After your baby is born, you may still need more time to think about your decision to parent or place the child for adoption. If more time is needed, there is short-term (interim) infant care provided for the child that lasts anywhere from a few days to a few months. Interim infant care provides extra time for your decision, a safe and secure environment for the baby, and saves the birth mother from feeling pressured to finalize her decision before relinquishment. Medical care for the physical and emotional needs of the baby is provided during his or her stay in interim infant care.

Here are a few questions to ask before you place the child in interim infant care, so that you feel confident the baby is in good hands while you are making the best plan for him or her:

• How are the interim family caregivers licensed, screened, and trained?
• Will there be multiple babies in the interim infant care?
• Can I meet the interim family caregivers?
• How often can I visit during the time the baby is in care?