Birthmothers:

“The children will always know they are adopted and will never feel ashamed, and there won't be any secrets. This is a VERY positive experience we've had together this far. The children are growing up in a home with two of the best parents in the world, so they'll be great! Knowing that ‘my kids' are being raised by a mom and dad who's whole world revolves around them is a great benefit; I never worry. Adoption doesn't have to be an experience to be ashamed of. I'm proud of the decision I made and the fact that ‘my kids' will have opportunities I couldn't provide.”

Amy, Birthmother to Ellie and Isaac

Open adoption “lets you see how happy the child you gave up is. You get to see how he grows and how big he gets. It can make someone else's dreams come true. They can give the child a life you know you can't.”

Jessica, Birthmother to Nathan

“. . .Even though I'm not there, I can still express my feelings, thoughts, and emotions on paper, which helps me be more comfortable with the situation. I get to watch her grow up in pictures. The greatest benefit [of open adoption] is knowing deep in my heart that she is being well taken care of. That the life my child has is more than what I could have given her. [This relationship has] evolved into a beautiful friendship between me and the adoptive parents because we both love the same person.”

Jody, Birthmother to Joely

Adoptive Parents:

“I believe that the relationship will continue to evolve and that the knowledge we are able to give our children is invaluable. The greatest benefit is being able to put a face, and some knowledge of the birthparents, to the name, rather than always wondering about them. Knowing how truly selfless the decision was is priceless. Birthparents are not monsters out there waiting to snatch your child back again. Our children absolutely know us as their “real” parents and the knowledge of their birthparents does not threaten that.”

Linda, Mother to Ellie, Joel, and Isaac

“We are very happy being in an open adoption. The greatest benefit is having a new friend that cares as much about our son as we do, as well as having the mystery removed from the adoption experience. I wish people knew that birthmothers and birthfathers are not the “enemy”. So many people think that by us having a relationship with our son's birthmom that she will want to take him from us. I wish people would understand how truly big a birthparents heart is for placing their child for adoption. We appreciate our birthmom so much for all that she has done and for being a part of our son's life.”

Jean, Mother to Nathan

“I did not think I would like it because I thought I would feel like the birthmom would be watching and judging everything we did with the baby. [Now] I wouldn't want it any different. We have a wonderful relationship with our birthmom. She is also great with our son when she comes to visit. In the beginning an open adoption can be overwhelming . . . and a lot to handle. It does get better after a little time.”

Jenny, Mother to Trace and Grant