The decision to put your baby up for adoption is not one to be made lightly. Once you do make the decision, you will likely feel a weight lifted off your shoulders as you now have some confidence in what the future will hold. But before you give birth, there are still some other steps you should take to prepare for what lies ahead.

Meet with multiple adoption agencies.

There are several very good adoption agencies out there, but each one does operate a little differently. Rather than just going with the first adoption agency you discover, consider meeting with employees from at least two or three different agencies. Then work with the one where you feel the most comfortable. Putting a baby up for adoption is hard, so you really want to work through this with people in an environment that make you feel safe, comforted, and validated.

Figure out what level of openness you want in an adoption.

Most adoptions these days are open adoptions, which means that you will maintain some level of contact with the adoptive parents and your child. What level of contact? Well, that depends on your preferences. You could receive photos in the mail once a year. You could have monthly meet-and-greets with the child and adoptive parents. It's a good idea to decide what level of interaction you want early on because then your adoption agency can focus on finding adoptive parents that want that same level of openness. Knowing you agree on this from stage 1 removes the need for so much negotiation, which makes the adoption process easier on everyone.

Find a counselor.

If you are not already working with a counselor or therapist, start meeting with one who specializes in working with birth parents. Your adoption agency may be able to recommend someone. OBGYNs also tend to give good recommendations. Giving a baby up for adoption is emotionally challenging, even if you are confident it is the right thing for you to do. Working with a counselor will help you process those emotions, move past them, and go on living life in a healthier way. The sooner you start counseling, the better. Starting before the birth will give you the emotional fortitude you need to navigate the birth.

Deciding to give a baby up for adoption is challenging and important. Take your time to find the right agency, find a counselor, and think about the level of openness you'll prefer. Contact an agency like Arizona Adoption Help to learn more.

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