Adoptee here, who also gave up a baby for adoption. Mine isn’t a typical story - not much in common with experiences of the families in these videos. I won’t go into it. I will say, however, that the emotions all parties feel? Those I KNOW. I just want to offer a bit of advice to prospective adoptive parents, for what it’s worth. I suggest that they try to tamp down their excitement & happiness when talking to and/or with the birth mother. I realize how strange that may seem, but there’s an excellent reason. It’s not to protect themselves, okay? If something goes awry along the way, their pain will be intense no matter what. I make the suggestion for a different and specific reason; to foment an atmosphere which will encourage the birth mother to go ahead with the adoption. Try to keep in mind that this journey of wonder & delight for the adopters is one of ambivalence & ever shifting emotions for the birth mom. It’s a HARD time for her even if she is 100% committed to giving up the baby. For her it can be sadness, shame, heartbreak, loss, anger, fear, envy, a pervasive feeling of failure, perhaps the prospect of being unsupported and alone afterward - when the impact of her decisions are fully realized. Having these super-excited, capable, perfect-ish people in her face might amp up some of those more negative emotions. Sorry, but not everything can or should follow an “inspirational”, uncomplicated, Hallmark-style narrative. Birth mom may flip. She may not be rational at that moment. She may be immature. She might think, “I don’t have anything except my baby. Ken and Barbie have EVERYTHING. They’ll find another baby. This one is mine and I love him/her. We’ll figure it out.” So, prospective parents, keep her in mind. Let empathy temper YOUR excitement - at least when you’re with her. Let her be authentic. She’ll feel calmer, safer, more sure of herself. Don’t emphasize how wonderful the child’s life will be with “new” parents. Just tell her the baby will be cared for. Thank her. Wish her well. Tell her she’ll always be in their thoughts. Then take your baby home and celebrate there. Thanks for listening if you’ve gotten this far. I’m crawling up on 60 now and today’s short-form communication isn’t my forte’. Btw, I had another child after giving up my first. My son is 34 now, happily married, no children. He’s a Marine Corps veteran - as am I, his father, and his step dad. The child I let go is around 37 or so. I hope she/he has had a good life so far. I don’t regret my decision all those years ago.
Thank you for sharing your perspective! We know that every birth parent is different and we work closely with adoptive families to make sure they are always empathetic and sensitive to each individual birth parent's needs.
You can just feel their excitement and their nervousness! Grateful to the birth parents and adoptive parents to be willing to share their journeys with us.
Love seeing this family's experience! These videos are seriously bringing back so many emotions. We worked with Kelli for our first adoption, and we are currently working with her for our second. Love her! She's so supportive and knowledgeable about the adoption process.
Love this video and how this couple can so openly share the human emotions in this journey for prospective adoptive families. Can't wait to see what is next!
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I'm adopted and this story blessed Me.💞 May the Universe always shine love and good vibes upon You!
Adoptee here, who also gave up a baby for adoption. Mine isn’t a typical story - not much in common with experiences of the families in these videos. I won’t go into it. I will say, however, that the emotions all parties feel? Those I KNOW.
I just want to offer a bit of advice to prospective adoptive parents, for what it’s worth. I suggest that they try to tamp down their excitement & happiness when talking to and/or with the birth mother. I realize how strange that may seem, but there’s an excellent reason. It’s not to protect themselves, okay? If something goes awry along the way, their pain will be intense no matter what. I make the suggestion for a different and specific reason; to foment an atmosphere which will encourage the birth mother to go ahead with the adoption. Try to keep in mind that this journey of wonder & delight for the adopters is one of ambivalence & ever shifting emotions for the birth mom. It’s a HARD time for her even if she is 100% committed to giving up the baby. For her it can be sadness, shame, heartbreak, loss, anger, fear, envy, a pervasive feeling of failure, perhaps the prospect of being unsupported and alone afterward - when the impact of her decisions are fully realized. Having these super-excited, capable, perfect-ish people in her face might amp up some of those more negative emotions. Sorry, but not everything can or should follow an “inspirational”, uncomplicated, Hallmark-style narrative. Birth mom may flip. She may not be rational at that moment. She may be immature. She might think, “I don’t have anything except my baby. Ken and Barbie have EVERYTHING. They’ll find another baby. This one is mine and I love him/her. We’ll figure it out.” So, prospective parents, keep her in mind. Let empathy temper YOUR excitement - at least when you’re with her. Let her be authentic. She’ll feel calmer, safer, more sure of herself. Don’t emphasize how wonderful the child’s life will be with “new” parents. Just tell her the baby will be cared for. Thank her. Wish her well. Tell her she’ll always be in their thoughts. Then take your baby home and celebrate there.
Thanks for listening if you’ve gotten this far. I’m crawling up on 60 now and today’s short-form communication isn’t my forte’. Btw, I had another child after giving up my first. My son is 34 now, happily married, no children. He’s a Marine Corps veteran - as am I, his father, and his step dad. The child I let go is around 37 or so. I hope she/he has had a good life so far. I don’t regret my decision all those years ago.
Thank you for sharing your perspective! We know that every birth parent is different and we work closely with adoptive families to make sure they are always empathetic and sensitive to each individual birth parent's needs.
You can just feel their excitement and their nervousness! Grateful to the birth parents and adoptive parents to be willing to share their journeys with us.
Thank you for openly sharing your honest emotions with us.
The firsthand view of their journey is a rollercoaster of emotions for me and its not even my journey. The realness to this story is amazing.
Love seeing this family's experience! These videos are seriously bringing back so many emotions. We worked with Kelli for our first adoption, and we are currently working with her for our second. Love her! She's so supportive and knowledgeable about the adoption process.
We love Kelli too, obviously! We're glad she is so supportive for you and all of our families.
I can relate to all the emotions of the hopeful adoptive parents!!
Such a real, beautiful journey! I can't wait for the next episode!
I can just feel all of the emotions with them. Such a beautifully done story.
Love this video and how this couple can so openly share the human emotions in this journey for prospective adoptive families. Can't wait to see what is next!
Love that they a willing to share their ups and downs with us.
I really appreciate this family being willing to share their journey 💕
You can feel the anticipation they are going through!
I love the openness and inside view of the adoption process. It's so complicated but also so beautiful!
We agree it's so beautiful, thank you!
Very touching video!
LOVE this so very much!!!