May 06, 2016

Birth Mother’s Day

This is a big week for mothers of all kinds! There’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, and the equally important Birth Mother’s Day on Saturday. Birth mothers are mothers, through and through. So although they have every right to be celebrated on Sunday, there’s something special as well about giving them a day all their own, where they can be recognized, supported, loved, celebrated, and honored for the incredible sacrifice and commitment they made to giving their child the very best life possible.

For those of you with a birth mother in your life, we encourage you to take some time out of your day on Saturday to celebrate her in whatever way is most appropriate and comfortable for you. Is the birth mother you know a friend, child, sibling, or family member? Find a way to do something special with them that day — a home-cooked meal, a dinner out at their favorite restaurant, a thoughtful gift. Birth Mother’s Day can be bittersweet for many. For those mourning their child and adoption, it can be a reminder of who is not in their life. Be sensitive to that and follow the birth mother’s lead — your compassion and empathy will go a long way.

If you have any relationship to your child’s birth mother, take a moment to honor them in whatever way best fits your relationship. Maybe it’s a card with a little note from your child, a hand-drawn picture, or a recent photograph. If you’re closer and have a personal relationship, consider taking her out for a meal, giving her a call, or checking in some way to let her know that you’re thinking of her.

If your child has a relationship with their birth mother, this is an important day for them as well! We want them to embrace their adoption, and all the relationships it provides, and this is a special relationship in their life that deserves to be acknowledged.

And if you don’t have a relationship with your child’s birth mother, we still encourage you to take a moment to honor the day. That can happen in so many small ways — sharing information about what Birth Mother’s Day is, letting people know that it exists and should be recognized. Putting a good vibe out into the world, or doing something special in honor of her.

Being a birth mother is no easy job. They deserve all the love and support they can get. To all the birth mothers out there, especially the incredible ones with whom we’ve been so fortunate to know and work with — HAPPY BIRTH MOTHER’S DAY. You are incredible. We are so blessed to know you.