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Lifegivers: Framing the Birthparent Experience in Open Adoption
No one seems sure what to make of birthparents. Most of the time, birthparents are simply discounted; the adoption system is pleased when they fade into the woodwork. We seldom afford birthparents an influential or enduring place in the adoption process.
In Lifegivers: Framing the Birthparent Experience in Open Adoption, open adoption practitioner James Gritter examines all the ways in which birthparents are marginalized. He provides a glimpse of the birthparents' emotional roller coaster ride as they struggle with grief, ambivalence, and regret. Most importantly, he makes the persuasive case that if the institution of adoption exists to benefit children, then adopted children are best served when birthparents and adoptive parents work together to ensure that the birthparents remain a part of their children's lives.
Gritter challenges us to treat everyone involved in the adoption process -- birthparents, adoptive families, and, above all, the children -- with honor and respect.
In Lifegivers: Framing the Birthparent Experience in Open Adoption, open adoption practitioner James Gritter examines all the ways in which birthparents are marginalized. He provides a glimpse of the birthparents' emotional roller coaster ride as they struggle with grief, ambivalence, and regret. Most importantly, he makes the persuasive case that if the institution of adoption exists to benefit children, then adopted children are best served when birthparents and adoptive parents work together to ensure that the birthparents remain a part of their children's lives.
Gritter challenges us to treat everyone involved in the adoption process -- birthparents, adoptive families, and, above all, the children -- with honor and respect.
235 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 10, 2012
An exceptional book, the only one I've read so far that is focused strictly on birthparents. It inspired me in so many ways in regards to my relationship with my daughter's birthparents and confirmed my strong feelings on their importance in her life. This book was written in an easy to read format but with the expertise and knowledge of someone with years of experience in the field of open adoption.
I appreciated the added tools I now have in my toolbox and the confidence I've gained in being more proactive in creating a relationship with my child's birth parents that will benefit her in the best way possible. My only complaint would be the lack of focus on birth fathers.
I appreciated the added tools I now have in my toolbox and the confidence I've gained in being more proactive in creating a relationship with my child's birth parents that will benefit her in the best way possible. My only complaint would be the lack of focus on birth fathers.
September 15, 2007
For full review, read the birth/first parent blog.
This is the second time I've read this book. I found it even more informative and helpful this time around; a definite must-read for birth parents, adoptive parents, expectant parents considering placement and adoption professionals.
This is the second time I've read this book. I found it even more informative and helpful this time around; a definite must-read for birth parents, adoptive parents, expectant parents considering placement and adoption professionals.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews