Hello and Welcome to Birthparent Forum! 

What is a birthparent?  A birthparent is a mother or father who makes an adoption plan to have their child raised by another family.  Birthparents legally terminate their parental rights to the child in order to place them for adoption.  This plan can be chosen for a number of reasons (it can also happen involuntarily, when a child is removed from the home, however this website focuses mainly on birthmothers who freely chose to place their children), yet the decision is almost always made with the best interests of the child in mind.  Depending on the circumstances of the adoption, a birthparent may remain in contact with her child and the adoptive family through letters, visits, or sometimes not at all.  Birthparents are very important people, even if they are not able to stay in touch with their child.  Birthparents share their genes and heritage with their children.  They are the bearers of life, and to some adoptive couples, the bearers of miracles!

Why create a forum?  We recognize that there are not always community supports available to birthparents after their children have been placed for adoption.  Being around others who have shared your unique experience can help you feel less alone.  Members of this forum can offer valuable suggestions as to how they have handled the difficult days in their lives, as well as provide a sympathetic ear when unexpected situations arise.  This site is designed as a safe, anonymous place for birthparents to share their thoughts, feelings and stories, so please feel free to read, respond, and share your story in this community of birthparents.

It is no small thing to give life.

To feel the kick of tiny feet.

To know that no matter how far apart you are,

      there will always be someone out there

      with whom you are connected.

To be a mother or father is to love,

     to nurture,

     to care

To be a mother or a father means to give your children the chance to be.

Birthparents hold a very special place in the community of parents.

We deserve to be honored for all we have done for our children

For the love we will always have for them.

For the place that is theirs alone in our hearts.

We begin by honoring each other.

            (Excerpted from Being a Birthparent: Finding Our Place by Brenda Romanchik)