In an open adoption, birth parents typically have some degree of contact with adoptive families. But “open” can mean different things to different people, and the degree of openness depends on the birth and adoptive parents’ previously agreed upon arrangement. The most common such arrangement in an open adoption is the regular exchange of pictures.
The birth mother may send pictures and letters to her child and the family, and the family will often send pictures and letters to the birth mother. Sometimes the agency will be the middleman for these communications. Other times the birth mother and adoptive parents will arrange their communications and will determine how much involvement they want to have in each other’s lives all on their own.
This simple gesture has a profound and meaningful impact on the lives of all involved – the birth mother, adoptive parents, and child.
The Meaning
Regardless of how much time – years, months, days, or even hours or minutes – a birth mother spends with her child after they were born, birth mothers are, and will always be, a part of their children’s identity.
“I will never stop thinking about my child,” says Patricia Dischler, author, speaker, child care professional, and birth mother. “She will always be a part of who I am.”
Pictures and even letters can have a huge impact on a birth mother, allowing her to feel connected to her child and constantly reassure her that she made the right decision.
“If your birth mother wants pictures and letters, she wants them as often as possible,” says Michelle Downard, American Adoptions Birth Mother Specialist and a birth mother herself. “The more, the merrier when it comes to pictures!”
Tips & Helpful Hints
- Tell the Whole Story: Remember, the birth mother chose your entire family. “Include pictures not just of the child by themselves,” says Downard. “You want to show what a full life your child has. Help illustrate that with photos of family, friends, school and community, not just the child alone.” Be sure to include a variety of photos as well: school portraits, photos of your child playing sports, holiday pictures, and any other activities the birth mother would enjoy seeing.
- Mix It Up: You can always send more than just photographs. “Kids’ artwork is great,” says Downard. “Help him or her sign their name themselves or color a picture. Handprint art is fun because it helps to show how your child is growing.”
- Don’t Feel Limited. While your agreement may specify a minimum number of times you are supposed to exchange photos, don’t feel limited. “Remember it’s ok to send packages more often,” says Downard.
- Hard and Digital Copies: In today’s information age, it may be quick and easy to send photos via email, but many birth mothers still prefer having hard copies. So, consider sending photos in both formats.
- Photos of the Birth Mother: You can also “ask your child’s birth mother to send you photos, letters or other items, if she’s comfortable doing so,” explains Downard. But remember – regardless if you ever receive any communication back, you can be sure that birth mothers are grateful and excited to receive pictures.
“Please keep in mind the tremendous gift the biological parents have given you,” says Dean Kirschner, Ph.D., LCSW-C. “All they ask is for the pictures and a letter.”
Questions?
The professionals at Adoption Makes Family have many years of experience in adoption services, helping couples and singles explore their options for creating or growing their family. We are a non-profit (501-C3) licensed adoption agency based in Maryland.
If you have any questions, you can contact us by phone at 410-683-2100, by e-mail at dr.kirschner@adoptionmakesfamily.org or use our online contact form.
Adoption Makes Family was founded to meet the needs of birth parents and adoptive parents in a manner that is sensitive, compassionate, and personal.
Sources
- “American Adoptions — America’s Adoption Agency.” Picture and Letter Correspondence with Birth Parents, www.americanadoptions.com/adopt/pictures_letters.
- Dischler, Patricia December. “10 Things Every Birth Mother Wants Adoptive Parents to Know.” 10 Things Every Birth Mother Wants Adoptive Parents to Know | ALP Blog | Adoption Learning Partners, www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/blog/posts/2013/12/10-things-every-birth-mother-wants-adoptive-parents-to-know.cfm.
- “Honoring Your Child’s Birth Mother.” Lifeline Childrens Services, lifelinechild.org/honoring-your-childs-birth-mother/.
- “OPEN ADOPTION.” Adopt Us Kids, www.adoption101.com/open_adoption.html.
- “Tips for Sending Pictures and Letters to Birth Mothers.” American Adoptions Blog, 26 June 2017, www.americanadoptions.com/blog/tips-for-sending-pictures-and-letters-to-birth-mothers/
- “Tips for Sending Picture Updates to the Birth Family.” A Is 4 Adoption, 10 Feb. 2017, www.ais4adoption.com/blog/adoption-agency-ca/tips-for-sending-picture-updates-to-the-birth-family/.