Understanding a Birthmother's View of Open Adoption
By Patricia Dischler
Foreword by Kathleen Silber
For the first time, a birthmother shares a story where regrets are replaced with respect, pain is replaced with love, and secrecy is replaced with honesty.
Because I Loved You: Understanding a Birthmother's View of Open Adoption is the story the adoption industry has been waiting for. Author Patricia Dischler gives us a poignant and moving narrative, notable for its honesty, sharing the full spectrum of the relationships between herself, her son's adoptive parents and her son as he grew up. Patricia was among those first few in the country to insist on an open adoption arrangement, her son is now an adult and their story has come full circle. Whereas most books on adoption end after the placement of the child with adoptive parents, Because I Loved You follows the story beyond this important day and follows the changing relationships and emotions of all members of the adoption triad through the childhood and teenage years.
Each chapter of Because I Loved You covers a specific stage of the adoption journey. As the chapters begin, Patricia talks directly to girls and women considering adoption, as well as adoptive parents, offering support and practical advice. Then Patricia shares the story of her personal journey through that same stage.
Because I Loved You: Understanding a Birthmother's View of Open Adoption will give readers what they are looking for:
- A clear understanding of an open adoption arrangement for birthmothers and adoptive parents.
- A side of the story often unheard, yet vital to the success of understanding, respectful arrangements.
- The keys to a successful adoption arrangement.
- Insight on how to support and counsel the birthmothers, dispelling the myths that have for too long overshadowed the beauty of adoption.
- Guidelines on surviving the changing relationships as the child grows older.