Facing an unplanned pregnancy in Alabama can be scary and overwhelming. The decision you need to make may seem daunting.
If you are considering adoption as one of your unplanned pregnancy options, you may be wondering, “Can I place my baby for adoption in Alabama?” or “How do I put my unborn baby up for adoption?” Fortunately, an adoption professional in Alabama is ready to help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
You can contact a professional anytime online. In the meantime, learn a bit more about giving a baby up for adoption in Alabama below.
You Are Not “Giving Up” by Giving a Baby Up for Adoption in Alabama
When people talk about adoption, it is common to say things like, “Can I give my baby up for adoption?” or “I want to give my baby up for adoption in Alabama.”
But choosing adoption for your baby is not simply “giving up” or “giving them away.” These ideas perpetuate negative stereotypes toward adoption and birth mothers.
Potential birth mothers don’t “give a baby up” for adoption in Alabama; they choose adoption for their babies because they feel that will give them the best life possible. Their selfless acts are very loving and thoughtful choices to do what they know are best for their children.
How to “Give a Baby Up” for Adoption in Alabama
Adoption is not an easy choice to make, and it is not the right decision for every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. You can do what is best for you and your baby with a little guidance from an adoption specialist.
The following information can give you an idea of the steps you may take to put your baby up for adoption in Alabama.
Step 1: Make the adoption decision.
This is likely one of the biggest decisions you will ever have to make. Only you know what is best for you and your baby, and it is best you have all the necessary information before you make a choice. Some questions you may be asking yourself about adoption in this state include:
- How much does it cost to place my baby for adoption in Alabama?
- Can I choose the adoptive family for my baby?
- Does the father of my baby need to be involved in the adoption?
- Will I be able to have an open adoption with my baby and the adoptive family?
When and if you are ready, an adoption professional can answer these questions and more. They can explain the adoption process to you and take you through the steps of putting your baby up for adoption in Alabama.
Step 2: Create an adoption plan.
When you choose to “give a baby up” for adoption in Alabama, an adoption specialist will help you create an adoption plan. Because you are completely in charge of your adoption, an adoption plan will outline your wishes. Your adoption plan can include:
- characteristics of an ideal adoptive family
- the amount of contact you want to have with the adoptive family
- the type of contact you’d like to have with your child after the adoption
- a plan for your stay in the hospital
- and much more
Your adoption specialist will describe all of your options to help you create an adoption plan that will work for you.
Step 3: Choose an adoptive family.
When you connect with an adoption specialist, they will give you information about potential adoptive families who are hoping to adopt. Their profiles will give you information about their lifestyles, interests, careers, parenting styles, and dreams for their family. This way, you can be reassured that you are putting your newborn up for adoption with the perfect parents.
After you have looked at waiting families’ profiles and selected a potential adoptive family, you can choose to meet them in person or have a phone interview with them. From then on, you can decide how much contact you’d like to have with the family. Interaction with the family, which can include emails, phone calls, conference calls, texts, and in-person visits, can be arranged and mediated by your adoption specialist.
Step 4: Prepare for placement.
Before the birth of your child, you will have a hospital plan in place. This is part of your adoption plan, and an adoption professional can help you create this to include the following expectations:
- how much time you would like to spend with your baby
- who will be with you in the delivery room
- who will be the first to hold your baby
- whether you want to leave with the adoptive family
- and much more
You will most likely be discharged from the hospital within 72 hours. In Alabama, you can legally consent to the adoption and terminate your parental rights at any time after your baby is born. You will likely do this before you leave the hospital, but it’s important that you are 100 percent certain of your adoption decision before you sign. Your adoption specialist or attorney will make sure you fully understand your rights and the documents you are signing before you take this step.
You will also have an adoption attorney by your side throughout this step to ensure you understand what placing your baby for adoption in Alabama will mean — and to ensure you that you will always have the legal right to change your mind.
Step 5: Adjust to life after adoption.
Your adoption experience in Alabama does not end with the birth of your baby. It is a lifelong journey. Your adoption professional will be there after you have relinquished your parental rights and throughout the entire adoption process. They can connect you with a counselor who can help you sort through your feelings about the adoption. Some women find it helpful to connect with other mothers who have experienced placing a baby for adoption. Your adoption specialist can put you in contact with a support group, if you so desire.
If you have chosen an open adoption in Alabama, you will find comfort in seeing your child growing up in a loving, caring family. This is just the beginning of a special relationship between you, your child and the adoptive family.
The adoption process is unique for every prospective birth mother. If you are considering “giving your baby up” for adoption in Alabama, you can complete this contact form to request additional, free information from an adoption professional.
