Birth Mothers in Waiting - In a society where open adoption has become increasingly popular, it is easy to forget about the birth parents who are waiting to meet their children they placed for adoption. It is difficult for me to think about those birth mothers who left their families, were sent to maternity homes, and not allowed to hold their babies after delivery. Most of their placements were involuntary and brought on a lifetime of trauma. I am aware that I cannot fully relate to their experience, nor can I speak for them. I do ache for every birth parent in their journey of grief and the challenge we all face to find a sense of peace with our decision, voluntary or coerced. Having placed my daughter almost eighteen years ago, and continuing to stay involved with the adoption community throughout those years, I have never met a birth parent who did not want to meet their child. In eighteen years, I have never had a conversation with a birth parent who didn’t long to know about the child they placed for adoption. The years of unknowing and longing can become overwhelming. Many birth parents are promised things that are never fulfilled. They were… Read More
Do Expectant Mothers Who Choose Adoption Get Paid? - When speaking with expectant mothers, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Will have to pay to place my baby for adoption?” The answer is no. In fact, it may surprise you to find out that in most cases expectant parents are paid for the placement of their child in the form of medical and living expenses. What form of payment do expectant mothers receive? It’s important to note that it is illegal and unethical for an adoptive family to pay a woman directly for adoption. That being said, its not uncommon for adoptive families to support an expectant mother financially during the adoption process through an attorney or agency. This financial support may include covering counseling expenses, legal expenses, medical expense, and in some cases, even living expenses. Each state is different, so it’s important to speak with an adoption counselor or caseworker about your options. Why is financial assistance needed? If you’re considering an adoption plan, then you’re most likely dealing with a lot of tough decisions. Some would even say that this will be the most important decision you ever make. So, at this pivotal moment in your life, you shouldn’t be expected to worry… Read More
What To Ask a Birth Mom - Building a friendship first hand with a birth mom can be vital to the type of relationship you will have moving forward. Knowing what to ask, in those early stages of placement, can create a firm foundation for everyone involved. Often this is new territory not only for the adoptive family but also for the birth mom who is about to put her baby for adoption. You don’t want to come across as insensitive, but let’s be honest, you’ve never done this before, and you’re nervous you might say the “wrong” thing. A friend of mine once told me, people love to talk about themselves. If you get nervous, ask the other person a lot of questions, and it will help you both feel more relaxed. I have used this tactic several times in social gatherings, business meetings, and with complete strangers. It works like a charm! Keep this in mind when you’re in conversation with a birth mom. Ask her a lot of questions about herself, but not about adoption in general. Here are a few appropriate questions to get you started. Questions to ask in the beginning: How are you feeling? Do you have siblings? What can we… Read More
Adoption Process Of Placing Your Baby For Adoption - If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, and considering adoption, you probably have lots of questions about the process. This is probably the biggest decision you’ve ever had to make at this point in your life, so it’s important to understand what the adoption process is like. Here are some common questions that may help you decide if adoption is the right choice for you. Is adoption free? Every agency that Birth Mother Baskets works with will ensure that your legal and medical expenses are covered. They’ll also ensure that you receive counseling services. In addition, depending in which state you reside, you might be eligible to receive some living expenses to help cover the various costs of the pregnancy. Contact us anytime for more information. Which family will raise my child? You are 100% in control during the entire adoption process. This includes choosing which adoptive family will raise and nurture your child. During the “matching” phase of the process, your assigned case worker or adoption specialist will help you find the perfect family for your baby. How do adoption agencies screen families? The adoption agencies that Birth Mother Baskets works with will ensure that all hopeful adoptive families have:… Read More
Adoption Decision and Unplanned Pregnancy - How did this happen? What am I going to do? What are my options? These are just a few of the many questions that women facing an unplanned pregnancy will ask themselves. But what about adoption? While you might be overwhelmed by the multitude of emotions you’re experiencing, it’s important to think about the future. Here are four common concerns about adoption that you may be feeling. Think about them, internalize them and consider what your next step is going to be. Adoption, Abortion or Parenting? “Am I prepared for this?” If this was the first question you asked yourself, then you’re not alone. Most women experiencing an unexpected pregnancy wonder if they are at the right point in their life to raise a child, or if they should instead consider adoption or abortion. If adoption or abortion are your two best options, rather than parenting, it would be wise to do as much research about each as possible. Birth Mother Baskets can help you find appropriate adoption professionals, doctors and pregnancy centers to help you decide what is the best for you and your baby. How Do I Explain This To My Loved Ones? Women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy… Read More
Becoming a birth mom & placing baby for adoption - CAIRS Solutions has brought on a new copy writer and blogger, Gina Crotts. Her story of placing her baby for adoption has been an inspiration to many over the years, and we’re excited to have her on our team. Read More
Unexpected Pregnancy & Adoption - Not every pregnancy is the same. For some, it’s a moment of joy and excitement. For others, who had not planned for this moment, it brings about feelings of anxiety, fear and confusion. It’s important to remember that in times like these there are a multitude of options for your unplanned pregnancy. One of those is adoption. Every woman is different, just as every pregnancy is different. So it’s critical that you consider your own situation and what truly is best for you and the baby. The first step to finding what is right for you is considering which agency best suits your needs. How will you be supported throughout this unexpected pregnancy? What resources are available to you after you’ve placed your baby? What sort of relationship will you be able to have with the baby, if that is something you desire? Those are all questions that a good agency should be able to answer. Adoption is not perfect for every situation, but with thousands of wonderful families waiting to adopt, it may be the right choice for you. Here are some of the main reasons why women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy choose adoption: Lack of Family or Community… Read More- Personal History – Milwaukee Woman Searches for her Birth Mom - With every adoption comes a story, a personal history that spans generations and leaves behind clues in the form of birth certificates, genetic traits and feelings of lost identity. This week, we hear the story of Betsy Brenner, the former publisher of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Brenner weaves us through her birth mother's pasts, her decision to place her for adoption and in the end, her reunion with her birth siblings. Read More
Becoming a Birth Mom - The positives of abortion and single parenting are talked about more most positively. And I support single moms, the single moms that I know I root for them. But do I think they’re any more wonderful than birth moms? Of course, I’m biased. But no, I think birth moms are just as courageous. – Kelly Clemente Read More- Partner Spotlight: Shorstein & Kelly - I had the opportunity to meet Michael Shorstein at the Florida Adoption Council Conference in September. Since that time, he has been a great supporter of BMB. Michael Shorstein’s kind heart towards expectant parents and birth parents is what I admire the most. Shorstein & Kelly is our Partner Spotlight this month. I asked Michael Shorstein a few questions to helps us get to know his business more. Read More
Birth Mother Baskets | Hope. Support. Courage.
Here to give positive support, hope and courage to birth moms throughout the placement process