How to Begin the Adoption Process in New York as a Birth Mother
In the age of the internet, we have a ton of information available at our fingertips at all times. Although in many cases this can be helpful, it can feel overwhelming to sift through all of the buzzwords and contradicting advice. Researching adoption is no exception. Adoption in of itself can be emotionally overwhelming and exhausting, especially if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and you try to tackle it alone. So, it is important to seek out support to help you navigate through the adoption process.
Adoption is an emotional and complex choice that is already hard enough without the added confusion of trying to understand the entire process. We know that just figuring out where to start can be challenging, and we want to help get you started on your adoption journey.
How to Begin the Adoption Process in New York as a Birth Mother
At Adoption Choices of New York, it is our goal to help you have the best adoption journey possible. When you are beginning the adoption process, it is important to start off on the right foot to help make the rest of your experience as smooth as possible. One great way to help you feel more in control of your adoption, and to feel less stressed is to make an action plan.
We know these times can be stressful and overwhelming, so we have created a list to help you start to formulate your adoption plan.`
- Carefully Consider Your Options
The first step to take in your adoption journey is to make sure that adoption is truly the right choice for you. Women choose adoptions for many reasons. These can include, but are not limited to: they may be financially insecure, completely dedicated to their education, or they may just not be ready. Whatever reason you have for placing your baby for adoption is valid, and it doesn’t need to be justified. However, this is a big decision, and you cannot change your mind after the adoption has been finalized.
You have several options available, such as terminating the pregnancy or raising your baby yourself. We believe every woman should have the right to choose what is best for her. If you have decided adoption is right for you — we’re here to support you.
- Meet with an Adoption Counselor
Everyone needs support at some point, and if you are figuring out how to begin your adoption journey, you might want someone to talk to. Adoption Choices of New York has adoption counselors who are ready to support birth mothers before, during, and after the adoption process. If you are feeling like you are in over your head, speaking with an expert can be a great way to get answers to questions like:
- Should I reach out to the baby’s father?
- How do I involve my family in my adoption plan?
- Will I be able to see my child after the adoption is finalized?
- What is the difference between a semi-open and open adoption?
- I don’t have enough money to cover hospital expenses, what should I do?
- Is adoption right for me?
Our staff is here to make sure you aren’t facing this alone and that you have access to the necessary support and resources.
- Figure out if You Want an Open, Semi-open, or Closed Adoption
One of the most influential decisions you will make during your adoption journey is if you want an open, semi-open, or closed adoption.
- An open adoption is the most popular type of adoption in the United States, and it is the most involved. If you choose to have an open adoption, you will be able to choose your adoptive family personally, and you can have open communication with them throughout your pregnancy. You will also be able to decide how involved you will be with your biological child and their adoptive family after the adoption is finalized.
- In a semi-open adoption, an adoption agency will act as a communicator between you and your adoptive family. You will remain anonymous to each other, but you will be able to communicate with each other freely through.
- A closed adoption is the type of adoption that has the least amount of involvement and the most privacy. You will not be involved in choosing your adoptive family, and your information will not be provided to them. While we recommend and open or semi-open adoption most of the time, we understand that sometimes it is the best option available.
What Should My Next Step Be in Choosing Adoption in NY State?
Once you have decided adoption is the right choice for you and you have figured out what type of adoption you want, it becomes easier to make other important decisions like creating a birth plan or choosing an adoptive family from our list. We know the adoption journey is draining, and sometimes it feels like it’s impossible. Take a deep breath and know that you got this.
We hope we were able to help you understand how to begin the adoption process in New York as a birth mother. If you have any more questions about the adoption process, feel free to reach out and read our other blogs that tackle other important aspects of being a birth mother.
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.
