A surprise pregnancy can be exciting – but not if you don’t feel ready or able to be a parent. Placing your baby with an adoptive family may be a good alternative, but it’s a big decision that you’ll need to weight carefully.
As a licensed adoption agency in Texas, Adoption Advocates has helped thousands of women explore open adoption. We believe that informed decision-making, and our counselors are here to give honest, open and accurate information about what open adoption is really like. Ready to learn more? Ask your first question now by calling (800) 966-HOPE or texting (512) 270-8415.
Clients in Laredo and surrounding areas are served by adoption specialist, Alicia Ports. Please note that we are only able to work with expectant parents that currently reside on the Texas side of the border.
Call or Text: (512) 270-8415
Email: [email protected]
Services Offered for Expectant Parents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Parents who adopt from Adoption Advocates are educated to respect the special bond between the child and the birth family. By knowing you and receiving information from you, they can raise the child that knows where they came from. Although open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable in Texas, chances are that you will choose a family who you like and trust, and they will be committed to honoring their agreement with you.
Yes, you can move forward with an adoption plan. Although things will move faster, you will still have the same rights and ability to make choices that an expectant mother does. An adoption specialist will visit you to answer your questions, help you complete paperwork, share waiting family profiles and discuss a post-placement plan. You will receive counseling and support after relinquishment as well, for as long as you choose.
Here’s a look at what to expect with the adoption process if your baby has already been born:
GET IN TOUCH: Reach out to us by calling (512) 477-1122 or texting (512) 270-8415. If you’re still in the hospital, you can ask the hospital’s social worker to help you get in touch with us. We already work with many hospital social workers throughout Texas.
MEET WITH A SPECIALIST: An experienced adoption specialist will visit you as soon as possible, usually within a few hours. She will explain your options, the different types of adoption and what comes next. After learning more about adoption, you’ll decide if you want to move forward with placing your baby for adoption.
MAKE CHOICES: If you’re ready, you’ll begin making choices for you and your baby’s future. You’ll need to decide if you want an open, semi-open or closed adoption. You can start looking at adoptive family profile books and choose one. If you do not want to choose the family, the agency can select for you. Remember, you are still in control of all of your choices.
SIGN PAPERWORK: If you’re sure about adoption and it’s been at least 48 hours since the baby was born, you’ll sign the relinquishment papers. Your chosen adoptive family will be able to take the baby home as soon as the hospital discharges him or her.
The adoption process moves quickly after a baby is born, and 48 hours may not be enough time for you to make a decision. Signing the relinquishment papers is permanent, so you need to be certain this is the right step for you. If you need more time, we can arrange for short-term interim care (also known as cradle care) after your baby is released from the hospital. You’ll be able to continue exploring your options and spend time with your baby before you make a final decision. Even though your relationship with Adoption Advocates began after your baby was born, we hope it doesn’t end there. Many women experience difficult emotions, including grief and sadness, after placement. We’re here to help you through those emotions with adoption counseling for as long as you need, at no cost to you.
An open adoption means that you get to choose the adoptive parents, and you can maintain some degree of contact with them. In an open adoption, you will always be honored as the child’s birth parent, because that’s who you are. In almost all adoption plans, the adoptive parents provide pictures and letters and exchange phone calls with birth parents. Depending on the relationship that develops between you and your adoptive parents, sometimes there is visitation. The most important thing to remember is that an open adoption is what the participants jointly decide that it should be. Open adoption is an informal agreement based on trust and respect.
It’s OK not to be sure about adoption right away. This is a really important decision! Take as much time as you need. Your adoption specialist will discuss all of your options with you — without pressure or judgment. Our goal is to provide support and answers, so that you can make an informed decision.
After speaking to an adoption specialist, you may decide that adoption is not right for you. That’s OK too. If you decide to parent, Adoption Advocates can direct you to resources to provide assistance during your pregnancy and your child’s early years.
Laredo Pregnancy Testing & Family Planning
The first step towards processing an unplanned pregnancy is to confirm that your positive result, and to learn when your baby is due. These pregnancy centers in Laredo can offer free or low-cost pregnancy tests as well as ultrasounds.
Laredo Life Pregnancy Center
1601 Musser St.
Laredo, TX 78043
(956) 727-1312
Casa La Esperanza
1903 Victoria St.
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 635-0403
Please note that while we provide links to pregnancy care centers, we do not endorse any organization and their beliefs may not align with that of Adoption Advocates.
Laredo Prenatal Care & Hospitals
Regular prenatal care is important part of making sure you and your baby stay safe and healthy. In addition to hospitals, Laredo offers several clinics that offer prenatal care and accept pregnancy Medicaid or offer low-cost services.
Nueva Vida Maternity Clinic (Central Laredo)
801 Corpus Christi Street
Laredo, TX
Phone: (956) 727-0722
Gateway Community Health Center
Multiple locations
Phone: (956) 795-8100
Additional Resources for Pregnancy & Parenting
Before weighing your options, the first step is to make sure that you and your baby are healthy and well cared for. If you’re in a difficult financial position, that can seem overwhelming but help is available. Texas offers benefits like Pregnancy Medicaid and SNAP Food Benefits that can help whether you choose adoption or parenting.
Texas Health & Human Services Benefits Office
1500 N. Arkansas
Laredo, TX 78043
(956) 725-5195
Offers assistance with SNAP, TANF and family/children’s Medicaid
Apply online for benefits
Santo Nino WIC
2201 Saltillo St
Laredo, TX 78046
(956) 795-2488
Offers assistance with SNAP, TANF and family/children’s Medicaid
Apply online for WIC
Cedar Health Promotion Center (WIC)
2600 Cedar Avenue
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 795-4943
Offers assistance with SNAP, TANF and family/children’s Medicaid
Apply online for WIC
ADVICE FROM A BIRTH MOTHER
No matter where the baby ends up, people will often feel obligated to tell you to do what they feel is right or what you “should” do. Only you know what is right for you, and what’s right for what’s growing inside you.
Sarah D. | BIRTH MOTHER
Take the First Step Now
Ready to get started? Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your situation and see how we can help. You can also reach out directly to our Laredo adoption specialist Alicia by calling or texting (512) 270-8415.
