How To Place Your Baby For Adoption Post-Birth in Maryland

APRIL 1, 2024
BY ABSA

How To Place Your Baby For Adoption Post-Birth in Maryland | Step By Step

Choosing adoption after your baby is born is a challenging and brave decision. In Maryland, opting for adoption at the last minute is always an option that is available to you. The state’s Safe Haven laws provide a 30-day window post-birth for you to anonymously place your baby for adoption, if you feel it’s the right choice for you and your child’s future.

Here’s what you need to know about post-birth adoption in Maryland.

1. Make Sure It’s The Right Decision

When considering adoption in Maryland, it’s essential to think it over carefully, weighing your options to make the best choice. Keep in mind, there are no wrong decisions – it’s all about what’s best for you and your baby.

Make sure that the choice you make is yours alone, free from external pressures. For any additional questions or support, A Baby Step Adoption is ready and available to help. We’re always happy to walk you through your options and help you make the best choice, however we can.

2. Contact Adoption Agency

When choosing adoption professionals, pick an agency you trust and that prioritizes your best interests. After selecting the right agency, an adoption coordinator will meet with you, discuss your options, and guide you through the next steps. This process is straightforward and can be done from anywhere, even if you’re still in the hospital post-birth.

3. Choose An Adoptive Family

Your adoption coordinator will introduce you to various families eager to love and care for a baby. Take your time to review each family thoroughly, ensuring you feel confident about entrusting them with your baby’s upbringing. The choice is entirely yours, so select a family that resonates with your hopes for your baby’s future.

At A Baby Step Adoption, the waiting families are ready for last-minute adoptions and can meet you wherever and whenever you are.

4. Decide On Adoption Type

In Maryland, there are three main types of adoption plans to choose from:

Open Adoption

With open adoptions, the level of communication with your baby’s adoptive parents is up to you. You can receive updates about your child, photos, and might even visit, if the adoptive parents agree. It’s important to note that while open adoption allows for contact, the adoptive parents do have the right to end communication if they decide to.

Closed Adoption

In a closed adoption, everything is completely anonymous. There’s no contact with the adoptive parents. While this is a valid option, ensure it’s what you truly want, as the decision is irreversible.

Semi-Open Adoption

Semi-open adoption involves communication with the adoptive parents through texts and phone calls, but without face-to-face visits.

Choosing the type of adoption is a significant decision and is final. Make sure to think it over carefully before deciding.

5. Giving Your Baby Over To Its Adoptive Family

After choosing the family you’re comfortable with, your adoption coordinator will assist you in signing the Consent to Adoption form. This is the last part of the post-birth adoption process. Your baby will then go directly from the hospital to their new family, bypassing the need for foster care.

How Can A Baby Step Adoption Help?

A Baby Step Adoption is with you through every step of the adoption journey, whether you’re close to giving birth or have just given birth. As a comprehensive legal and adoption agency, we’re here to guide you throughout the entire process, ensuring you make choices that are right for you and your future.