Why More Moms Are Turning to Adoption — And What to Expect

We’ve noticed a hopeful trend in recent years — more moms (and moms-to-be) are embracing newborn adoption as a way to grow their families. As a community of moms, we understand firsthand that the journey to parenthood isn’t always simple or traditional. 

Whether due to infertility challenges or personal choice, we are seeing adoption move into the spotlight as a loving, viable path to motherhood. Explore why so many moms are turning to adoption and what to expect if you decide to join this growing wave of adoptive families.

Angel Adoption’s newborn agency in Texas noted that approximately 90% of their adoptive families successfully welcome a baby within 24 months. Their encouraging success rate shows how effective today’s adoption programs can be in making matches.

Why Are More Moms Choosing Adoption?

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and motherhood can take shape in beautifully unexpected ways. Whether due to fertility hurdles, shifting life goals, or a desire to provide a home for a child in need, moms are finding hope and purpose through adoption.

Let’s break down what’s driving this growing movement.

• Infertility and Family-Building: Roughly 1 in 6 couples experience infertility, and if you’re one of them, adoption might feel like a lifeline rather than a last resort. Many hopeful parents turn to adoption when medical treatments haven’t worked, or simply when they’re ready to explore a different path to parenthood.
• Later Motherhood & Evolving Norms: Motherhood doesn’t always come with a deadline, but if you’re building your career or waiting for stability, you might find yourself exploring adoption in your 30s or 40s. You’re not alone — more moms today are choosing adoption as a flexible, empowering route to motherhood.
• Less Stigma, More Openness: Adoption is more transparent and compassionate than ever. Over 90% of domestic newborn adoptions now involve some level of openness, meaning birth families and adoptive families may stay in contact over the years. That shift has changed public perception dramatically. Adoption isn’t hidden or shameful, it’s celebrated.

What Can You Expect From the Adoption Process?

Choosing adoption is a beautiful decision, but let’s be real, we know it comes with paperwork instead of pregnancy cravings! So, what is the process like? Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect when you’re expecting… to adopt:

1. Home Study & Paperwork: Every adoptive family goes through a home study – essentially paperwork, background checks, interviews, and a home visit to ensure you can provide a safe environment. It sounds intimidating, but agencies will guide you through it step by step. (Think of it as baby-proofing your life on paper.)
2. Matching with a Birth Mother: Once approved, you and your partner create an adoptive family profile that expectant mothers can review. Many adoptions today are open or semi-open, meaning you might meet the birth mother and establish a relationship. Expect some emotional moments here – two families are coming together for the love of one child.
3. The Waiting Game: Waiting for “the call” that you’ve been matched – or that the baby is about to be born – can feel like an eternity. Try to stay busy and lean on support groups (and yes, maybe indulge in setting up the nursery a little early!). Remember that we might experience some false starts (matches that fall through if a birth mom changes her mind – it happens). Keeping hope alive during the wait is part of the journey.
4. Placement & Finalization: When the big day comes, usually at the hospital when the baby is born, you feel an overwhelming mix of joy and nerves. You take your baby home, often within a day or two of birth, but the adoption isn’t final yet. There’s a legal period (which varies by state, from around 48 hours to a week or more) for the birth parents to legally consent. After that, you have several post-placement visits from a social worker before a judge issues the final adoption decree. Expect happy tears at that final court hearing – it’s the day your little one officially and forever becomes part of your family!

Ready to Start Your Adoption Journey?

If you and your partner are considering newborn adoption as your way to build a family, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and fear – adoption is a big step, after all. When you’re ready, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Many wonderful organizations and professionals (many of them adoptive parents themselves) are available and will walk you through each stage.

We moms have a knack for doing whatever it takes to bring love into our homes. If adoption is calling to your heart, go ahead and answer that call. Ask questions, gather info, and trust your instincts. Your future son or daughter might be out there waiting for you as eagerly as you’re waiting for them. So take a deep breath, take that first step, and remember – we’re all in this together.