Birth Parent Panel

Whether you’re considering placing a child for adoption, you’re a current or prospective adoptive parent, a current birth parent, or an adoptee, there’s something for you in this panel.

Please join Sue Shaw as she leads a panel of 5 birth parents. Each of these birth parents come from different walks of life, and have very different stories. But one thing rings true for all of them – they each made an adoption plan for their child(ren).

This panel covers it all. You’ll hear these incredible birth parents talking about how they came to their decision, what supports they had or didn’t have, how they selected their levels of openness in adoption, how they selected families for their children, and the challenges along the way.

We are so fortunate that they were willing to share their stories so openly and generously with us and we hope that you’ll take the time to listen to each of their voices and learn from them.

Panelist Introductions:

Q: Did you consider all of your options before deciding on Adoption?

Q: Did you tell anyone about your pregnancy?

Q: When did you decide to call and inquire about adoption?

Q: Who was your adoption support system through the process?

Q: How did you choose the adoptive families that you placed with?

Q: How did you know when looking at profiles that this was the family you wanted to place with?

Q: Explain a bit more about the profile book selection process and what stood out to you.

Q: How did you decide what type of post adoption contact you were open to?

Q: Do you have any advice for expectant parents who are trying to decide on the level of openness they want after placement?

Q: What are some of the reasons why you chose adoption?

Q: What was your birth plan and how did you decide what it would be?

Q: How was your hospital experience?

Q: What was placement day like for you?

Q: Did you have second thoughts after placement?

Q: Did anyone change their mind?

Q: What was your post adoption support like?

Q: Is there anything people have asked you that you wished they didn’t? Or anything you wished they did ask you?

Q: Is there anything you would have done differently?

Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of achieving since placement?

Q: Anything else you want other expectant parents, adoptive parents or birth parents to know?

Q: Why is it important to you that you share your story?