A mother recently posted on the forums about the baby she has recently relinquished. The birth did not go as planned (do they ever) and she was not able to spend time with her daughter. Alone. As any birth mother will tell you, whether they got that time or not, that time alone is greatly important for the placing mother. One could also make the argument that the time is also vastly important for the baby. And, if you really want to, you could make the argument that the time is important for the adoptive parents.

Here are some reasons why for each group... more

If you've read here for any length of time, you know that I promote education to young mothers, believing that most can parent their child. While I don't believe that all teens are ready and/or capable, I believe that there are great teen parents. But, I've got to say, this particular news story caught me off guard.

Seventeen teens are pregnant at a high school in Massachusetts. That's quadruple their normal pregnancy rate. Quadruple. Four times.... more

I write an awful lot about my story both here and, well, everywhere. I'm used to telling my story. Not only do I think it could provide useful for other families, mothers and the general public but it is cathartic. Sometimes writing everything "out" of my head is the only thing that gives my heart some peace. We all need peace, let me tell you, if only for a few moments.

And that's why I am encouraging my birth mother readers to share their stories.

No, not here. Origins USA is "seeking... more

I meant to offer a challenge to my readers yesterday but my future sister-in-law had a bridal shower and my day disappeared. And so, first and foremost, let me wish a Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers reading this blog. Birth Fathers. Adoptive Fathers. Fathers by Birth. Stepfathers. Foster Fathers. Grandfathers. Fathers-to-be. And, simultaneously, a Happy Day to all of those males that have been a Father figure in some child's life.

We're having a grand day over here! The weather is fabulous. And right now? Both boys are napping and my... more

While I've discussed how birth mothers and adoptive parents view Father's Day in varying ways, I saved the most important group for today: the adoptees. Like the other groups, their experiences vary widely! Quite a few individuals replied on the forums and I had a few e-mail me privately, saying that they didn't want to be attacked by others for their views. (Of note, a few birth... more

I was sent The English American by Alison Larkin for review, well, many months ago. It has taken me until now to pick it up. Once picked up, I couldn't put it down. Not only is the writing absolutely phenomenal but the subject was so close to my heart that I simply needed to know how it ended.

Not a spoiler because it doesn't end in the way you expect but:... more

Yesterday I wrote about how some birth mothers react to the subject of Father's Day when it comes to their relinquished child's biological father. I asked the same question of adoptive parents. Much like in the birth mother group, their answers varied widely. I expect no less as adoption is such a unique... more

I asked readers to e-mail me and forum members to reply with their experiences of being a birth mother and the emotions and actions surrounding their child's biological father and Father's Day. I got some great responses of varied experience. For this I am glad! We need more voices, more stories being told so that others might catch a glimpse.

A group that I accidentally and largely neglected to address in my previous post spoke up in large number: birth mothers who married their child's biological father. To be fair, I may have subconsciously left them... more

For birth parents in open adoption, holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day can be daunting. However emotionally charged, it is important to remember to recognize your child's everyday parents. This Father's Day take some time to consider how you want to honor your child's Dad. I've included some ideas.

1. A Picture. I know. You're scratching your head. What picture could we possibly have that the adoptive parents don't already have? Plus, they have the child in their home! They know what the kid looks like! Consider this: during a... more

I'm doing two separate gift guides. I know you're excited. This one will be a list of ideas for adoptive parents, adoptees and birth mothers to give to a birth father. If you're happening in via Google and don't know what I mean by birth father, I'm referring to a father who has placed his child for adoption. Many more biological fathers are becoming actively involved in open adoptions at the same time that many adult adoptees are reuniting with their first fathers. These are some gift ideas for those fathers as they deserve some recognition as well.

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