Can I Choose Adoption if My Baby is Already Born in NY?

Everyone’s adoption journey is different, and adoption services are available to you even after you have given birth and taken your baby home. No two pregnant women are the same, and your personal life experiences have led you to consider giving your child up for adoption. 

Asking yourself the question, “Can I choose adoption if my baby is already born?” can be daunting. We understand that adoption can be a difficult decision — especially if you tried out parenting first and decided it wasn’t the best choice for you. We are here to provide any needed support during your adoption journey — and we have counseling and other resources available.

Is it Too Late to Choose Adoption if My Baby is Born?

Not at all! If you decide to place your baby for adoption after he or she has been born, you will go through the infant adoption process. Put simply, infant adoption happens when your child is between 1-12 months old. Your adoption process will be no different than if you were still pregnant; though, you find that everything happens a bit faster.

You may feel like it’s too late to make an adoption plan after your baby is born or that you will have failed your child. This could not be further from the truth. Whether you choose adoption while you are still pregnant, or when your child is 7 months old — we are here to support you and your decision wholeheartedly.

How do I Know if Adoption is the Right Choice for Me?

There are several factors to consider when deciding if adoption is the right choice for you. It is important to think about your own personal circumstances and feelings carefully before making a final decision either way.

Self-reflection is a crucial part of any adoption journey, and it may help you begin to understand what path you should take. You could write down your feelings, do online research, or speak with an adoption counselor. Something simple you can do is ask yourself questions. We have provided some below to help you get started.

• Am I financially secure enough to raise my child?

As you probably know, raising a child is a big financial responsibility that’s not realistic for everyone. If you have been struggling with the financial aspect of raising a child and it is taking a toll on your everyday life — adoption could be for you. 

You may decide that raising your child is still worth it to you, and that the pros outweigh the cons in your personal situation. However, if you think adoption is necessary for you to feel financially secure and raising an infant just won’t work for you — that is perfectly valid as well. Like with all aspects of deciding whether to place your child for adoption, it comes down to your personal circumstances and preferences. 

• Do I have the necessary time and energy to devote to childcare?

Not only is raising a child a big financial responsibility — it also requires a lot of time and energy. If you feel you are not able to dedicate these things, adoption may be right for you. Here are a few things you can consider:

• Do I have a support system that can help me care for my child?
• Can I afford a babysitter or daycare?
• Am I in the right place mentally to provide the emotional energy needed?
• Will taking care of a child be harmful to my mental health?
• Will the child’s father be involved?

 

• Can I picture myself as a mother in a few years?

When you’re deciding whether to place your child for adoption, it is important to figure out whether being a mother right now works for your personal life goals. If you try to imagine life in a few years with an older child and it doesn’t feel right to you — adoption could be something to consider.

Some people want huge families and start having children as soon as possible. Some people only want one child and adopt one when they’re 35. Some people don’t want children at all. No matter what category you fall into, it is perfectly valid to realize that having a child at this moment in your life won’t work out for you.

• Will I regret placing my child for adoption?

While it is understandable for women to have difficult emotions and small regrets after placing their children up for adoption, you should try to decide if it will be worth it to you in the long run overall. You may feel negative emotions toward adoption, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t the right choice for you. It is important to determine what will have the most positive impact — adoption or raising the child yourself.

It is important to realize that once you finalize an adoption, you cannot go back. So it is important to make sure you are positive about your choice before you decide to place your child for adoption.

We Support Your Right to Choose Adoption after Your Baby is Born

At Adoption Choices of New York, we believe that you have the right to make the decisions that are best for you. We are here to speak with you about infant adoption and help you decide if it is something you want to pursue.

Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email

About the Author: Alexandra Georgiton is a fourth-year student at the University of Cincinnati studying Rhetoric and Professional Writing, and is receiving certification in Copyediting and Publishing. She has been passionate about the English language for her entire life, and reading and writing have always been her favorite hobbies. She enjoys professional writing and editing because she loves to use her talent and love of writing to make a difference in the world.