Conversations on Open Adoption - Kandice and Alex, Part II
It can be helpful to hear how people are navigating this unique family relationship of open adoption. We captured this conversation with a birth mom and an adoptive mom.
Webisode #1 - Welcome to BraveLove At Home
Do you serve women and families who have been impacted by adoption and/or an unplanned pregnancy? Are you looking for adoption resources and adoption information? If so, then you're in the right spot. Watch BraveLove At Home.
Conversations on Open Adoption - Brindan and Jen, Part II
Watch as Brindan, a birth mom and Jen, her daughter's adoptive mom continue their conversation on how they navigate their open adoption.
Conversations on Open Adoption - Alison and Sherri, Part II
We're picking up where we left off with Alison and Sherri's conversation on open adoption. There's a deep bond between these two moms — something they both never could have imagined.
"Adoption is Brave" - Kelsey's Story
For the first time in a long time I wasn't thinking about myself, I chose Abel. With the amount of drug exposure, there was I had only ONE family to choose from.
No Such Thing As Unplanned - Annie's Story
My biological parents were seventeen years old when they found out they were pregnant with me, and they were in high school at the time. When they found out, my birth father wanted an abortion. He actually told my birth mother if she didn't get an abortion that he would leave her. Keep reading the rest of this adoption story by Annie.
I knew that adoption was my final decision. - Miriam's Story
"I want my story to reach out to people who may or may not be in this type of situation, but hopefully will help people understand the importance of adoption." - Miriam, birth mom
How BraveLove is Changing the Narrative
Someone once described adoption as a constellation. The idea is that people beyond the birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees are also impacted by adoption. Watch this video to find out how BraveLove is shaping culture and changing narratives even beyond the adoption triad.
How to Navigate a Very Open Adoption
With adoption as my option, I never considered how open it could be. In fact, my idea of “very open” wasn’t all that open at all. I never dreamed that my adoption would be where it is today.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
"Four days that I will never forget. I’ll never forget the pain, both mentally and physically." Keep reading as Shelbi explains there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Conversations on Open Adoption - Alison and Sherri, Part I
When Alison placed her daughter Peyton with a loving couple 23 years ago, they could never have predicted how their story of open adoption would unfold. Watch this conversation with her daughter's adoptive mom.
Conversations on Open Adoption - Brindan and Jen, Part I
How does that work? Won’t that be hard when they get older? Aren’t you afraid the birth mom will want her child back? These are just some of the questions that Jen gets asked about the relationship with her daughter's birth mom, Brindan.
"It has all come full circle. Adoption is beautiful. It wasn't always happy go lucky." - Emily's Story
"It has all come full circle. Adoption is beautiful. It wasn't always happy go lucky...The beauty of open adoption. There is always a window to see that everything is ok." - Emily, birth mom #BraveLove
Conversations on Open Adoption - Kandice and Alex, Part I
There's not a step-by-step guide on how to do open adoption. But it can be helpful to hear how people are navigating this unique family relationship. We asked a few different birth moms and their children's adoptive moms to share some of their fears, insecurities, and lessons learned. We captured that on film so that you can see for yourself.
The Sweetest Gift
"That’s the paradox that is adoption. On one side, it is beautiful and celebrated and the new baby is welcomed with open arms. On the other, there is a grief over the loss that extends to your entire family. " - Ashley, adoptive mom #BraveLove
When You're Already Parenting — Dominique's Story
When Dominique, a single mom, found out she was pregnant, she felt stuck. She was doing ok parenting one child, but what was it going to look like to now financially support two? Her first thought was to have an abortion or try to parent another child.
I Wish I'd Known Then What I Know Now
When I placed my daughter for adoption twenty years ago, open adoption wasn't really discussed as a preferred option, and I didn't even know of anyone who had experienced adoption in that way.
"I did feel more in control of the situation" - Courtney's Story
I didn’t give my child away—he’s not a piece of trash. I placed my child into a loving and thriving home in order to give him a better chance at life.
There’s no shame in being a birth mom
Being a birth mom is a huge part of some women’s stories, but it is not the end. We want to introduce you to several of these strong, creative, smart, unique, hilarious, fun-loving women!
The Other Side by Shara Case
"I will never stop supporting or promoting the difficult but beautiful act of adoption. Love IS brave." - Shara, adoptee #BraveLove
No Shame Trailer
We recognize that adoption is a part of a birth mother's story — but it's not all of her. Watch this short trailer to catch a glimpse of our new campaign that's coming (very) soon.
"My choice was not easy, but it was right, and I had to be brave for her." - Jessica's Story
I see her love on her mom, I see her lean on her dad. I see them love her with all their heart. My choice was not easy, but it was right, and I had to be brave for her. I had to put away my pride for her. I couldn’t be selfish, and I knew I had to let her go.
What's Your Part? Respond
When Dominique found out she was pregnant with another child, she didn’t know where to turn. Watch this film to see how Traci’s response to a simple text message helped Dominique when she needed it most
"I am 14...how did I become pregnant?" - Maddison's Story of Heartbreak and Healing
It took me about a year to understand or have feeling in that hole in my heart. I did not completely start healing until about 10 years later.
Second Act: Now Playing - Plus the Other Storyline We Didn't See Coming
What appears to be a light-hearted rom-com starring Jennifer Lopez and other recognizable A-list actors was actually a movie with its fair share of personal struggles and surprises... adoption being one of them. Read BraveLove's movie review about this film plus the unexpected storyline.