The following post was written by Angela Knapp, a social worker at Hunt Regional Medical Center. Angela has been a dedicated social worker for 19 years. During that time, she has served and advocated for people with disabilities and those who struggle with behavioral health issues. Most recently, she has applied her social work expertise to new mothers and babies in the hospital setting; the biggest perk of her job is getting to be around babies every day. (Hunt Regional was not paid for its statement and does not endorse this organization or its affiliates.)

Adoption can be a rewarding process but also a difficult one. The social workers at Hunt Regional Medical Center, and all hospitals, are trained to help you through that process. Women considering adoption or who have already made an adoption plan will learn that working with a hospital social worker can make the transition easier.

Ideally, a social worker’s job begins before the expecting mother arrives at the hospital to deliver. In cases where an adoption plan is already in place, the adoption agency representative reaches out to the social worker in advance, providing information regarding the adoption plan. When the social worker becomes aware of an upcoming adoption, the labor and delivery staff are alerted so they will be informed of any relevant details of the adoption plan prior to your arrival. The goal is always to honor your choices surrounding the delivery and care of the baby. The more information the hospital has in advance, the better equipped they are to do this.

Some things to consider discussing in advance with your adoption counselor are:

• Privacy

• Who will be in the delivery room

• Who will care for the baby at the hospital

At Hunt Regional Medical Center, mothers who seek added privacy may request to be designated “confidential.” This will prevent staff from releasing your room number to visitors. Regarding delivery, each hospital will have its own policies concerning the number of guests allowed in the room. For example, at Hunt Regional, two guests are allowed in the room for delivery, and one guest is permitted during a C-section. If you have any questions about hospital policies, let your adoption counselor know, and she will speak with the social worker to ensure you have all the answers you need. (Communication between the adoption counselor and hospital social worker prior to your hospital stay can clear up any hospital policies and aid in making these decisions in advance.)

Once you deliver, your healthcare team will want to honor your wishes regarding how much time to spend with the baby. Many hospitals no longer have traditional nurseries. For example, Hunt Regional Medical Center does not have a well-baby nursery. Instead, babies room-in with their mothers, except in cases where babies require care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This is the case at many other hospitals as well. If you do not wish to room-in with the baby, one option may be for the adoptive parents to stay in the hospital to room-in with the baby in a separate room. The options available will vary from hospital to hospital, so make sure to discuss this with your adoption counselor in advance.

A hospital social worker is a great resource for information prior to your arrival at the hospital. Following delivery, your social worker will want to meet with you after allowing time for recovery. If you want to speak to the social worker sooner, just ask. Remember that your social worker is there to help you. You should expect to meet with the social worker at least twice but as often as needed. The role of the social worker is to be the primary contact for your adoption counselor, to assess your needs in order to provide appropriate resources and referrals, and to complete the “Third Party Release.” The “Third Party Release” is the document that allows the release of the baby to the adoption agency upon discharge. The form must be signed by the mother in the presence of a notary and two witnesses.

To recap, when you first meet with your social worker, you will typically discuss your adoption plan, your health history, any available support system you may have, and your needs going forward. Common resources and referrals provided may include information on applying for various types of assistance, referrals for counseling, medical care, and community resources. You will meet with your social worker additional times for the completion of the “Third Party Release” and again for any continued support you need during your hospital stay. In cases where you want to make an adoption plan but have not done so before arriving at the hospital to deliver, please ask to speak to a social worker soon after you arrive. The social worker will assist you in making the appropriate arrangements. Social workers help facilitate adoptions. But all social workers know that it is you, the birth mother, making one of the hardest decisions of your life. Please know that your hospital social worker is there for you. You will also find support from the nurses and staff caring for you and the baby. Don’t hesitate to call your social worker—even after discharge—if you need additional assistance or just want to say hi. Social workers love keeping in touch!

Best wishes to you on your journey,

Angela Knapp, LBSW