Question:

How does reunion affect natural mothers?

Birth Mothers And Reunion

Research has shown that the majority of birth mothers would welcome a reunion with their adult children. Though some mothers choose not to search our their children for fear of rejection, or concern that their child is not interested in being found, others actively seek out their sons and daughters as soon as possible. This can be a difficult situation as both adopted adults and biological parents sometimes refrain from searching, even though they desperately want to reunite. Adoptees can take comfort in knowing that quite frequently their biological mothers will be elated to be found; their search efforts will not have been wasted.

It's important to understand that reuniting can bring up many distressing emotions for birth mothers. Seeing the child, from whom they were separated, now as a grown person is a reminder of all the time they lost as that child's parent. Although many reunited families go on to develop beautiful and satisfying relationships, nothing can make up for the lost time. It is extremely common for both parties involved in a reunion to become consumed with one another and with the reunion itself.

If this is happening to you, there is no need to be alarmed. Just be aware that reunions seem to go through an initial honeymoon period before settling in to a more comfortable, or complex, relationship. You may benefit from support during this time, either from a qualified therapist or a group of parents who have shared experiences with adoption, loss, and reunion.

Adoption Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Start A Support Group?

How Should I Work With A Therapist?

What Is Community Involvement?

How Can I Help My Child Integrate The Past & Present?

How Can I Help My Child Express Feelings?

How Can A Therapist Help?

How Do I Help My Child With Their Identity?

Where Do I Look For Emotional Support?

Where Can I Find A Support Group?

What is an Adoption home study?

How can an adoptive parent cope with the waiting period after starting an adoption process?

What is termination of parental rights?

What is an adoption plan?

What is the placement period?

What does adoption cost?

Is there financial aid available for my adoption?

Are there any tax benefits from adoption?

What is adoption networking?

What are some legal issues in adoption?

What are the risks associated with adoption?

What is an open adoption?

What are personal references and why are they important?

What kinds of adoption agencies are there?

What is a private or independent adoption?

What is an identified adoption?

What is an adoption facilitator?

How do I go about adopting a child from Russia?

Why is it important to acknowledge the parenthood of an exiled mother?

How can anger and activism benefit surrendering mothers?

How does open adoption cause conflict for natural mothers?

How does adoption affect a mother's relationship with her other children?

How does reunion affect natural mothers?

How are fathers affected by the loss of a child?

How can legal guardianship be used in place of adoption?

Why is a lifebook so important for an adoptive child and her family?

How can I find out the health of a child before adopting?





Recent Adoption Questions

Q. I`m 40 and my husband is 48. Can we adopt?
A. Click for the Answer

Q. Hello,
We just started the process to adopt a baby and were recommended by our lawyer to get adoption insurance; I contacted a couple of companies but none of them offer it anymore. Do you know where to go for it? We live in South Florida.
Thanks,
C. Kuster
A. Click for the Answer

Q. fifteen years ago, I was arrested for possession of marijuana. Will this prevent me from adopting a child?
A. Click for the Answer





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Adoption Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Sherril Steele-Carlin