Maddy grew up with both parents and at an early age lived with both parents in separate homes. She received support as a young teenager from both parents. When Maddy discovered she was pregnant with her boyfriend, she was at a difficult place and decision. She faced the voices of others regarding "what she should do", She faced the same stigma that most birth mothers faced as an 18-year-old unmarried mother. 

Maddy is a strong and determined young lady who makes up her mind and gets it accomplished. Maddy wants all birth mothers to know that " they have a voice" and they are free to use it. Open adoption is Hard and may 'Shift" from the original agreement. Maddy talks about her devastation and pain when the rules changed about her seeing her daughter. Maddy shares about how she is progressing and experiencing some 'good news' about her life.

Ashley is not the stereotype like society may describe as a Birth Mom. She had her path laid before her to follow in the footsteps of her father. Ashley followed that path as a ‘ people pleaser ’ as she described herself. Ashley received the accolades she always wanted as she felt ‘ starved for love’ in her life. The sudden death of her father took her on a complete turn in her life as she went on “ The Road Less Traveled”.

Barbara’s experience of becoming a birth mom started with a childhood of “conformist’ parents. If something traumatic happened, they simply did not talk about it. At the age of 17, Barbara did not get “ The Talk “ from her mother, like many young girls. Barbara was exposed to the “ Secrets of the Family” that upended her naivete as a young girl. She viewed dysfunction in the face and moved forward.

Amy shared her story of being a birth mom thorough the eyes of also being an adoptee. The twists and turns of her life set the path to life she leads today as a therapist. Amy talks about her” Path to Healing’ and how “Secrets Keep You Sick “.

This story and journey continue with Katherine taking center stage , As you heard on Part 1 that Katherine was in the room listening to Janelle share. This itself is unique for a Birth/First Mom to talk openly and honestly about her placing Katherine in adoption in front of her. No secrets here .

Listen and learn what revelations came out that maybe both Katherine and Janelle had never heard before

We welcome Janelle, Executive Director of BraveLove Inc , a nonprofit that has served

the Birth Mom community since 2012 and her birth daughter Katherine who share their

story that evolved in many extricate paths to “Growth and Healing” .

You will hear the “ Real Talk “ behind the scenes with Janelle and Katherine who were

in the same room together for this episode. Listeners will learn the story of how “

History Repeats Itself

Yvonne brings everyone up to date on her Sabbatical, Break, or self-care time.

Yvonne talks about the roller coaster ride of 7 years in Reunion with her son since 2018.

Transitions, Work, new DBT therapy journey, and all-around connection to the Adoption Community.

Stay tuned for Birth Moms Real Talk LIVE coming to Washington, DC in 2025.

Reunion is NOT easy, and we sometimes are tossed to the ground. Let us help each other.

We are In This Together towards Grace and Healing

We were honored to attend Black Voices Amplified Summit 2024 in New

Brunswick, New Jersey on November 9. 2024. “Yes We Adopt” was

founded by Stacey Gatlin as an organization committed to raising

awareness, cultivating community, and advocating for Black children and

families touched by adoption and fostering. https://www.yesweadopt.com

This was an awesome experience for me to continue to share my Journey

as a Birth/First Mom as we do on Birth Moms Real Talk Podcast

https://www.birthmomsrealtalk.com

Listen to a conversation with my Buddy, Damon Davis , host of Who I Am

Really Podcast https://www.whoamireallypodcast.com

We take on the challenges, grace, healing, and trauma to come out of the

F.O.G for the adoptee as well as the Birth/First Mom. We cover “ Hot

Topics” with honesty and truth .

“Hold On, You are in for a Ride.”