As a result of the recent survey, my readers have requested more true life birthmom stories. You requested it and you got it! I will be starting a new feature each Tuesday called “Birthmom of the Week,” in which I will interview a different birthmom. She may be young, she may be older, her child may be small, or maybe a teenager. She may have a closed adoption or it might be open. She might think adoption was a good thing for her or she might regret her choice. Their circumstances will be different, but they share the title of birthmother.

I will ask them each the same questions each week because I think it will be neat to see the differences in the answers.

Without further adieu, meet our first birthmom of the week Jenifer H. from sunny California.

1. How old were you when you placed your child for adoption? I was 17.
2. What circumstances led you to choose adoption?
I was 17 and felt I could not give her what she needed.
3. Did you consider parenting? Yes for a short time I did.
4. Was your child's dad supportive? Yes he was.
5. Were there any influences (parents, birth dad, etc) that led you to your decision? Yes, my family that I was living with at the time was having a very hard time with it. And the birthfather had broken up with me. I didn't want my baby going back and forth between parents, like I did.
6. Did you choose your child's adoptive parents and how did you choose them? I went through an adoption attorney and she had profiles of couples
that wanted to adopt. I then chose 3 couples and interviewed them and
chose which one I wanted.
7. What type of adoption did you choose and why? I chose a semi-open adoption. I wanted to get updates on my daughter and know that she was ok. She is almost 11 and I still get photos 2 times a year.
8. How do you feel about adoption now? I think that adoption can be a great thing and speak highly of it to anyone who asks.
9. Anything else to add? I get the opportunity to speak to young teens and prospective families through different avenues. I find both situations very rewarding for me and for those that get to hear my story.
10. How is your life now? College grad or in the process? Working? Married? More kids? Etc.. After 8 years my daughter’s birthdad and I got back together. We are now married. I am in school to get my RN license and we have a baby on the way. Life is good!!!

Special thanks Jenifer for taking the time to answer the questions!

If you would still like to participate in the survey (and I'd love you to!), go here!