By Connor Shelton

The most frequent questions from birth mothers considering adoption are about the hospital stay. So naturally, you might have questions about this, especially given the complicated nature of adoptions in Nevada and the uncertainty surrounding cost. If this is the case, then don’t fret. Adoption Choices of Nevada is here to help inform you about the hospital stay. Here’s what you can expect when giving your baby up for adoption at the hospital.

The Adoption Process Pre-Hospital Visit

Before you even step foot in a hospital, your Nevada adoption counselor will guide you through the hospital stay. There are many moving parts in all this, and the exact details of a hospital plan – let alone an adoption plan – are bound to differ from mother to mother. As such, we will cater the hospital experience to fit your needs. If you have specific accommodations, you would like at the hospital. Your counselor will ensure they’re met. We can take care of everything for you, no matter how little or important it may be—even something as simple as phoning a relative. If you don’t have a way to get there, we’ll arrange for you to reach your chosen hospital in Reno. No matter what happens, your adoption counselor will be there to support you while you’re in the hospital.

What Happens During The Hospital Stay?

Before your delivery date, you should know that your trip to the hospital may differ from what you expect. You have the freedom to choose who will go with you when your delivery date arrives, but the amount of people you can have will vary depending on each hospital’s regulations. If you decide you don’t want anyone with you at the hospital, that is perfectly acceptable. You’re not under any obligation to invite people to the birth of your child.

Once your baby is born, you have the right to name your child and register their name on a birth certificate. Given that the adoptive parents can change the name if they choose to do so, you can also let them handle the naming duties. Just know that if you wish for your child to keep the name you have chosen, you should probably talk with the adoptive parents. This can either be done in person or through your birth parent counselor, who will be at the hospital with you. 

What Happens Once I Deliver My Baby?

After the delivery, you will typically stay in the hospital for 24-48 hours until the hospital discharges you. During this time, it’s important to work through any emotions you might have about wanting to put your child up for adoption, especially if the adoptive parents are there. They can help support you during this time, and just as importantly, you can establish a bond with them during this time. It’ll help ease you through the adoption process and make you feel comfortable with these people raising your kid. 

The hardest part of the hospital stay comes with the adoption finalization process. To finalize the adoption, you must sign the termination of parental rights form and other consent forms. Know that this is not done right away but typically after 72 hours to ensure the baby is healthy and that you truly want to go through with the adoption in Reno. Once you sign those papers, the adoptive family will take the baby home from the hospital.

Giving My Baby Up for Adoption at the Hospital in Nevada

There’s more to adoption in Nevada than simply the hospital stay. Whether it be choosing the type of adoption you want for your child or getting the birth father to sign away parental rights, it can feel stressful.

To help reduce any stress, we offer free counseling during and after your pregnancy so you can receive the emotional care you need. And don’t worry about the cost. Adoption Choices of Nevada offers financial aid for most pregnancy-related costs, especially those pertaining to medical issues. It doesn’t matter where you are in your pregnancy. We’ll help you whether you’re far from your due date or close to labor. All you have to do is take care of yourself and stay healthy.

Adoption Choices of Nevada has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across Nevada since 2012. You can call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: 855-940-4673 (Toll-Free) | 702-474-4673 (Las Vegas) | 775-825-4673 (Reno) | 775-884-4673 (Carson City).