Get answers to your FAQs about hospital adoption
Our licensed Florida adoption agency is often called in to handle last-minute hospital adoptions. Whether you have already given birth or are in the hospital awaiting delivery and considering making an adoption plan for your baby, it’s normal to have lots of hospital adoption questions. Here, you will find answers to some of the more common FAQs about hospital adoption.
Our goal is to empower you with the information that you need to make decisions that you feel are right for you and your baby. You can also contact us or call us at (239) 703-8600 any time to speak directly with a caring options counselor and get the help you need.
Can I choose adoption while I’m in the hospital, either before or after delivery?
Yes. If you decide to place your baby for adoption after you have arrived at the hospital, or while you are recovering in the hospital after the birth, we can help. Simply contact our licensed Florida adoption agency, and we will come to you quickly to help you learn about adoption, choose adoptive parents for your child, and create a plan that will bring you peace of mind. If you’re not sure about adoption, that’s perfectly OK. We are happy to answer all of your questions and support you as you consider what might be best for you and your baby.
When can I sign adoption consent forms in Florida?
This is one of our most common hospital adoption questions, and the answer is straightforward. Under Florida law, a mother cannot sign legal consent documents to place her baby for adoption until at least 48 hours after the baby is born, or when she is medically cleared to leave the hospital, whichever comes first. This gives a mother time to thoroughly consider her decision, and to spend time with her baby, if she chooses to. During this waiting period, you are your baby’s legal parent and are in control of all decisions about their hospital care.
Can the adoptive parents be at the hospital?
Whether the adoptive parents spend time at the hospital before, during or after the baby is born is entirely up to you, the baby’s mother. You can decide whether the adoptive parents are present during labor, delivery, or afterward. You can also decide who visits with you in your hospital room, and how and when the adoptive parents will meet the baby.
Can I hold my baby before adoption?
If you want to spend time holding your baby while in the hospital, you certainly can. You can also arrange for photos to be taken of this special time together, if you wish. Our options counselors work closely with hospital staff and the adoptive parents to ensure that your preferences for time with your baby are respected.
Who pays my hospital bills if I choose a hospital adoption?
Mothers are often relieved to learn the answer to this FAQ about hospital adoption. If you choose a last-minute hospital adoption in Florida, your health insurance or Medicaid will cover most of your medical and hospital expenses. Under Florida law, any portion of the costs that remain unpaid can be taken care of for you by the adoptive parents, through our licensed Florida adoption agency. You will not have to worry about paying hospital bills if you choose adoption for your baby.
Will the hospital staff know I’m making an adoption plan?
Yes. Our options counselors will coordinate with your hospital care team on your behalf, to ensure that they understand and respect your preferences and privacy.
Can my family be with me at the hospital?
Absolutely. You are in complete control of your hospital experience, including who you want to have with you during labor and delivery, and who is allowed to visit you are you recover after the birth in the hospital.
What happens after I leave the hospital after signing adoption consents?
Our Florida adoption agency will continue to support you to ensure that you receive the follow-up medical care and counseling you need, through your recovery and beyond. If you choose open adoption, you can begin to build a special relationship with your baby and adoptive family, according to your wishes documented in your adoption plan.
Can I stay in touch with my baby after adoption?
Yes. As part of your adoption plan, you can specify your wishes for ongoing contact with the adoptive family. Many mothers and adoptive families agree to stay connected through photos, texts, phone calls, video chats, or visits.
Who can answer my FAQs about hospital adoption?
Our licensed Florida adoption agency is happy to answer your FAQs about hospital adoption, explain your options, come to your bedside to create a hospital adoption plan, and support you at every step of the process. Reaching out to us to learn about hospital adoption doesn’t commit you to making an adoption plan. Please don’t hesitate to contact Legacy Adoption Services® to ask your hospital adoption questions and get the information you need to decide what option is right for you and your child.