Dear birthmom,
I want to encourage you today about the decision you have made. Having made this choice I know some of the feelings you may be experiencing. It is an exquisite pain.
Open Adoption - Strange Friendships and the Urge to Run
“If I didn’t place my baby with them, would they care about me?”
This lingering question was the one thing keeping me from calling it a friendship.
Meet Kelsey
We are stronger together, and you are not alone!
"We all deserve to have peace with this choice; the choice we made in love." — Kelsey's Story
I believe birth moms have a certain resilience and we all deserve to have peace with this choice; the choice we made in love. - Kelsey, birth mom #BraveLove
Nacole 6 Years Later
"I was scared to share my story out of fear of people being judgmental. Today, I am very open to sharing in hopes of it helping someone." - Nacole, birth mom #BraveLove
16, Pregnant and Nervous — Emily's Story
Leading up to my daughter’s birth, I was so nervous. I knew placing her for adoption was the right decision for me and for my baby. I also knew it was going to be very difficult, physically and emotionally.
Sarah's Story
"I thought adoption was giving up. I didn't abandon my son... I chose what was best for him." Watch as Sarah and the family she placed with, share an honest portrayal of not only the struggle, but also the joy and beauty that has come from their open adoption.
"I had no family support"
"I get to see my children, talk to them and witness them growing up loved and happy with so many opportunities." - Sarah, birth mom #BraveLove
Dating As A Birth Mom
What's it like for birth moms to date? Read these tips from one birth mother to another.
Allie 6 Years Later
"If the world knew the love, sacrifice and thought put forth by the birth parents, they wouldn't think of it as such a risky topic." - Allie #BraveLove
Santa Clause, Oprah, and High Hopes — An Adoptee's Search
I hate secrets and surprises. I always have. I attribute this to being a curious person, but on an extreme level. And, even that can be attributed, or at least partially due, to growing up never knowing where I came from, but rather where I ended up.
Jori 9 Years Later
Adoption CAN be amazing. Yes, I know that it isn't for every situation, but it can be open, raw, loving, kind, considerate, healing and so much more. It is not a one size fits all.
Wynter 17 Years Later
"Everyone impacted by adoption needs a strong community of love and support!" - Wynter #BraveLove
A Conversation with Heather Avis about her family, her book and the beautiful chaos of adoption
"We just sat there and watched this family love on this child who they feel very much connected to because it is their child. It is their granddaughter. It is their cousin. It is their niece. It is their daughter. We recognized that something really special is happening that we got to be a part of."
Tamra 20 Years Later
"The biggest lesson of the last few years is that fear is a thief! " - Tamra #BraveLove
I Lived on Parker Avenue
Adopted at birth and raised in Louisiana, David Scotton is on a journey to Indiana to meet the birth parents he’s never known. His tattooed birth mother, Melissa, and reserved birth father, Brian, anxiously wait for him, concerned David will reject them for decisions they made before he was born.
Gerrianne 30 Years Later
"It is out of LOVE an adoption plan is made." - Gerrianne #BraveLove
Navigating the Emotions of Reconnecting After a Semi-Open Adoption
I have been a birth mom for 21 years and navigating what that journey looks like ever since. For a season, I didn’t share my journey, it was mine, and honestly, it was very personal. I didn’t want to invite anyone else into it; kind of like a kid with candy! I wanted to keep all the good stuff for myself.
Meet Angela
I placed my daughter for adoption in 1996 when I was just 17 years old. During my pregnancy, I struggled with my adoption plan, but one look at her perfection, and the doubt was gone! She was perfect and deserved so much more than I was equipped to provide.
Book Review - Daring Greatly
This wasn't our typical book club choice. Usually, we select something that has an adoption storyline like The Waiting, You Carried Me, or To Have and Not to Hold. But this year, we wanted to read something a little different that might resonate with a wider audience.
A Brief Look at Joy & Grief in Adoption
Of course, when I think about things for any length of time, I tend to see them in view of adoption. There is no moment in life that I can think of where joy and grief are more present (in an all-out battle, if you will) than during an adoption.
Freshman in College, Scared, Nervous & Alone — Shelbi's Story
"This wasn’t a moment to be selfish, it was a moment to be realistic about this child’s future." - Shelbi, birth mom, #BraveLove
The Bond Between Mothers — Charity's Story
"As a birth mom, I am forever grateful for my daughter's mother..." - Charity, birth mom, #BraveLove
I Was Scared that if I Held Her I'd Never Let Her Go — Laurisa's Story
"My gratitude has outweighed any negative feeling that surfaces when grieving." - Laurisa, birth mom, #BraveLove
Birth Mom Connections
There are times I need another person in the room to just know.
There is something holy about community. To have your people who know you and get you and give you a space to be and think and speak. It’s a lot of ands. There’s not just one benefit but many.