One word to describe how you felt the moment you discovered you were pregnant?

Terrified

Why did you choose adoption?

The second I found out I was pregnant, I knew I couldn’t raise him or her the way I wanted to. The baby and I both deserved better.

What and who played the biggest role in your decision to place your child for adoption?

Finances and my mother. I knew I couldn’t provide everything a baby needs, much less day care. And I refused to accept handouts from my parents. I wanted to be able to support my child.

Pictured above: Ana and her father on placement day with her son.

What did you think about adoption before you placed? And after you placed?

I was afraid that adoption was still closed like it used to be because if it was I wouldn’t have gone with this option. I couldn’t imagine not being a part of my son’s life. Afterwards, I believe adoption is a Godsend and I am incredibly blessed to be a part of this amazing community.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known then that you know today?

I wish I would have known how much love surrounded me. I felt very alone all throughout my pregnancy.

If you could dispel any myths about adoption or birth mothers - what would you say?

That we “gave up” our children and that we don’t love them as much as mothers who decide to parent.

When, if ever, have you felt most discouraged about your decision to place?

When I see young, single mothers parenting. If they can do it, so could I.

What's been the greatest reward or surprise of being a birth mother?

Being able to say that I’m a mother. I may not parent, but I carried a child for 9 months and cared for him. To be able to say that makes me feel empowered and more feminine then I’ve ever felt before.

What's your greatest wish for birth mothers today?

That we can celebrate this extraordinary decision together and we will always be there for each other, no matter the circumstances.

What excites you about BraveLove?

I’m excited that there are people who aren’t birth mothers who want to support and recognize birth mothers. It makes me feel a little less invisible.