Adoptions at the hospital are an emotional time for everyone involved, so it’s important that hospital staff and professionals are supportive and sensitive. From using positive adoption language to understanding the rights of everyone involved, birth and adoptive families benefit when hospital social workers, nurses and other staff are prepared for working in adoption.
In order to help you learn about adoption, we’ve created the below infographic and we’re also hosting a free webinar. If you are a hospital staff or professional, we encourage you to attend our free webinar, “Adoption Dynamics in the Hospital” on July 27 at 12 p.m. CST. You can also register for the live webinar to be sent a link to the recording after the event.
Register here for “Adoption Dynamics in the Hospital” webinarClick the image to open a larger version, with zoom.
Communication is Key: When time allows, we will send you a birth plan outlining what you can expect when it comes to the hospital experience. Don’t forget that there are two sets of parents involved in an adoptive situation, so ensure that the appropriate information is being shared with each party. As with any other birth plan, they can change and that’s OK. Make everyone is aware of the changes as they arise.
Sensitive Language: Understand that congratulatory wishes for a birth parent who has chosen adoption are not always welcomed or appropriate. Please ask us if you have any questions about appropriate and positive adoption language. We have many additional resources that we’d love to share with you.
Birth Parents are the Legal Parents: The birth parents retain the rights to make any medical decisions for the child until placement paperwork is signed. Ask them what their wishes are; do not assume. The adoptive parents will likely be experiencing a time of legal risk in which the child goes home with them before the process is finalized.
Openness in Adoption is the Norm: Respect the relationship building taking place between the birth and adoptive parents. Keep in mind that closed adoptions are sometimes requested. Take extra care and caution to ensure identifying information is not shared in these situations.
Records are Important: The child’s original birth certificate needs to include their name that was given to them by the birth parents. This can sometimes be the adoptive name. Please make sure families do not leave the hospital without completing the paperwork required by the adoption agency as well.
Be Aware of After-Care: Birth parents may not want a monthly mailing sent to their home about their child’s development, however, the adoptive parents might. Again, ask before assuming. Since the adoptive parents might also be first time parents, treat them as you would any other new parents in regards to education and preparation for taking baby home.
Any Questions? Always feel free to reach out to the pregnancy counselor involved prior to labor/delivery to introduce yourself and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. If the adoption was not planned in advance, please contact us or our 24-hour-on-call service (651.287.2599).
General Contact Information
[email protected] | toll free: 888.205.3769 | 651.646.7771
