If you know me well enough, you’ll know that I am hard to buy gifts for. I don’t wear jewelry, I already have all the kitchen appliances there are, and I honestly don’t understand fashion. So, when my husband asked what I wanted for Christmas, I was truly stumped. After an extensive Google search, I...
Do you enjoy choosing to be uncomfortable? If your answer is no, you are far from alone. Most of us like to stay in our comfort zone and to know what is expected and what to be prepared for. Of course, there are those who love challenge, change, and excitement. There are some personality types...
You Are Not Alone Are you a birth mom? Have you placed your child in the arms of another family? Have you walked out of the hospital empty-handed, wading through emotions unlike anything you have previously experienced in your life? You are not alone. Others may not understand the grief you are feeling or the...
In anything we do, it can be helpful to hear from others who have gone before us. Hearing about someone else’s experience and the words of wisdom they share can be so powerful. In a 2022 survey of birth parents, we asked what advice they have for expectant parents who are considering adoption. This is...
On July 1, 2024, the Minnesota law that states who can access an Original Birth Record will be changing. Prior to July 1, 2024, when birth parents sign their voluntary consents to an adoption, they sign an Affidavit of Disclosure or Non-Disclosure. This form either gives consent or does not give consent for the child...
It’s been 34 years since I placed my daughter for adoption, but sometimes it seems like it was yesterday. Looking back now, there are things I wish I could say to my scared, pregnant 20-year-old self. I wish I could give her a big hug and tell her that everything was going to be OK....
In anything we do, it can be helpful to hear from others who have gone before us. Hearing about someone else’s experience and the words of wisdom they share can be so powerful. In a 2022 survey of birth parents, we asked what advice they have for expectant parents who are considering adoption. This is...
There are many reasons why expectant parents may shy away from considering adoption. Myths about adoption, fear of the unknown, stigma, and grief and loss are all factors that may feel discouraging. However, none of those need to be the deciding factor in a pregnancy decision. The Grieving Process is a Reality While there is...
To birth moms, and to Cara, my birth mom, I’ve always found it a little bit difficult to categorize Cara, my birth mother, in my head. “Birth mom” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue and it can cause a casual conversation to switch gears pretty quickly. “Mom” doesn’t really work either because, well, Carrie is my...
Are you considering making an adoption plan but feel stuck by fear of the unknown? Maybe you only know what you’ve seen in the media or from another person’s experience. Or maybe you’ve decided to make an adoption plan but have questions when it comes to openness. These are all valid emotions, and your concerns...
