A Qualitative Examination of Birth Mothers’ Advice for Expectant Parents and Adoption Professionals

Background: Prior research has examined outcomes for adoptees and adoptive families; however, less attention has been paid to birth mothers’ perspectives, particularly the advice they offer to expectant parents and professionals. Existing literature has raised concerns about informed consent, power imbalances, and gaps in post-placement support; yet, these findings have not been consistently translated into actionable guidance for practitioners. This research centers birth mothers’ voices to help inform ethical and trauma-informed adoption practices.

Methods: This qualitative analysis examines advice offered by birth mothers to expectant parents and adoption professionals. The analysis draws on semi-structured interviews with 28 birth mothers who placed a child for private adoption in the United States. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 52 years (M=32.7, SD=8.82). Interviews were conducted by telephone, recorded, and transcribed. Data were analyzed in Atlas.ti using conventional content analysis. Transcripts were independently coded by two researchers. Trustworthiness was supported through member checking and peer debriefing.

Results: Findings indicate that birth mothers prioritized informed decision-making, pre- and post-placement support, and advocacy for their preferences over placement outcomes. Participants urged expectant parents to fully research their options and resources. Peer support from those who have relinquished a child was described as particularly valuable for understanding the long-term emotional implications of adoption. One participant noted: “If there’s the slightest chance that that [adoption] might be what you decide, talk to someone who’s been there because no one knows about that experience except for someone who’s been through it.” Participants also emphasized that, despite outside advice or pressure, decision-making should remain solely with expectant parents. As one mother expressed, “Every choice that you make, someone is gonna get mad. Just choose a choice that you think will not give you regrets - the choice that makes you feel the best at the time and right about it.”

Advice for professionals focused on the need for transparent, ongoing communication about the lifelong implications of adoption. Participants also highlighted gaps in post-placement services for birth mothers, noting that support is often limited to referrals rather than direct services. One participant explained, “...consider post-placement care or doing something along those lines, besides just telling birth moms about what other agencies are doing and giving them the contact information for other agencies. They need to create their own support group...” Participants also emphasized the need for adoption professionals to actively advocate for expectant parents’ desires, rather than prioritizing placements. Across interviews, participants highlighted the importance of adoption professionals centering expectant parents’ goals, supporting informed decision-making, and ensuring their interests remain primary throughout the process.

Discussion and Implications: Findings highlight the need to prioritize informed decision-making and pre- and post-placement support services for expectant and birth mothers. Implications for research, policy, and practice include enhancing professional training, strengthening pre- and post-placement services, and prioritizing the needs and desires of expectant parents during the decision-making process. While limited by the use of a small, retrospective sample, this study provides critical insights that can inform more ethical and responsive private adoption systems.