How Do Adoptions Work?
Adoption is the legal parenting of a baby by parents other than the birth parents. As far as how they’re arranged, the families have some options. Adoptions can be done independently with an adoption attorney. These specialized lawyers can match birth parents with adopting parents and handle all of the paperwork. However, many people choose to work with a baby adoption agency instead.
In addition to the legal requirements, adoption agencies can offer birth mothers more. St. Elizabeth Foundation is a baby adoption agency serving New Orleans and the rest of the state. We offer birthmothers emotional, financial, and medical assistance during their pregnancies and beyond.
What Birth Mothers Need To Know
If you have an unexpected pregnancy, you might be considering adoption. Adoption is an incredibly loving choice. What’s more, it’s often the best decision for both the baby and the birth mother. If you choose to make an adoption plan, you’ll have to decide between an adoption agency or an adoption attorney. Legally, you technically just need a lawyer. However, choosing a baby adoption agency can give you the help and support you might not even know you need.
The Adoption Process
While every birth mother’s journey is unique, most follow a basic process. You’ll notice that it’s the birth mother who is the main character in every step. That’s because at our baby adoption agency, YOU are the one in charge. The seven main steps are:
The birth mother contacts St. Elizabeth. Even if you’re still unsure that you want to choose adoption, you can still contact us. There’s no pressure—we’re here to help you decide what’s best for you and your baby.
The birth mother meets with a counselor. We understand how difficult this decision is. Many of our birth mothers might not have support or approval from their families. That’s why we have counselors on staff to make sure you have the emotional support you need.
The birth mother chooses a family. We have many caring families ready to parent your child. Every family goes through a long and detailed screening process. It’s our job to make sure they can provide your baby with a safe and loving home.
The birth mother gets pregnancy assistance. St. Elizabeth Foundation can help you with living, medical, legal, and counseling costs.
The birth mother delivers the baby. You get to make the choices about your birth plan and at the hospital. We want you to feel confident and comfortable with the process.
The birth mother finalizes the adoption plan. You choose whether you have an open adoption or a closed adoption. Whatever your decision, we help you and your chosen family finalize your adoption plan.
The birth mother has post-placement counseling. We understand that a birth mother’s journey doesn’t stop after the baby is born. That’s why we’re here for continued counseling and emotional support.
Baby Adoption Agency For New Orleans And Baton Rouge
As an adoption agency, our main priority is taking care of our birth mothers. Get in touch with us to see how we can help you. Remember, there is absolutely NO pressure. We’re just here to help YOU decide what’s best for you and your baby. Additionally, every conversation we have is completely confidential. We’re here to answer all of your questions. We can explain the adoption process to you as well. Overall, we want you to know that you’re in control, you have options, and you’re stronger than you think.
You can contact us online through this form. Also, you can call us at 225-769-8888 or email us at info@stelizabethfoundation.org. We’re based in Baton Rouge, but we help women and families throughout Louisiana—including the New Orleans area.