When you're considering adoption for your baby, it's normal to have a lot of questions—especially about what your experience at the hospital will be like. You may wonder what decisions you'll be able to make, or if the adoption means you have to give up control over the birth process.
Here’s the good news: creating a hospital birth plan when choosing adoption gives you the chance to make sure your voice is heard, your wishes are honored, and your experience is as comfortable and supported as possible. This moment is still yours. And you deserve to feel confident, respected, and cared for throughout it.
What Is a Hospital Birth Plan?
A hospital birth plan is a written guide that outlines how you'd like your labor, delivery, and post-birth time to go. It’s not a contract, it’s a personal plan that helps your doctors, nurses, adoption coordinator, and loved ones know what you need and want during this emotional and important moment.
If you’re placing your baby for adoption, your birth plan becomes part of your full adoption birth plan, helping everyone involved understand how to support you at the hospital.
You can make it as detailed or as simple as you want. And if things change—emotionally or medically—your plan can change too. That’s okay.
Key Choices to Think About in Your Birth Plan
When creating a birth plan for placing your baby for adoption, there are many details you can think through in advance. These are some of the most common things you might include:
- Who Will Be With You at the Hospital?
You get to decide who you want by your side. This could be a close friend, a family member, the birth father, your adoption coordinator, or anyone else who helps you feel supported and safe.
- Do You Want the Adoptive Parents at the Hospital?
Some birthmothers want the adoptive parents nearby or even in the delivery room. Others prefer more private time during labor and delivery. You get to choose what feels right for you, and the adoptive parents will respect your wishes.
- Pain Management Preferences
You can share your preferences around pain relief, like whether you want an epidural, other medications, or natural pain management options. Your medical team will do their best to honor these choices.
- Who Will Hold the Baby First?
Would you like to hold your baby first? Would you prefer the adoptive parents hold the baby right away? Or maybe both? There’s no wrong answer here.
- Do You Want Alone Time With the Baby?
Some birthmothers choose to spend time with their baby after birth—holding them, talking to them, or even taking photos. Others prefer to limit their time. Whatever feels right for you is okay.
- Contact After Birth
Would you like time to say goodbye before placement? Do you want the adoptive family to spend time with you and the baby together? Would you like to be discharged before or after they leave the hospital? These are all things to think about.
Your Emotions Matter: Be Honest With Yourself
Birth can be emotional—especially when it’s part of an adoption plan. You might feel confident one day and unsure the next. That’s normal. Your feelings may shift before or during labor, and that’s okay, too.
Creating a plan ahead of time helps you prepare emotionally and mentally, but it doesn’t lock you into anything. It’s okay to speak up, ask for changes, or take extra time to process your thoughts and feelings. This is your experience, and you deserve to feel safe and supported every step of the way.
Creating Your Plan With Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Your adoption coordinator or social worker can help walk you through each part of your hospital birth plan and talk through your options. They’ll also work with the hospital ahead of time to make sure everyone is on the same page when you arrive. Hospital staff are trained to support your choices, and LifeLong Adoptions will always advocate for your comfort, your boundaries, and your voice.
How LifeLong Adoptions Can Support You
This plan isn’t about what’s expected of you, it’s about what you want. This is your birth. Your story. Your plan. You have the right to feel heard and cared for.
At LifeLong Adoptions, we’re here to support birthmothers and expectant parents who are considering or pursuing adoption. We help you explore your options, connect with adoptive families, and create an adoption plan that reflects your needs—without pressure or judgment.
From your first phone call to the moment you leave the hospital (and beyond), you’ll have someone by your side who understands what you’re going through and who’s here to help you feel confident and supported.
Ready to Talk? We’re Here for You.
If you’re thinking about adoption, you can contact the LifeLong Adoptions staff any time—day or night. Call or text: 815-307-0620, chat with us using the live chat below, or complete our free information request form. We’re here to answer your questions, talk through your options, and walk this path with you at your pace.
