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52 episodes
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Birth Moms Real Talk D. Yvonne Rivers
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- Health & Fitness
Birth mothers telling their stories of placement.
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Sydney – The Pressures of Being a Birth Mother
Sydney says she was a relative “ normal” kid whose family expected her to
behave at a certain standard because of her “ family influence” in her town .
Early in Sydney’s life, trauma and grief entered her life with the tragic loss
of her mother. . She then became the “ mother figure” to her younger
siblings.
Sydney became a mother without family support as other first/birth mothers
experienced. The “family decision “ of adoption was the next step.
Conversations or discussions about this ‘life-changing” decision were not
an option for Sydney .
Sydney’s journey in placement of her son was challenging . Sydney spoke
of being an “ A “ student in school and upon becoming a birthmother, her
life then was considered “ blemished.” We spoke about the stereotype
placed on birthmothers living a “broken life.” We spoke of this simply “ not
bring true “.
Sydney is a shining “voice” in the adoption constellation with her
professional work in public policy and advocacy on the current adoption
landscape. -
63: Jeanne – What About Me?
Jeanne talked about her life growing up in Canada happily entertaining herself with her dolls. She talked about her anxiousness through her life facing fear and doubting herself.
Secrets and fearing sharing the truth were sometimes overwhelming.
Jeanne has broken through her fear to share her story for the first time.
DNA and Search Angels played a major role in Jeanne’s journey.
As all of us in the Adoption community know, “Reunions are Roller Coasters “. -
62: Karen - "Fear Made Me Feel Inadequate"
"Karen faced her 'own' birth secrets that she strived to 'untangle'. This gave Karen a unique experience as an adoptee confronted with finding her original birth certificate (OBC). Karen was passionate about the 'Real Talk' of adoption laws from state to state. She shared her story with passion, peace, and purpose. Karen had a straightforward attitude about societal pressures placed on birth/first moms in the United States. The essence of her story is that childhood experiences profoundly impact one's entire life."
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61: Denise - Secrets in the Family
Denise’s journey started with her own adoption and her first glimpse into trauma. She grew up in the Mennonite community in Pennsylvania . Denise and Yvonne had some common memories to share .
Secrets were prevalent in the family. Denise talked about her experience as a Mennonite and the expectations and acceptance from her parents.
She spoke about looking for love and her identity.
Becoming a mom at an early age was traumatic and caused her to leap into independence. Denise’s journey was full of surprise connections. She talked about her heart’s desire. -
60: Patience – Feeling Lost , in Love and in Trauma
Patience experienced as many, a childhood of challenges. Her family was separated in dramatic fashion. At the age of 16, patience learned of a maternity home through her mother’s church affiliation. Her journey to motherhood involved traveling to the home for birth mothers with strangers. Her experience , as she said was in many ways better than her home. Patience felt lost, still in love, and knew the trauma of her childhood that she strived to overcome.
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59: Monica – “I Just Needed to be Loved“
Monica was adopted at the age of 4 months. Her parents who adopted her from a foster home in Alaska saw her resilience grow to become a “strong young lady“ who exhibited her “power“. Monica loved the attention from her mother, she felt the need to be loved. Monica became resilient to overcome challenges and became the “ tomboy” in the family.
Monica experienced the infamous Alaska earthquake that traumatized many. Monica’s way of coping was to “stuff down deep inside” the dysfunction she experienced.
Facing signing relinquishment papers after giving birth in the hospital was overwhelming.
Monica is in reunion and states that she is experiencing her “destiny“ and is encouraging others to give themselves “Grace“ for Healing.
Monica has released her memoir after eight years of work, entitled “ Practically Still A Virgin", which is available on Amazon and other book outlets.