There was a time, and not too long ago, when adoption was the only real option for couples that wanted a child but couldn't conceive. Back then, the process was cloaked in secrecy and many adopted children went through much of their lives unaware of how they came into the family. Birth mothers relinquished their babies in the hospital knowing they were severing ties to the child forever. No one talked about it and many adoptive parents and birth mothers went to their graves with the secret. Luckily, adoption has changed dramatically over the years.

Infertile couples have more options to create a family than ever before. Intent on having their own biological children, many couples turn to medical interventions or surrogate mothers, and don't seriously consider adoption until they've exhausted other options. Lingering perceptions, misinformation, and a general lack of understanding of adoption today can leave prospective parents wary of the process.

It used to be that couples wanting to adopt went to an agency, put their names on a list, went through an approval process and then were notified when a baby became available. The agencies matched babies with parents and the birth mother had no say, nor did she know where her baby was going.

Today, parents create a profile of themselves and birth mothers can choose parents for their children. While it's empowering for a birth mother, it's also made adoption more competitive, with couples vying for babies and trying to create the most compelling profile in order to be selected from the pool of prospective parents.

All adoptions used to be closed, meaning the records were sealed, even to the participants. Today's adoptions are more open, with information shared between birth and adoptive parents. Experts have found semi-open adoptions are healthier for the child and allow access to important genetic medical history. While some couples and birth parents do opt for a fully open adoption, it remains a bit controversial. Proponents argue a child can't have too many people loving him or her while detractors believe it can be too confusing.

Adoptions have always been expensive, but today they can be even more so. After spending thousands upon thousands of dollars on medical treatments, many couples come to the adoption process already cash strapped. When all is said and done, a typical adoption can cost about $30K, with some costing even more. However, many people are unaware that they may be eligible for an $11K tax credit when they adopt, which can significantly offset the cost.

Even the Internet has changed how parents adopt. The Web can be a useful research tool, but it's also a dangerous place full of predators. While the Internet makes it easier to find good adoption resources and information from outside one's local area, it's also a haven for scammers looking to prey on vulnerable couples who are desperate for a baby.

Because of all the changes, costs and dangers, many of today's prospective parents turn to adoption consultants for guidance. These experts can explain the differences between domestic and international adoptions and help couples put together a profile that's more likely to get noticed by a birth mother. Consultants work for a fee, but in the long run their knowledge and contacts can save adoptive parents money and heartache. These experienced adoption professionals serve as advocates for prospective parents and can help them through a very stressful and emotional time.