Circumstances may have changed since bringing your baby home, making your initial plan to parent difficult or impossible. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about providing the stability your child needs, know that you still have options.

Adoption allows you to make a loving, selfless decision that prioritizes your child’s future. Many birth parents choose to place their baby for adoption after birth, whether it’s days, weeks or even months later.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of putting your baby up for adoption after birth in Wisconsin. If you’re ready to start the process, please contact us online or call or text us at 608-821-8221.

Can You Place Your Child for Adoption After Birth?

Yes, you can place your child for adoption after birth. In Wisconsin, you can still choose adoption if you’ve been parenting your baby for a few weeks or a few months. Adoption support is available to you at no cost, and a dedicated social worker will be there to guide you through every step.

Adoption offers your child a stable home with adoptive parents who are ready to love them unconditionally. For adoptive parents, the opportunity to raise a child is a cherished gift, and they are prepared to provide a nurturing environment where your baby can grow and thrive.

How Long After a Baby Is Born Can You Give Them Up for Adoption?

There’s no deadline for placing a baby for adoption. However, depending on your child’s age and level of development, adoption may become more challenging for them to process and understand. At Adoptions of Wisconsin, we can help facilitate adoptions for newborns and children up to three years old.

How to Give Your Baby Up for Adoption After Birth

Here are the five general steps to put a baby up for adoption after birth:

Step 1: Reach Out to Adoptions of Wisconsin Inc.

Your first step is to contact an adoption agency like Adoptions of Wisconsin Inc. We understand the emotional weight of this decision and are here to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support. A social worker can meet you where you are — at home, in the hospital or another location — to discuss your options and walk you through what to expect.

Step 2: Browse Adoptive Family Profiles

After contacting our agency, you’ll have the opportunity to review profiles of families looking to adopt. You may have preferences or criteria for your child’s future family. We will work to find a family that aligns with your wishes, whether it’s a specific lifestyle, location or religion.

Step 3: Get to Know the Adoptive Parents

Once you’ve chosen a family, you’ll have the chance to get to know them personally. Many birth parents find comfort in learning more about the adoptive parents’ values, routines and dreams for their child’s future. Building a relationship can help ease any anxieties you have and help you feel confident in your decision.

Step 4: Complete the Legal Steps

In Wisconsin, you’ll need to file a petition to terminate your parental rights and provide your consent for the adoption in court. This can be a challenging step, but you will have an adoption attorney and a social worker by your side. They will help protect your rights and ensure you understand every part of the process.

Step 5: Maintain a Relationship After Placement

Even after birth, you can choose the type of adoption that suits your needs: open, semi-open or closed. In an open adoption, you could stay connected through letters, photos or even in-person visits. If you’re not ready for ongoing contact, semi-open or closed adoptions are available options. Whatever you choose, we’ll support you in establishing the arrangement that feels right for you and your child.

Why Parents Put Their Baby Up for Adoption After Birth

Situations change, and life can present unexpected obstacles that may make parenting no longer feel possible or realistic. Some common reasons why birth parents choose adoption include:

  • Unexpected challenges: Situations like a loss of income, housing instability or a lack of family support can make parenting feel out of reach.

  • Feeling unprepared to parent: You may realize after birth that you’re not ready to provide the life you want for your baby.

  • Desire to focus on your current family or personal goals: Some birth parents find that adoption allows them to focus on raising their other children or pursuing life goals.

  • Mental health considerations: Managing your mental health while parenting can be difficult; adoption ensures that your child is cared for.

No matter the reason, choosing adoption after birth is a deeply personal and courageous decision that prioritizes your child’s future.

Can You Get Support for Putting a Baby Up for Adoption After Birth?

Yes, you can get substantial support throughout this process. Adoptions of Wisconsin Inc. offers counseling, legal assistance and potential financial assistance for pregnancy- and adoption-related expenses.

Our social workers are experienced in navigating last-minute and after-birth adoptions. If you’re considering placing your child for adoption after birth, call or text us at 608-821-8221. Our compassionate professionals are here to answer any questions and make sure you have the support you need every step of the way.