No one seems sure what to make of birthparents. Most of the time, birthparents are simply discounted; the adoption system is pleased when they fade into the woodwork. We seldom afford birthparents an influential or enduring place in the adoption process. In Lifegivers: Framing the Birthparent Experience in Open Adoption, open adoption practitioner James Gritter examines all the ways in which birthparents are marginalized. He provides a glimpse of the birthparents' emotional roller coaster ride as they struggle with grief, ambivalence, and regret. Most importantly, he makes the persuasive case that if the institution of adoption exists to benefit children, then adopted children are best served when birthparents and adoptive parents work together to ensure that the birthparents remain a part of their children's lives. Gritter challenges us to treat everyone involved in the adoption process -- birthparents, adoptive families, and, above all, the children -- with honor and respect.
National Council for Adoption
Passionately committed to the belief that every child deserves to thrive in a nurturing, permanent family, NCFA’s mission is to meet the diverse needs of children, birthparents, adopted individuals, adoptive families, and all those touched by adoption through global advocacy, education, research, legislative action, and collaboration.
Birthmom Buds
Birthmom Buds is an organization and website that provides peer counseling, support, encouragement, and friendship to pregnant women considering adoption as well as women who have already placed children for adoption. BirthMom Buds began in February 2003, with just the two founding members, but now consists of a network of over 800 members from various states and countries. If you are pregnant and considering adoption or you are a birthmother who has place her child for adoption, we welcome you to browse through our services and get involved.
Birthmom Buds' Mentoring Program
Birthmom Buds offers a “mentoring program” for those women who are either considering adoption or have already placed their children in an adoption. Do you think it would be helpful to talk with someone who has been through it all before? If so, please fill out the brief form (link above). Birthmom Buds will match you with a mentor, another member of BirthMom Buds who has already placed a child for adoption and has volunteered her time to help ease your journey.
Blessings in a Basket
Blessings in a Basket (BIB) Non Profit Organization set up to create a community of birth moms nationwide. Their mission is to make sure that the birth moms are honored and respected and supported.
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