I was adopted when I was just a few days old, as was my sister. We were both private adoptions. My parents had been looking in any means of adoption, as they were desperate for a baby. (my Mom was unable to conceive). I know that for my sister, her birth parents lived in a rural area and had no phone. Her birth father took their only car to work each day, and my parents were concerned this woman would have an emergency and be all alone without a phone. So they sent her money to cover the phone bill and food. This was not legal, but my mom got their contact info since the adoption lawyer was a childhood friend of my mom. I don't know if maybe things are different in your state, or if things have just been changed to allow for financial support of the pregnant woman.

I would recommend finding out what the rules are now as far as a birth mom changing her mind. When I was five, my parents decided to adopt a boy. We had him for a month before his birthmother changed her mind. It was like a death for my family. When we got to adopt my sister, we lived in fear until the time had passed that her birth mom could change her mind.

I am so happy that you are adopting. I have always felt so special, being adopted. Check out this book- "The Chosen Baby". It was read to me a lot when I was young, and I always felt that way- specially chosen.

Good luck finding your baby!!