Wavering between choosing adoption or keeping your baby? We can help

Women facing an unplanned pregnancy often face a difficult decision. Should you keep your baby? Or is choosing adoption a better path for you? Only you can decide what is right for you. For this decision, you need reliable, unbiased information about how to decide to keep a baby. There are many adoption agencies in Texas, but you may be surprised to learn that our experienced team of adoption counselors can provide a wealth of information about both parenting and adoption – with no cost to you and no commitment.

How soon do I need to decide about choosing adoption?

Your timeline for choosing adoption will depend on where you are in your pregnancy, or whether you have already delivered. If you do decide to place your child for adoption, you will be able to choose your baby’s parents and make decisions about what your relationship with your child will look like going forward. These are important decisions that should not be rushed, but if you choose adoption earlier in your pregnancy, you will have more time to think through these details.

In Texas, women must wait 48 hours after the birth before signing an adoption agreement. This means that you have up to two days after giving birth to decide whether you want to place your baby for adoption or keep and raise the child. Last-minute hospital adoptions do happen, and we can be by your bedside within minutes to help you through that process.

It’s also possible to place your infant for adoption after initially deciding that you want to try to parent. Sometimes, parenting turns out to be more challenging than expected, and mothers feel that it would be best to place the child with parents who have been carefully screened for their ability to provide for all of a baby’s needs.

How to decide to keep a baby

Before you decide about choosing adoption or keeping your baby, be sure that you fully understand the long-term implications of both options. For many women, finances play a critical role in their decision.

On average, the estimated cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is $375,000. This estimate includes just the basics to create a safe life for a growing child, such as food, housing, utilities, childcare, clothing and health insurance. Because you want what is best for your child, you may also want to factor in the added costs of life-enriching opportunities, such as sports, camps or college.

In addition to these financial realities, consider your life circumstances, such as your relationship with the father, support you may be able to receive from your family, and your own personal goals for education or career. If you feel that your current situation or lifestyle might be too unstable to raise a child safely, be realistic about your ability to make the dramatic changes that are necessary for your child’s security and happiness.

Choosing adoption also comes with an emotional journey. Take time to realistically assess how you will feel about choosing this path – while you are pregnant, at the birth, and for the days and years afterward. It is not easy, but women make this choice out of pure love for their baby, and they get immense peace of mind from knowing that their child is safe, very much wanted, and loved.

There is never a financial cost for a woman if she decides to place her child for adoption. If necessary, adoption agencies in Texas – including our own – can help you with food, housing, utilities and maternity clothing during your pregnancy. And of course, all medical, counseling and legal costs are also covered for you.

Contact our counselors for information and support

If you’re feeling that this is a lot of information to take in, that’s OK. You have time to think it through, so take a deep breath. It can also help to have an objective, experienced professional walk you through your options, from choosing adoption to learning how to decide to keep a baby. We have many counselors at our adoption agencies in Texas who have the information you need to help guide you to the right choice for you.

Contact us or call us at 817-704-0239 to get information and support as you explore your options. Let us help you find your unique voice when making this big decision.