Do you wish that there was more support available for birth mothers and fathers? Many refer to birth parents as the “unsung heroes” of the adoption triad. They are an integral part to the successful placement of a child in a loving adoptive home, and yet there seems to be very little support or encouragement for these individuals. Fortunately, the landscape of adoption is changing to offer more resources available to birth parents and birth mothers specifically.
You can find the support you need and crave whether you want an online support group, access to reliable resources about adoption, or a retreat where you can meet others like yourself. There are plenty of options available to help you feel more comfortable with your decision and process through the grief of losing a child to adoption. Here are just a few of the places you might want to look first in order to find some support for your adoption plan:
BirthMom Buds
BirthMom Buds is one of several online organizations that provides support to birth mothers and pregnant women who might be considering adoption. They are a faith-based organization that offers peer counseling, private forums for birth mothers only, and even an annual retreat exclusively for birth moms. Here, you can find resources, blogs, and the support that you need to make a wise decision regarding the adoption of your child.
Birth Mother Baskets
Birth Mother Baskets is a unique organization that is designed to provide tangible support and encouragement to mothers who are placing their child for adoption. This nonprofit company allows individuals to sponsor baskets anonymously to send support to expectant mothers. They also have an Expectant Parent Peer program that partners expecting mothers with birth mothers who have already been through the adoption experience firsthand.
One of their most valuable offerings is their blog run by birth mothers who have already walked through the pain of placing a child. You can find firsthand experiences, tips for coping with the grief, and more information on what it’s like to be a birth parent through this amazing resource.
On Your Feet Foundation
The On Your Feet Foundation is another nonprofit that offers case management, monetary grants (available in Illinois and Indiana), and annual retreats to birth mothers who need more assistance after an adoption plan is made. The idea is that they will help her to get “back on her feet” after the pain of losing a child through the adoption process. Their annual retreats and mini-retreats are relatively inexpensive, offering you the opportunity to connect with other mothers who have already been through the entire process personally.
Three Strands
Three Strands wants every birth mother to fully know and understand that her role in the adoption triad is valued. Too often, birth mothers may feel unappreciated or devalued through the adoption process, particularly after the hospital experience when she leaves empty-handed. However, Three Strands aims to combat these feelings with a tangible outpouring of support. One of their services is to provide each local birth mother with a hospital bag directly before she leaves the hospital in order to lift her spirit.
In addition to these gift bags, Three Strands also offers other forms of support for birth mothers before and after the placement is made. They have a private Facebook community for birth mothers, adoptive mothers, and adult adoptees. Quarterly gatherings are also hosted for birth mothers who live local near the Lawrenceville, Georgia area.
Concerned United Birthparents
Concerned United Birthparents (CUB) is yet another online organization that aims to offer support and encouragement to birth parents. They focus on the experiences, healing, and wisdom that experienced birth parents can offer to newcomers on this painful journey. However, they don’t exclusively cater to birth parents. CUB also allows anyone who feels forgotten during the adoption journey to join their circle of support. This can include adult adoptees, professionals, and even adoptive parents.
With such a wide circle of support available, they aim to help raise awareness and benefit each member of the adoption triad equally. You will find plenty of resources and support available even if you are just in the beginning stages of considering an adoption plan for your child.
This organization also hosts an annual retreat where you can get to know and hear from other birth parents who have shared your same experiences. Their retreats are usually located somewhere near the shore to give you a beautiful and relaxing space for reflection on your experiences.
Birth Mothers Unite!
Do you want support and encouragement for your decision to make an adoption plan but are too shy to reach out in person? Birth Mothers Unite is an excellent compromise that can give you the resources you need from experienced birth parents. This Facebook group gives you a small and close-knit community where you can ask questions, receive encouragement, and commiserate through the grieving process with other mothers who have been there and done that already. You gain access to the support you need from the convenience of your own home whenever you need it the most!
Our Agency
My Florida Adoptions, LLC wants to ensure our birth mothers have the support they need. Many times birth mother’s feel left behind after they have placed for adoption. It is our intent that supports are put in place ahead of time. Every birth mother is offered counseling during their pregnancy and following the placement of their baby with the adoptive family. It is important for a birth mother to receive the support and encouragement she needs whether it is through counseling or other birth mothers. Who knows your pain better than someone who has experienced the same pain? Please know that you can reach out to us at any time for support and counseling.