16 Painful And Joyous Moments Birth Moms Know To Be True

The arduous journey through adoption is tough yet rewarding. Every birth mother's experience is unique, but some things are universal.

1. Finding out you are pregnant

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What is a moment of great joy for most, comes as a disaster for others. When birth control fails and you aren't financially or emotionally ready to care for a child, you are left with what to do next.

2. What it's like to be pregnant without any of the upsides

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Morning sickness, swollen feet, insomnia, and back aches. Trying not to bond emotionally with another human being growing inside of you results in feeling like a human incubator. No baby shower, no nursery decorating, and definitely no "But it will be so worth it in the end when you get to hold your baby!"

3. How do you even begin to try to pick out an adoptive family

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The brochure catalogs that adoption agencies mail you are just impossible.

4. What it feels like to put the needs of your child over the wants of your own heart

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But you know you are giving them the best life possible, the best way possible.

5. How painful your boobs are after you go home from the hospital

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And all of the ways you have to try to get them to stop lactating and hurting. Cabbage leaves and breast binding.

6. The body you are left with afterwards

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Well we got the courage of a tiger part down, now if only we still looked half as good as that.

7. How awkward it is at other women's baby showers

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and what it feels like to be genuinely happy for your friends yet jealous at the same time...

8. The many dumb and insensitive questions people ask you

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Every time I go to the nail salon they ask me if I have gotten custody back yet (I've explained the concept of adoption to them repeatedly)... I appreciate that you remember who I am every time I come in, but it is in the worst possible way. Sadly, this is on the better side of the spectrum of stupid questions.

9. Even worse, when people try to give you advice

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Tell me more about how we should handle the delicate relationship that is an open adoption. I am sure you have loads of experience in this area.

So, how 'bout them Yankees?

10. How bittersweet Mother's Day can be

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11. How unamusing adoption jokes become...

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Why is this even an insult, and gosh I hope adopted children don't grow up with the stigma of this.

12. Worrying that your birth child will resent you when they grow older

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And praying that when the time comes, they understand why. Even though you still trust that their adoptive parents will explain to them how much you really love them.

13. Knowing that you are one super strong woman

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There's strong, and then there is Birth Mom strong.

14. Hoping that you can inspire or be there for other future birth moms

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The experience, strength and hope has got to be worth something.

15. The satisfaction that you get knowing that you changed an adoptive family's life.

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Priceless beyond words.

16. Knowing that you made the right choice

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Despite everything, in the end it is all worth it.