On Mother’s Day, we honor the endless love that mothers have and recognize the sacrifices that they make for their children. For adoptive couples, Mother’s Day couldn’t be celebrated without also recognizing their child’s birth mother, who made the greatest sacrifice of all.
By choosing adoption, birth mothers not only gave their children life but also gave them a future full of opportunities through adoption. Through a birth mother’s choice, many adoptive couples have had the opportunity to become parents.
That’s why every year, the Saturday before Mother’s Day is celebrated nationally as Birth Mother’s Day. On this day, many adoptive parents will honor the women who helped make their families possible. Even though families in open adoptions honor this special holiday, this might be the first time you’ve ever heard of it.
Our Blessing for You This Birth Mother’s Day
Lifetime Adoption’s prayer for all birth mothers is that you find comfort and peace-of-heart this weekend. You are truly precious and so loved! From where we stand, we know how many adoptive families count a birth mother in their blessings. There are no perfect words to lift up the brave and beautiful women who lovingly choose adoption for a child, but we recognize you today.
After all, for many mothers, there’d be no “Mother’s Day” without a Birth Mother’s Day! Know that we’re praying special blessings for you this Birth Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day Can Be Hard
Mother’s Day Can Be HardWe understand that adoption isn’t a simple decision. It’s a sacrifice that requires your strength, courage, and most importantly, love. Many women who are thinking about adoption for a child have mixed feelings about Mother’s Day. We want you to know, whatever you feel we are here to listen or talk if you need us to.
One of the best things you are already doing for your child is making a plan. Whether your plan is adoption or to parent, your thoughtfulness is already noticed. I know there is a lot to think about; asking questions and finding out what options you have is the best way to make the right plan for you and your baby.
How to Survive Mother’s Day
If this is your first Mother’s Day since choosing adoption as a birth mother, you may be facing a variety of emotions. “It’s coming up on a year since I became a birth mother and I think about her every day. Sometimes I cry. Other times I think of how blessed I am to have found Lifetime and ultimate her new parents,” says Ashlee, a Lifetime birth mother.
Helpful resources if you’re having a hard time right now:
5 Ways to Get Through Your First Year After Placing
Tackling the Holidays as a Birth Mom: Grappling Through Grief and Loss
“How will I feel the first year after placing?”
Adoption Birth Mother Trauma: Finding Your Way to Acceptance
How to Find the Right Support Group for You
If you need someone to talk to, you can always call
Lifetime Adoption toll-free at 1-800-923-6784.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 10, 2019, and has since been updated.
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
A beautiful reminder of how Mother’s Day is a difficult day for mothers who make difficult and life-changing choices.
Thank you, Julie!