Birthmothers
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The word "birthmother" is becoming more frequently understood to mean a woman whose child has been placed for adoption, however it is still widely used by many to mean a woman who is making an adoption plan, and has not yet relinquished her parental rights.
This area of the site is for those who meet the first definition - women who have placed a child for adoption. If you, a friend, or family member is considering placing a child for adoption, please visit CrisisPregnancy.com for pregnancy resources, a discussion of options available, information on locating potential adoptive parents and adoption professionals, and more.
Even post-placement, the word "birthmother" is evolving. Some prefer the term "lifemother" or "first mother," and in English-speaking countries outside the U.S., the term "natural mother" is widely used. Some don't care for any descriptor and want to be called "mothers." You should feel free to let others know which term you prefer, and be patient if a newcomer to the world of adoption uses a term that you don't like.
In addition to the more general concerns and issues of parents whose children have been adopted (see left hand column for links), additional resources for women include:
- grief, loss, shame, and guilt
- acknowledgement and healing
- Birthmother's Day
- the differences between recent and older birthmother experiences
- recent placement
- having subsequent children
More:
