- Categories:
- Relationship
- Tags:
- AppreciationFamilyWomen
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Saturday before the second Sunday of May
- Holiday emoji:
- 💜
Birth Mother’s Day occurs every year on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, a mindful tribute to recognize birth mothers who chose to place their children for adoption. This day celebrates their strength and selflessness. Take time to appreciate the women who made a loving choice.
Want to sponsor Birth Mother’s Day? Learn how
Expected Birth Mother’s Day Deals
Birth Mother’s Day is a time for heartfelt appreciation rather than commercial deals. Many organizations and support groups offer resources and community for birth mothers. Consider donating to a non-profit like BraveLove or National Council For Adoption, which provide vital support and advocacy. Adoptive families often seek personalized gifts from retailers like Etsy or send flowers from FTD to express gratitude. We will update this page with confirmed live support events and community initiatives as May approaches.
Platform Guide for Birth Mother’s Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BirthMothersDay. Share stories of gratitude, support, or resources for birth mothers.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BirthMothersDay. Join discussions in adoption communities and share messages of appreciation.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #BirthMothersDay. Create short videos highlighting the strength and love of birth mothers, or share personal adoption stories.
Birth Mother’s Day Hero
Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh
History of Birth Mother’s Day
Birth Mother’s Day was first founded and celebrated in Seattle, Washington, in 1990, by Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh and a group of other women like her who had to place their child for adoption. They chose to commemorate it on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, which fell on May 12 that year, as a way of showing solidarity and support for each other at a time when society was revving up to celebrate the women who were parenting children.
This is symbolic in itself because it brought to the forefront women who have largely been ignored by general society, despite their enormous sacrifice. Thus, the primary purpose behind this day is to honor those women who may normally go through life forgotten — without the special recognition that the world gives to officially recognized ‘mothers’.
Over the years, National Birth Mother’s Day developed into a means to educate others about adoption and the implications it can have on all stakeholders involved. Especially in the case of families with open adoptions, observing this day can help them acknowledge and appropriately express their appreciation for the birth mother of their child. It can also help bring birth mothers together through their shared experiences, fostering a sense of community and belongingness.
At the end of the day, birth mothers play a crucial role in any kind of adoption, hence it is important for these women to have a day to be honored for their courageous decision, regardless of the context in which they made it. However, this day can also be slightly controversial, because it may hit a sensitive spot when it comes to the relationship (or lack thereof) between adopted children and their birth mothers. It must therefore be navigated carefully, and always with the consent of those involved, especially adopted children.
Birth Mother’s Day timeline
Closed adoptions disallow contact between adoptees and birth mothers.
The benefits of open adoption become apparent to all parties.
A bold group of women decides not to be forgotten.
The formation of support groups and forums for birth mothers is on the increase.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Birth Mother’s Day
Local businesses can honor Birth Mother’s Day by partnering with adoption agencies or support groups to offer resources or host appreciation events. Counseling services and wellness centers could offer special sessions or discounts for birth mothers. Florists and gift shops can curate thoughtful, personalized gift options, highlighting the opportunity for adoptive families and adoptees to show gratitude. Restaurants might offer a quiet, respectful atmosphere for families wishing to acknowledge this day.
Birth Mother’s Day FAQs
When is Birth Mother’s Day?
In 2027, Birth Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 8. This date ensures that birth mothers are recognized just before the broader Mother’s Day observance.
How many adoptions occur annually in the U.S.?
While numbers fluctuate slightly, the U.S. consistently sees over 100,000 adoptions annually. This significant figure underscores the many birth mothers who make the loving choice of adoption for their children.
What is the significance of Birth Mother’s Day?
The day serves as a vital reminder that while Mother’s Day celebrates all mothers, Birth Mother’s Day specifically recognizes the unique journey and enduring bond between birth mothers and their children. It fosters understanding and support within the adoption community.
What is the difference between Birth Mother’s Day and Mother’s Day?
While both days celebrate maternal love, Birth Mother’s Day focuses on the unique journey of birth mothers, recognizing their selfless act and the often lifelong impact of their decision. It’s a day for specific gratitude and support for these women.
How to Observe Birth Mother’s Day
Spread the love
If you know of anyone who has made an adoption plan or had to relinquish their parental rights, or any support groups, reach out to them and let them know you care. Organize a get-together like a night of slam poetry and music, just to honor these women. Use social media to spread the love too, using #NationalBirthMothersDay.
Send a picture and a note of gratitude
In the case of open adoptions, let your child’s birth mother know how you feel about their sacrifice. Show them how their hopes for their child are being realized through a picture and a kind word.
Grow a long-term reminder
Life is all about renewal and growth. So why not do something good for Mother Earth as well by planting a tree or plant of your choice, as a way of remembering and honoring these women who nurtured life in their own wombs.
5 Lesser Known Facts About Open Adoption
It strengthens family relationships
Children understand family dynamics from an earlier age and are not as unaware of it as you’d think.
Knowing is better
A majority of adoptees would rather have knowledge of their birth mother/parents.
Birth mothers benefit, too
Research shows that open adoption birth moms experience less grief over the decision.
Adoption stories are normalized
In open adoptions, children know their origin stories and are able to handle them better.
Birth moms have agency
From choosing the family to setting their own terms, birth moms are empowered by having a say.
Why Birth Mother’s Day is Important
It ensures visibility
While to some it may seem like a bittersweet time of remembrance, this day brings an often marginalized group of women into the limelight and honors them for their courage and strength in making such a difficult decision.
It strengthens family bonds
Let’s face it — families in any context are messy. When it comes to adoption, it may seem like a whole other level of messy. However, research shows that transparency between adoptive families and birth mothers leads to a more holistic parent-child bond.
It spreads an adoption-positive message
By celebrating birth mothers there is also a simultaneous spread of awareness about adoption and adoption processes. This presents the idea of open adoptions in a positive light and can help educate and empower those who have yet to make a choice.
Social Media Tips for Birth Mother’s Day
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