It’s National Adoption Month!
November is National Adoption Month, a time to celebrate and recognize all people who have been positively affected by adoptions. Children and their adoptive parent celebrate their unique families; birthmothers celebrate with each other to acknowledge their shared journey, and parents looking to adopt are encouraged to consider all options, including foster care and new birthmother placements.
This month advocates for awareness, especially for birthmothers who want to talk about their experiences. Self-expression of the birthmother’s journey is incredibly powerful and is seen in many different ways. Celebrate National Adoption Month by sharing what makes your birthmother’s journey unique, inspiring, or a pivotal point in your life. You can:
Start a blog that shares your journey and your thoughts towards adoption. Adoption is more common than it used to be, and people want to know what it’s like from someone who has already made the journey. Moms who are still trying to make the decision want to know what it was like for you, how you made your decision, and what the best and worst experiences you had as a birthmother. Your blog can be anonymous, so share whatever you feel is important no matter what people will think or say. If it’s the truth about what you feel, blog it!
Connect with other birthmothers and share your story. The power of a sisterhood is unreal. Women who share the same experiences will go through the darkest moments with each other. Birthmother support groups are a common way for women to connect with each other, and realize that they are not alone in their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions of life after placing their babies for adoption. Who knows? Your story might change the life of a woman who has just found out she’s pregnant or has just placed her baby.
Start an adoption baby book for your child to give to the adoptive family. In celebration of National Adoption Month, the person you will most likely think about is your baby. And there is no reason why you shouldn’t. Your baby is still one of the most important people in your life whether you chose an open or closed adoption. Gather together some photos and important treasures to give to your baby when it’s time for them to know you. You can include:
- Your family photos
- Letters you’ve written to him or her
- Family keepsakes you want to pass down
- Photos you took from the hospital
- Notes and letters from your family
The important part about National Adoption Day is that you celebrate your choice. All those affected by adoption in your life – the adoptive parents, your family, your friends and your baby – were all positively impacted by the choice you made. From all the staff at Birthmother’s Choice, Happy National Adoption Month! Share below how you celebrate and what memories you’ve made along the way.