Every birth mother can plan her own hospital stay and we call it her Hospital Plan. It is good to plan ahead and think about what is important to you.
What are some things you would like to do in the hospital? Would you like some time alone with the baby to talk to them and let them know you love them? Would you like some time with the adoptive parents and the baby? Would you like to have pictures taken of you and the baby? Would you like to have pictures taken of you and the adoptive parents and the baby? Would you like to bring the baby a gift to send with them? Would you like to write the baby a letter to send with them?
There is so much to think about and so many decisions to make. In my years of working in adoptions, I have seen birth mothers do many different things at the hospital. Some do not want to see the baby at all and would rather the adoptive family care for the baby in their own room or in the nursery. Some birth mothers have wanted to care for the baby the whole time they are in the hospital. Other birth mothers have done a little of both, had some time with the baby and had the adoptive parents care for the baby part of the time as well and some have shared the baby care with the adoptive parents in the hospital room.
There is no right or wrong hospital plan. It all depends on what you are comfortable with and what memories you want to create. It is an emotional time. There will be tears of joy and tears of sadness. That is why it is important to plan ahead what is important to you, so you do not get swept up in the moment or the emotions and look back and say, “I wish I had…..”. Pack your camera, bring your phone charger, and purchase that gift ahead of time.
We have trained staff who will assist you in developing a hospital plan that fits your needs.