Yes, you can wait until after you’ve given birth to make your decision. In fact, every state requires a waiting period after childbirth before a birth mother can sign adoption papers. Your child belongs to you until you sign the consent to adoption document.

In Tennessee, a birth mother can sign the consent to adoption when she is released from the hospital or 48 hours after birth, whichever comes first. Once she has voluntarily surrendered parental rights before a judge, she has three business days to change her mind. After that 3-day period has passed, the birth mother cannot change her consent to adoption.

What Adoption Help Is Available?

Adoption is a major life decision. You should receive thorough adoption counseling so that you understand the process entirely. Plus, you should never feel manipulated.  

At A Loving Option Adoption, we provide a Dedicated Birth Parent Specialist who works closely with you. Your Specialist is your advocate, walking you through every step.

Their job is to protect you and ensure you know your rights as an expectant mother or birth mother. They make sure you receive the following:

• Emotional support and counseling referrals
• A detailed explanation of the adoption process to help you develop an adoption plan
• Free prenatal medical care
• Childbirth education, including a detailed hospital birth plan
• Additional pregnancy-related expenses, depending on your individual needs
• Community referrals to provide you with assistance
• Ongoing counseling
• Free legal representation

In addition, your Dedicated Birth Parent Specialist gives you the option of selecting the potential adoptive couple. They talk with you to determine what you are looking for and help you review the bios of different families. 

What If I Just Don’t Know?

The Specialists at A Loving Option Adoption want you to feel confident that making an adoption plan for your child is the right choice. At no point in the process will they force you to follow through with adoption plans if you are in doubt.

Although it is a difficult decision, we want you to know that it is your decision alone. Only you can determine what’s best for you and your child.

Women have taken their babies home only to find out that caring for a newborn is a strenuous job. Sometimes, family or friends promise to help but never follow through. It is still possible to choose adoption. 

Contact A Loving Option Adoption

You can contact us anytime on our 24/7 Helpline (865-345-2601), fill out our confidential online Contact Form, or call or text 865-684-1894. Contacting us for more information doesn’t mean you’re committing to an adoption plan. It takes time to decide if this is the best option for you. Let us help you.