National Birth Mother’s Day - Even if Hallmark does not traditionally acknowledge this special group of women, we certainly do!

National Birth Mother’s Day 2024 – May 5, 2024

National Birth Mother’s Day occurs on the Saturday before Mother’s Day (second Sunday of May) and this year it falls on May 6. It’s a mindful tribute to recognize birth mothers who chose to place their children for adoption. This day also celebrates birth moms who were victimized and coerced into placing their children for adoption as they deserve just as much recognition and support. It takes a special kind of strength to grow a human being inside you, bring them out into the world safely, only to place them into the care of another. So it’s a day not just for adoptees to remember their biological mothers, but for adoptive families to appreciate the women from whom they received their child. If you want to make the day extra special then check out our gift guide.

History of National Birth Mother’s Day

National Birth Mother’s Day was first founded and celebrated in Seattle, Washington, in 1990, by Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh and a group of other women like her who had to place their child for adoption. They chose to commemorate it on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, which fell on May 12 that year, as a way of showing solidarity and support for each other at a time when society was revving up to celebrate the women who were parenting children.This is symbolic in itself because it brought to the forefront women who have largely been ignored by general society, despite their enormous sacrifice. Thus, the primary purpose behind this day is to honor those women who may normally go through life forgotten — without the special recognition that the world gives to officially recognized ‘mothers’.Over the years, National Birth Mother’s Day developed into a means to educate others about adoption and the implications it can have on all stakeholders involved. Especially in the case of families with open adoptions, observing this day can help them acknowledge and appropriately express their appreciation for the birth mother of their child. It can also help bring birth mothers together through their shared experiences, fostering a sense of community and belongingness.At the end of the day, birth mothers play a crucial role in any kind of adoption, hence it is important for these women to have a day to be honored for their courageous decision, regardless of the context in which they made it. However, this day can also be slightly controversial, because it may hit a sensitive spot when it comes to the relationship (or lack thereof) between adopted children and their birth mothers. It must therefore be navigated carefully, and always with the consent of those involved, especially adopted children.

National Birth Mother’s Day timeline

Pre-1980s
Adoptions are Strictly Hush-Hush

Closed adoptions disallow contact between adoptees and birth mothers.

1980s
Open Adoptions Normalized

The benefits of open adoption become apparent to all parties.

1990
Founding of Birth Mother’s Day

A bold group of women decides not to be forgotten.

2000s
Women Stick Together

The formation of support groups and forums for birth mothers is on the increase.

National Birth Mother’s Day FAQs

Who is National Birth Mother’s Day designed for?

Anyone really! You do not necessarily have to be a birth mother who made an adoption plan or an adopted child in order to celebrate this day. All it takes is an empathetic frame of mind and a willingness to reach out, in whatever way feels appropriate.

How do birth mothers feel about National Birth Mother’s Day?

While some birth mothers appreciate the gratitude and acknowledgment that this day can bring, there are others for whom this day may be a painful reminder as not all mothers relinquish their parental rights out of choice — some are coerced into doing this. Hence it varies according to different sensitivities of birth mothers everywhere. It should be noted, though, that it is a misconception to assume that all birth moms come from broken pasts and therefore do not want to be reminded of those times. Each mother’s experience is deeply personal.

Should adoptees be celebrating both Mother’s Days?

The choice is theirs entirely. It is important that adopted children understand, though, that their birth mothers allowed them to be adopted out of love — often in order for their child to lead a better life!

What is the difference between National Birth Mother’s Day and National Baby Mama’s Day?

A ‘baby mama’ is a slang term for an unmarried woman with a child. Therefore some celebrate National Baby Mama’s Day (February 10) to celebrate women who have chosen to single-parent their child. National Birth Mother’s Day refers specifically to women (either single or partnered) who have chosen to form adoption plans for their children.

How to Observe National Birth Mother’s Day

  1. Spread the love

    If you know of anyone who has made an adoption plan or had to relinquish their parental rights, or any support groups, reach out to them and let them know you care. Organize a get-together like a night of slam poetry and music, just to honor these women. Use social media to spread the love too, using #NationalBirthMothersDay.

  2. Send a picture and a note of gratitude

    In the case of open adoptions, let your child’s birth mother know how you feel about their sacrifice. Show them how their hopes for their child are being realized through a picture and a kind word.

  3. Grow a long-term reminder

    Life is all about renewal and growth. So why not do something good for Mother Earth as well by planting a tree or plant of your choice, as a way of remembering and honoring these women who nurtured life in their own wombs.

5 Lesser Known Facts About Open Adoption

  1. It strengthens family relationships

    Children understand family dynamics from an earlier age and are not as unaware of it as you’d think.

  2. Knowing is better

    A majority of adoptees would rather have knowledge of their birth mother/parents.

  3. Birth mothers benefit, too

    Research shows that open adoption birth moms experience less grief over the decision.

  4. Adoption stories are normalized

    In open adoptions, children know their origin stories and are able to handle them better.

  5. Birth moms have agency

    From choosing the family to setting their own terms, birth moms are empowered by having a say.

Why National Birth Mother’s Day is Important

  1. It ensures visibility

    While to some it may seem like a bittersweet time of remembrance, this day brings an often marginalized group of women into the limelight and honors them for their courage and strength in making such a difficult decision.

  2. It strengthens family bonds

    Let’s face it — families in any context are messy. When it comes to adoption, it may seem like a whole other level of messy. However, research shows that transparency between adoptive families and birth mothers leads to a more holistic parent-child bond.

  3. It spreads an adoption-positive message

    By celebrating birth mothers there is also a simultaneous spread of awareness about adoption and adoption processes. This presents the idea of open adoptions in a positive light and can help educate and empower those who have yet to make a choice.

National Birth Mother’s Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 May 7 Saturday
2023 May 6 Saturday
2024 May 5 Sunday
2025 May 4 Sunday