This weeks Birthmom of the Week is Jennifer D from California. Jennifer placed her daughter in what started out as a closed adoption (by her choice) and has now turned into a semi open adoption.

1. How old were you when you placed your child for adoption? I was 25.

2. What circumstances led you to choose adoption? Being recently diagnosed as bipolar, taking meds the whole time I was pregnant, not being financially, emotionally, or mentally ready to parent.

3. Did you consider parenting? Yes, but it wouldn’t have been fair for my daughter.

4. Was your child's dad supportive? He never knew and still does not know.

5. Were there any influences (parents, birth dad, etc) that led you to your decision? I lived with my parents at the time and felt it was unfair to ask my parents to support not only myself but my daughter too.

6. Did you choose your child's adoptive parents and how did you choose them? I allowed my birthmom counselor to choose them but I gave final approval.

7. What type of adoption did you choose and why? I chose closed at first but after I met the adoptive parents and had contact with them and my daughter I begged for semi open so now I receive pics and updates during the holidays and misc. milestones.

8. How do you feel about adoption now? I feel it can be a good solution for some people when they know what to expect and have a great agency as I did.

9. Anything else to add? To other women considering adoption, don’t expect it to be an easy road to live. You hurt every day. But if you know in the depths of your heart that it is honestly the best for your baby, May God give you the strength and the courage to walk with us.

10. How is your life now? College grad or in the process? Working? Married? More kids? Etc... Still living at home with my folks, will start classes in another semester or so, working at a hotel, seeing a therapist and trying to get back on my feet

Thank you Jennifer for sharing your story with us and for taking the time to answers these questions. If you'd like to read Jennifer's story in it's entirety, you can by clicking here.