What is Open or Semi Open Adoption?

In an open adoption, the birth parent may choose the adoptive family themselves, rather than having an agency choose the family for the them. You may decide on the amount of contact you wish to have. Some women want letters and photos, others want visits or phone calls after the adoption and some want no contact at all. The choice is up to you and your adoptive family. You may choose the family that best meets your needs and those of your child or we will select a family for you if you prefer. You and the adoptive parents have a variety of options.

Why Do Women Choose Adoption?
Most women choose adoption because they love their child and realize that they are not ready to be the kind of parent they need to be at this time in their life. Others realize that there are unique reasons in their life that are preventing then from being able to parent their child. We realize that choosing adoption for your child can be a very difficult decision. We want to help you make the right decision and help you explore parenting and adoption and let you determine what is right for you both at this time in your life. It takes courage and strength to be able to make this important decision.

How are Adoptive Families Screened?
Adoptive families are screened and pre-qualified. A licensed social worker will conduct a thorough home study evaluation and visit the adoptive family's home in their state. This includes a background check, medical evaluations, financial and FBI screening. You are assured that your baby will be raised within a loving and safe family environment. You will be able to speak to families also to determine whom you feel you want to adopt and raise your child.

Is This Safe & Legal?
Yes, open adoption is legal. Your adoption can be completed as an independent adoption or a designated agency adoption. The process is normally simple and confidential. All adoption laws are adhered to, allowing you peace of mind that your adoption is safe, legal and ethical. An attorney in your state will be provided to you in advance if you have additional questions. All legal work is conducted by a qualified adoption attorney and or a social worker.

Are There Any Costs to Me?

There is no cost to you as a birth parent. Adoptive parents pay for legal fees, reasonable pregnancy-related expenses, medical bills not covered by insurance, consulting and counseling fees.

What if I Go Into Labor, Can You Work with Me From the Hospital?
Yes, we often receive calls from the hospital. We can have a family available for you within hours. In most states, the adoptive family will be able to take the baby home from the hospital, avoiding foster care. We have found that most birthmothers want to be sure that their baby can start bonding with their adoptive family right away. We are open for emergencies on all weekends, holidays and through the night. We have families that can travel within a few hours nationwide. Keep our toll-free number with you so that you can call or text us at any time or from any place: 1-800-923-6784.

Can I Select a Family From a State Other Than My Own?
The beauty of the internet is the access to a large variety of qualified families that will meet your specifications nationwide or if you prefer we have families in most states or can find some families for your state.

My Child is Older; Do You Have Families That Are Interested In Older Children?
We have loving families seeking children of all ages and races. It is our policy not to separate siblings, so we work hard to find just the right family for you to interview for the adoption. You will be able to decide on the type of contact you wish after the placement.

What Age Range are Most of Your Birth Mothers?
We have birth mothers from 12 yrs old to their mid 40's. For some women this is their first child and others have children. Some of our birth parents are married. Most birth parents love their child and want to provide them with the best home and future that they can and adoption has been a loving option for many.

Is it selfish to consider adoption?
No, adoption can be one of the most loving decisions you make for your child. It takes a great deal of love and maturity to know that raising a child can be difficult and that love is not enough to provide what a child needs to thrive. Even with the help of families and friends, the task can be difficult. Often family and friends are there at the beginning, then when times get more difficult you are on your own. It is important to realize that what ever your decision is that you are ultimately going to be the primary caregiver and the person that will need to take care of your child. This can be a sacrifice for many years to come. Many women realize the time is not right for them to parent and that adoption is the most sensible and most important decision they will make for their child and their life.

How can I determine my due date?
The most commonly used method is done using a calendar. If you know when you had your last period, you can look at a calendar and count back three months from the first day of your last period, then add 7 days. That is your due date. For example, if the first day of your last period was January 20th, you estimated due date would be October 27th. You can also use the pregnancy calculator online at Lifetime Adoption or call or text us at 1-800-923-6784, and we will calculate it on a pregnancy wheel. Even though these are all good ways to find your due date, remember that these are just estimated dates. Babies are not always on time: your delivery can be anywhere within 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after your due date. Your doctor can use more reliable methods, such as an ultrasound, measuring the size of the uterus, and knowing the exact date of ovulation.

Some of my friends say I should keep my baby and that children belong with their birth parents, what should I do?
You will need to consider honestly where you are in your life now and if you are ready for parenting at this time. This doesn't mean you are bad, it means you know that you are not at a time in your life that parenting and raising a child is in the best interest for you or your child. It is easy for friends to make comments when they have not been in your position. The only person that can make this decision is you. You want to consider honestly your options of parenting and adoption before the baby is born. We have a number of other birth mothers you can speak to if you would like to find out how they handled their pregnancy. Just ask us.

Birthmother Hotline:
1-800-923-6784
Call or text 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week