agencies.
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Within a Few Hours: Meet with an Adoption Specialist
In most cases, she can visit you at the hospital the same day you reach out. She will explain open adoption and the choices you can make, your legal rights, and answer any questions you have.
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Next: Decide What You Want Adoption to Look Like
You can review profiles of families ready to adopt today and choose who will raise your child. You can also decide level of openness you would like.
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When You’re Ready: Take Legal Steps
In Texas, you’ll need to wait at least 48 hours after delivery to make a decision. After that, if adoption still feels right, you’ll sign the relinquishment papers. Placement with your chosen adoptive family will happen immediately.
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After Placement: Receive Counseling and Support
Your adoption specialist will continue to provide grief counseling and support services–for as long as you need.
Common Questions About Adoption After Baby Is Born
Yes. Choosing adoption isn’t the end of your relationship with us. It’s just the beginning.
After placement, you’ll have access to post-placement support, including counseling, limited financial assistance, and resources to help you process your experience. Whether you’re navigating the first few weeks after placement or looking for support years later, you can always reach out to us.
We can also help you navigate your ongoing relationship with your child’s adoptive family and answer questions that may come up over time.
Many birth parents tell us that having someone who understands adoption—and who knows their story—makes all the difference. That’s why we’re committed to providing lifelong support whenever you need it.
While a surprise pregnancy may come as a shock, you are not alone. We have helped many other women who didn’t know they were pregnant until they went into labor!
You still have every option available, including adoption. Contact Adoption Advocates as soon as you feel ready; we can help you understand the process, explain your rights, and support you with counseling and resources.
Some women worry that a lack of prenatal care will make adoption more difficult. Please know that loving adoptive families are prepared for many different circumstances and will absolutely welcome your baby, even if you had no prenatal care or didn’t know about the pregnancy.
There is no set deadline. You may take the time you need—whether that’s a couple of days or longer—to consider your options. You remain your baby’s legal parent until you voluntarily sign relinquishment papers. Your adoption specialist can guide you through the process whenever you’re ready.
If you have not made a decision before hospital discharge, you may take your baby home while you continue to consider your options. Moms working with Adoption Advocates also can request cradle care, a type of private foster care provided by an adoption agency on a short-term basis.
Absolutely. You have the same rights as any expectant parent considering adoption. You can review approved family profiles, talk with potential adoptive parents, and choose the family you believe will provide the life you want for your child.
Yes. You can create an adoption plan at any time—whether you’ve just taken your baby home or you’ve been parenting for a while. Adoption Advocates is licensed in Texas to place children up to three years old.
An adoption specialist can meet you wherever you are, explain your options, and help you take the next steps. Until you sign legal relinquishment papers, you remain your baby’s legal parent and have the right to decide what’s best.
You Choose the Adoptive Family
Meet Families Ready to Adopt Today
ADVICE FROM A BIRTH MOTHER
My best advice would be to reach out to someone you trust and talk through your options. The good, bad and ugly. Make a list of pros and cons, really think about what adoption means to you and what you are really looking for and need in that relationship.
ANGELINA | BIRTH MOTHER | AUSTIN, TX
Get answers now. Call or text (512) 270-8415 for help.
THE NEXT STEP
If your baby is already here, we recommend calling or texting to get in touch with an adoption specialist right away. Calling us doesn’t mean you’ve chosen adoption. It simply gives you the chance to understand your options with someone who will listen without judgment.
Call
Text
You can also complete the online form to receive our free Guide to Making an Adoption Plan with Adoption Advocates. An adoption specialist will follow up with you to answer any additional questions and – if you’re ready – to schedule a phone call or in-person meeting.
