Open Adoption Stories from Adoptive Parents

Whether you’re considering adopting a child or in the middle of the adoption process, you may be concerned about the reality of open adoption. We know it can be overwhelming — and we're here to help.

Below, you’ll find a few open adoption stories from adoptive parents who have worked with our agency. From semi-open adoption stories to fully open adoption stories, you can read the experiences of those who were once in your shoes. Today, they’re the happy members of families in successful open adoptions.

Ready to read some beautiful open adoption stories? Check out each of these family’s tales below.

How One Couple Overcame their Birth Father Fears

When Mike and Ashley were chosen for an adoption opportunity with an involved birth father, they didn't know what to expect. As it turns out, having him in the picture made all the difference in their open adoption. Here's what they learned.

'A Gift in a Time of Challenge' - One Family's COVID-19 Adoption Story

When Mike and Misty went active with American Adoptions at the end of 2019, they couldn’t have imagined the rollercoaster ahead. They look back on their unique journey of navigating COVID-19 to bring their little girl home.

'No Idea What It Would Look Like' - How One Family Embraced Open Adoption

Adoptive parents Lindsey and Michael look back on their open adoption contact, offering a few tips to prospective adoptive parents about the benefits for all involved.

'We Will Always Love Her' - A Lifelong Connection From a Whirlwind Adoption

When Justin and Jenna were picked by a prospective birth mother just 12 days after going active, it began a fast-paced adoption journey that neither of them could have predicted. But, they wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Embracing Openness - How One Couple Found the Truth in Their Adoption Journey

As an interracial couple, Ryan and Jeannine were always open to a variety of races and culture in their adoption process. Opening up to open adoption, however, took a bit more effort.

Trusting their Choices - How One Family Found Their Perfect Adoption Situation

There are a lot of decisions adoptive parents make during their journey. But, for Eric and Amber, sticking to their guns and staying positive is what led them to the perfect opportunity for their family.

Opening Up to Open Adoption - How One Family Overcame Their Fears

Andrea and Robert knew that open adoption would be the only way to successfully adopt through American Adoptions. But, they had no idea just how positive of an experience it could be for them along the way.

Navigating Adoption Contact - How One Family Found the Right Relationship for Them

When Tripper and Keely found a local adoption opportunity, it seemed meant to be. But, the birth mother’s close location added a few complications to their open adoption relationship.

"An Ideal Situation" - How One Family Found a Life-Changing Local Adoption Opportunity

When Cathy and Ray received “the call,” they were shocked to find out it was everything they could have wanted. Now, a few months after placement, they look back on their luck in finding a local, open adoption situation.

A Natural Connection - How One Family Created a Lifelong Open Adoption Bond

For Jenna and AJ, adoption was not an “if” — but a “when.” Once they found the right agency and were selected by the perfect birth mother, everything proceeded just like it was meant to be.

A Blessing in Disguise - How One Family Proves There's a Match for Everyone

Keith and Jenn seemed to have the odds stacked against them — who would pick an adoptive family with a dad who was a wheelchair user and a son with disabilities? But one birth mother knew they were the best choice — and changed their lives forever.

All Worth It - Overcoming a Complicated Open Adoption

Communication challenges with their son’s birth family didn’t stop Jaime and Michael from a successful adoption. Bravely, they share their story here.

Normalizing Adoption - Why One Family Runs an Adoption Meet-Up Group

After a positive experience at American Adoptions, Jennifer and Rohit spread the feeling of family-oriented adoption by running a D.C. adoption support group.

Fostering Relationships - Why One Family Opened up to Birth Mother Contact

Like many adoptive couples, Katelyn and Matt were nervous about interacting with prospective birth parents. However, 11 months later, their bond with Marcus' birth mother is as strong as ever.

A Lesson in Perseverance - One Family's Tale of Loss and Love

Adoptive couple Robin and Jake wanted to further expand their family but faced secondary infertility after having two biological children. That's where the adoption journey began for this former family of four.

Sisters Forever - How One Family Adopted Two Siblings

Mike says that not too long ago he turned to his wife Silke and said, “Thank God you never got pregnant, because we’d never be in this situation. And I couldn’t imagine my life not being like this.”

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