When going through the adoption process, it’s essential to gather information from everywhere you can. The most helpful information can be learned from just listening to others’ personal stories. On blogs and vlogs you have the ability to hear others’ perspectives on the not so frequently asked questions that adoption agency or government websites may not have room to mention. Here are three sites I visit frequently, even now after our son’s adoption is finalized, and I think you should too:
- Phil and Alex Youtube channel. Phil and Alex make vlogs in California about their family life and working to start their non-profit, Love Multiplies. They have gone through various infertility struggles and have been fortunate to adopt twice. Their vlogs show everything from open adoption relationships with birth moms to adoption finalization court dates to stressful hospital experiences. They are eternally optimistic and Phil is particularly motivational as a former pastor. Listening to him will brighten your day. Check out Phil, Alex, Kinsley, & Callie here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkM_UgVD8EK4oJePdv36fQ
- Lifetime Healing Adoption Chat vlog. Lifetime Healing, LLC was founded by Ashley Mitchell, a birth mother. She educates adoption agencies on providing better post-placement care for birth mothers. She also hosts a Q&A adoption chat with others involved in adoption. Here, you can hear stories of adoptive and birth families. Ashley is someone who can help you really understand what birth mothers go through. She is strong, genuine, and empathetic. Scroll through and find these chats here: https://lifetimehealingadoption.com/blog/?category=AC+TV+-+Adoptive+Parents
- Natalie Brenner’s blog. Natalie, a resident of Portland, Oregon, is a biological, adoptive, and foster mother. Her book, “This Undeserved Life” and her blog always touch on the hard parts of adoption and foster care, like grief. Although uncomfortable to talk about, it’s important to always remember that adoption stems from someone’s loss. She is a wonderful example of grace and selflessness. Find her and her adorable family here: https://www.nataliebrennerwrites.com/blog
In addition to these sites, you can also follow Phil & Alex, Ashley Mitchell, and Natalie Brenner on Instagram.
Alex’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexcongelliere/?hl=en
Ashley’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtoughgirl/?hl=en
Natalie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliekbrenner/?hl=en
