The Birthparent Support Group is an ongoing support meeting for birthparents who have placed children in an open adoption through Adoption Options. The group offers a safe, caring and confidential place for birthparents to share their stories, discuss issues unique to open adoption and celebrate their relationships in a supportive atmosphere.  It is an open group allowing birthparents to attend as they desire.  There are no fees.

The Birthparent Support Group is facilitated by an Adoption Options social worker, and will take place via Zoom every six weeks on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. For each meeting, the social worker hopes to create a space where you feel comfortable to share what you would like. If you would rather join and simply observe, your participation is still always welcomed, appreciated and wanted.

Adoption Options has a private Facebook group for birthparents who have a placed (or are in process of placing) a child for adoption within Alberta. This is a confidential group, and is a great way to connect with other birthparents, learn new resources and information, offer and receive support, and chat with others about the journey of open adoption. To join the group, please email your Adoption Options’ social worker.

2024-2025 Meeting Schedule

September 17, 2024- Connection & Story Sharing  

We thought that there’s no better way to re-start up the group from our summer break than by just simply gathering. Some of the greatest feedback we receive about this group is that while talking about specific things can be helpful, the most important part of this group is that it provides the opportunity for togetherness in an experience that can often be isolating. There is great power in story sharing and the connection that can come from it and we’d love to have you join us. 

October 29, 2024- Life After Making an Adoption Plan: Parenting, Dating, etc  

Through each other’s shared stories, and in an environment of care and support we will talk about what it means to walk through life after making an adoption plan. This will include navigating the world of dating, parenting, self-identity and more.  

December 10, 2024- Navigating the Holidays 

Holidays may bring up feelings of adoption related grief and loss for Birthparents. We will come together to talk openly about the complex emotions that arise during this season, knowing that others here truly understand in ways that many might not. Sharing stories, strategies, and experiences that have helped us cope during these difficult times will give us a chance to connect with one another. 

January 21, 2025- Topic TBD  

February 19, 2025 – Joint Meeting with Birthparents and Adoptive Parents  

This is an opportunity for birthparents and adoptive parents to come together, share stories, and ask/answer questions about their adoption experiences. *Please note this meeting will be held on a Wednesday from 7pm-9pm* 

April 1, 2025 – Changes in Body 

We will gather to talk about the changes that a birthmother experiences in their body- during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and onwards after making an adoption plan. We will explore how these changes can affect your relationship with your body, your sense of self, and the emotional complexities that come with them. This is a space to share, reflect, and connect with others who understand the unique path of a birthmother. 

Birthmother’s Day- May 10, 2025 – details will be announced at a later date 

June 2025- Adoption Options Annual Family Picnic, dates TBD *in person in Calgary and Edmonton