“She won’t always be 16, but she will always be Austin’s mother.”

I was half paying attention to an old Judging Amy re-run on television the other day, when I heard one of the characters, Maxine (who is a social worker) say the above quote. I really hadn’t been paying too much attention to the show but the quote caught my attention. The quote was said by Maxine to the judge on the behalf of a young mother who I can only assume was on the verge... more

As an expectant mother considering adoption, it is so important that you do your research and educate yourself about your options. If you are like most people in the general public (meaning not in the adoption community) you probably know very little about adoption.

I didn’t know very much about adoption at all when I was pregnant and making an adoption plan. I tried to educate myself but lack of internet access in the home during the pregnancy and not knowing of many resources made it difficult. I kind of just learned as I went along the process and A. (Charlie’s... more

Having both a Mom and a Dad seems pretty important in a child’s life, doesn’t it? I thought so and still think so.

But should it be a sole reason for placing a child for adoption? I don’t think so. It was a large part of my reasoning in placing Charlie. I had split from Noah’s dad and already felt guilty enough knowing one child was going to be raised in a "broken home." I began to think that I really might not have been capable of parenting two children alone.

Today, almost six years later, I know I would have been capable. But for me personally,... more

You have asked the questions and narrowed it down to one or two families and now you want to meet them in person. You are probably feeling very nervous! Don’t worry its normal! And keep in mind, that the prospective adoptive parents are probably just as nervous as you are! This is uncharted territory for all of you and there are so many emotions involved so nerves are expected and normal.

If you are working with an adoption agency or through an adoption professional, typically they will mediate this initial meeting. This is good because they can help you ask your questions and fill any awkward, nervous silences that may occur. Your meeting will probably occur at the office of the... more

In today’s era of adoptions expectant mothers making adoption plans are able to choose the adoptive parents that they would like to raise their baby. This hasn’t always been possible. Older birthmothers were not given the option of choosing the adoptive parents.

Choosing a family can be overwhelming and confusing at times. Before you begin the process of choosing a family for your baby it is helpful to think about what type of characteristics you would like the family to have. Do you want one of them to be a stay at home parent? Do you want the family... more

Ask anyone who has given birth before and I am sure that they will tell you that labor is not fun or easy! As much as you may not want to admit it, you need and depend on the support of others during labor. Of course, you will have doctors and nurses around, but you need people who know and love you there with you as well. As you begin to think about your upcoming labor and delivery, have you thought about who you’d like there with you? Who would make a good support person?

Of course, you have doctors and nurses available when needed while in the hospital,... more

I have been busy packing and preparing to go on vacation during my son’s spring break. We are heading to Atlanta, Georgia but I will do my best to post a little bit while away as long as the hotel has high speed internet!

Packing my suitcase reminded me of something everyone who is preparing to go to the hospital and give birth in the near future should think about: Packing your suitcase!

Somewhere in the third trimester (earlier if you are at high risk for early labor) of your pregnancy you probably should go ahead and think about packing a... more

Continued from part 1 Rebecca officially became the single mother of two when her daughter, G. was born February 1st of 2006. Like any new mother of two, she has her struggles.

There are days that are extremely hard, especially since I went back to work. It's very tiring. I have so much joy in seeing my daughter grow though. She is such a little blessing; I couldn't imagine life without her now. I love to watch my son... more

Weekly, I interview different birthmothers for the Birthmom of the Week segment, but I also thought it would be interesting and helpful to interview someone who considered adoption but ultimately chose to parent.

I’d like you all to meet my friend Rebecca. Rebecca is a nurse residing in Canada and is the proud single Momma to two children, baby G. who is currently 13 months old and her son, B., who will be six years old next week.

Rebecca unexpectedly found herself pregnant.... more

Here’s a closer look at some of the previously mentioned qualities/characteristics that you may be looking for in a prospective family.

How important to me is it that my baby be raised in a two parent family? For some expectant mothers, not being able to provide a stable father is one of the main reasons for placing their baby in an adoption agreement. But for others, a single parent placement may be suitable if the parent can... more