The Walls' & Dominique's Adoption — produced by The Archibald Project
In Texas a birth mother must wait 48 hours before she can legally place her child for adoption. Our friends at The Archibald Project documented a hopeful adoptive family AND a brave birth mother during those 48 hours. These 48 hours may change how you view adoption.
Amber Shares When She Experienced a Threshold Shift
But these stories don’t make media headlines day after day after day, and even if they did, the news couldn’t do it justice in a 60 second bit. I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be able to do it justice in the hours it's going to take me to write this.
"Giving him a father was the main reason for me." — Maryellen's Story
I remember when I first found out I was pregnant, I was only 18 and so scared. I thought about my options and I knew adoption was one of them. A few months before I found out I was pregnant, a lady from my church shared how she adopted a baby boy and her story touched my heart.
Overwhelming Love Amidst an Unplanned Pregnancy — Carmen's Story
"How do you put a word to what a mom does when she places her child for adoption?" Carmen recalls the drama, joy, sorrow, peace, and the reasons why she decided to place her son for adoption.
Laura | A Birth Mom from Louisiana
Before my adoption, I didn’t really have any thoughts or opinions on adoption. At least none that I felt particularly strongly about, that I can remember. I knew it was something people did for various reasons, but it had never affected me directly so I had never put too much thought into it. I do remember that my sisters used to tease me that I was adopted and that never made me feel good. It was not something that I wanted to be true.
No One Knew — Haven's Story
"I was not prepared to be a mother, and I wanted so much more for her." - Haven, a birth mom #BraveLove
I Am Not Ashamed — Lydia's Story
Is it hard? Yes. Some days it still is. But I know that if I would have parented her things would have been even harder on my girls and that this is giving the baby her best chance.
Paola A Few Years Later
"It is messy and beautiful. I can't quite describe how rewarding and how challenging it can be, but it is both. And I would not change it for anything!"
My Choice
So a few months after I turned 18 I gave birth to a baby girl. While I was pregnant, I didn't know much. But the one thing I knew was that I didn't want my daughter to feel like a burden just as I felt most of my life.
A Father's Day Interview with Zach
It's hard knowing that my daughter is calling somebody else "daddy" but, ultimately, it's all part of the process, and in my opinion, more than anything, it teaches us, as fathers, how to be more resilient.
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.
Wynter 22 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.