On our Facebook page (facebook.com/adoptivefamilies), we asked readers, Have you experienced a last-minute “stork drop” adoption match (also referred to as “baby born” or “instant” or “emergency placements”)? If yes, any advice for others who may have one in the future? Here’s what you said:

“We had an instant placement with four hours to prepare for our daughter. While it was hectic as all heck I wouldn’t change a thing about it.” —TIFFANY

“Yes. We were trying to schedule a meeting with the expectant mom, but when we tried to call her we got no answer. Turns out she was in labor. We received a call around 11:00 pm on April Fool’s Day that she had a boy and wanted us to adopt him. We took a flight the next day—but had to wait for our attorney to find an agency to work with on the weekend before we could meet him. My advice, be patient.” —CHRISTINE

“I suggest having all baby items you need on a wishlist on Amazon. When we got the call, we had just a few hours to prepare, so there was no way I could have decided what we needed or researched the best items. Luckily, I had saved items I was interested in on Amazon and could just press buy. And they were delivered within 48 hours.” —LISA

“Our child’s birth mother decided to place after giving birth and chose us a couple hours later. It was a whirlwind of paperwork and emotions but we got to hold our baby next day. We had nothing but a pack ‘n play, car seat, and swing. Within 24 hours, our house was full of the essentials. Family and friends are amazing.” —PAIGE

“Yep. Our agency called them ‘emergency placements.’ We got a call on Thursday morning, met everyone Thursday evening, and took our daughter home Friday afternoon. Crazy doesn’t begin to describe it.” —MITZKI

“After we were matched, I went to meet the expectant mom. We went to an ultrasound together—and discovered she was pregnant with twins and in labor! I went with her to the hospital and was able to take care of our girls in the nursery. After three days in the hospital, we spent 10 days in a hotel waiting for ICPC approval. My advice? Patience, remember that the baby belongs first to the expectant mom, communicate with everyone involved, and prepare a ‘go bag’ with basics for the baby (and yourself).” —DARENE

“All three of our adoptions were baby born/stork drop situations. Best surprise phone calls ever at 16 days waiting, 3 days waiting, and less than 24 hours waiting as an active family. Wouldn’t or couldn’t imagine it any other way! My only advice is: Be prepared.” —NYCOLE

“Yes! After we went through a failed placement (a baby girl), our agency put us on their ‘stork drop’ list. About five months later, we got a call about a Safe Haven baby boy who was four days old. We drove to Florida and met him about 23 hours later. Best call I’ve ever received! Oh, and when we got home a month later, the baby girl clothes had magically been replaced by baby boy clothes. So thankful for family, friends, and friends of friends!” —JEANETTE

“Yes. It was extremely complicated, especially since we weren’t even looking to adopt. I opened emails one day and, boom, learned of a baby born four days prior and would we be interested in becoming parents? What followed was a long journey of learning and recognizing the flaws of our foster care system. But, he is now nine and adopting him was most beautiful thing we’ve ever done. My advice: Don’t over think it. You’ll talk yourself out of it. Absolutely go for it.” —SUSAN

“Be prepared. Have diapers, a few gender-neutral outfits, and somewhere baby can sleep. We got the call that we were chosen for a two-week-old baby boy at 4:00 p.m. We drove around like lunatics that night getting things and learning how to install the car seat. Very stressful and exciting!” —PAMELA