Adoption is Life Changing: Leah's Story Update
"...to all the potential birth moms out there trying to find some kind of sign that adoption is the right option; I hope my story serves as validation that you are moving in the right direction." - Leah, Birth Mom
The Importance of a Support System - Deb's Story
"I thank God that He directed my path to California and brought me to family and friends that loved and supported me through this moment in my life." - Deb, Birth Mom
"I have girls around me who have told their story - who are not ashamed of who they are and it makes me feel stronger."
Emmah's first assumption about adoption was she would never see her child again. As she learned more about what adoption could look like, she gained confidence in her decision and desires to share the positives with others.
"I chose adoption so this 17-year-old girl could grow up and be the person he needed."
Unexpectedly pregnant at the age of 17. Morgan chose adoption for herself and her son. She faced many stigmas from those around her and desires to break those stigmas in her daily career. This is Morgan's story and why she chose adoption.
Emmah
“I don’t have to hide from my son. He can know why I made the decision I did. And know that I love him.” Watch Emmah, the true story of a 17-year-old who chose adoption for her son.
BraveLove Birth Mom Dinners
BraveLove's birth mom dinners are a time for women to come together and build community over a shared experience.
Open Adoption is a Unique Relationship
"Open adoption is not for everybody, but it can be beautiful. If the adoptive family and the birth parents work together to offer the children answers and love, there's no other relationship like open adoption." - Maggie, Birth Mom
"I get to find the best fit for my child and that's huge and it's empowering."
Brittany had never been presented with adoption as an option in her previous pregnancies. This time was different — she felt empowered in the decision she was making for her child and her family. This is Brittany's story and why she chose adoption.
The Adoption Journey is Never Over: Shelby's Story
"While the adoption process is seen as selflessly giving to better the life of a child, I can attest that it is also a lifetime of questioning the what ifs and what could have beens." - Shelby, Birth Mom
Healing is a Process: Kristen's Story
"It was a long, painful journey, and I still feel all the emotions associated with that. It's a healing process, but never one that just goes away." - Kristen, Birth Mom
"I couldn't do it on my own... I felt ashamed and guilty."
Ashleigh was homeless, between jobs, and had little support. Parenting felt very overwhelming and she desired more for herself and her child. This is Ashleigh's story and why she chose adoption.
"I had to let them go so that we could all live." — Aimee's Story
"I had to let them go so that we could all live." - Aimee, birth mom, #BraveLove
The Beauty and Pain of Adoption
"Adoption is just as beautiful as it is painful. Another mother completely broke her heart by placing her child, and in turn mended my broken pieces, and gave me the gift of becoming a mother." - Laura, Adoptive Mom
"This is about mothers my age who have been ashamed."
Terri placed her son for adoption, never knowing if she would see him again. Eighteen years later, their reunification has helped her overcome shame and stigma she has felt due to her choice to place. This is Terri's story and why she chose adoption.
Healing Isn't Linear - Robin's Story
"As an adoptee, I always struggled with wanting to know who I looked like." - Robin, Adoptee
Lydia's Update: Keeping Promises 6 Years Later
It’s been almost 6 years since I placed my sweet daughter into the arms of the woman, she would call “mommy." Since that day, I’ve felt immense amounts of sorrow, and yet tremendous joy.
A Real Extended Family Relationship
Yet at each turn of our journey, our walls were broken down and this theoretical “open adoption” became a real woman. A real child. And, ultimately, a real extended family relationship.
Courtney's Rules: How one birth mom gets through Mother's Day
You see, when the month of flowers arrives, a barrage of commercials and songs and questions come flying, “what are you doing for Mother’s Day?”. This is a difficult time for me in more than one way.
A Good and Hard Decision: Malynn's Story
"I hope one day my birth son will understand my decision and be grateful for the heart-wrenching decision I made to make his life better." - Malynn, birth mom
Lemons to Lemonade: Delora's Story
"She was so kind and gracious to me, asking me how the delivery was and how I was feeling. She made me feel seen.." - Delora, birth mom
Dear Birth Mom: One More Conversation with You
"Having my children now, I can't imagine how you struggled over my adoption. The pain and sadness that you endured. I hope someone was there for you." - Brandi, adoptee #BraveLove
Worth the Challenges - Ginny's Story
"Adopting a special needs child is challenging, but well worth the results and love you receive." - Ginny, adoptive mom
My Choice Wasn't Easy — Jess's Story
Let me take you back to December 2016 and finding out I was pregnant, immediately dropping to my knees knowing at 23, parenting two kids on my own already, having a full-time job, and attending college, there was no way I could have another child. I knew at that time adoption was my only option.
Gerrianne 40 Years Later
"It is out of LOVE an adoption plan is made." - Gerrianne #BraveLove
Gerrianne | A Birth Mom from Texas
I was a single mother, with three small boys. I was living on public assistance, in low-income housing, with plans to begin college in the Winter Semester... I didn't know how I could emotionally handle another child.