This must be a tough time as you try to figure out the best situation for yourself, your family and your baby. A positive pregnancy test can be overwhelming when the pregnancy was unplanned. Or maybe you’ve recently given birth and the decisions are feeling more pressing.

We’ve walked with many expectant parents through these challenging moments over the last 100 years. You are not alone, and you do not need to figure things out alone.

It’s never too early or late to reach out to a The Cradle—call 800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534). We can set up a time to meet you at a place convenient to you (in Illinois or Indiana). Our goal is to provide you with free, non-judgmental, confidential support so you can decide what is best. We will go over all of your options, your rights and responsibilities. If you choose to parent, we can help you find resources. We will never push you to choose adoption, but if you make that choice we can help you make a plan.

Here are a few things you should know about us:

• Expectant parent services are FREE.
  
• The Cradle is non-sectarian. We work with clients from all religious affiliations as well as races and ethnicities.
  
• Our all-female counseling team has deep experience. Click here to meet our caring staff.
• We have been around for 100 years and facilitated more than 16,000 adoptions.
• The Cradle provides temporary care options for your baby at no cost to you while you take the time to decide the best path for your family. Your counselor in Illinois or case worker in Indiana will discuss temporary care options with you.
• The Cradle was at the forefront of African American infant adoption and LGBTQ+ placements. We also work with single parents who want to adopt.
• We support our clients throughout their lives—not just during pregnancy or during an adoption. We offer counseling services, and many of our clients use post adoption support to obtain information and connect with relatives.
• The Cradle has long been an advocate for open adoption. An open adoption is one in which the birth and adoptive families have shared identifying information and can include direct ongoing contact. You may not feel ready for ongoing contact, and that’s OK! We will talk with you about how it works and you can choose what’s right for you.

The first step to work with us is to contact us via phone, text, email, chat or the website. Click here for more information. We’re here when you’re ready to talk.

-The Cradle Team