Forgotten Mothers UK
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Forgotten Mother on October 08, 2025, 12:11:41 PM
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Articles on parents trying to conceive after an adoption exist, though the research primarily focuses on the profound and enduring grief and health consequences experienced by parents. Studies show that for many, the force/illegl/decision to place a child for adoption involves ongoing feelings of maternal loss and physical/mental health impacts. While less information is available about parents' desires to have more children, existing data indicates this is a topic connected to the ongoing trauma of the adoption experience and the continued desire for a family.
Key Themes in the Literature
Disenfranchised Grief:
* A significant theme in research on parents is the concept of disenfranchised grief, where their loss is not fully recognized or supported by society, leading to long-term emotional distress.
Health and Well-being:
* Research consistently points to continuing negative physical and mental health consequences for mothers following adoption, such as ongoing feelings of loss and inadequate self-worth.
Attachment to the Unborn Child:
* Even when a mother knows she will not be keeping the baby, deep maternal bonds can form, leading to lasting love and a desire to parent.
Limited Research on Post-Adoption Conception:
* While there's extensive literature on the parent experience of loss and grief, research specifically detailing post-adoption family building and desire for more children is less common.
Finding Relevant Resources
Search Terms:
* When looking for these types of articles, use terms such as "(natural) mother grief," "(natural) father experience adoption," "loss of child adoption consequences," and "(natural) parent trauma".
Academic Databases:
Utilize databases like National Institutes of Health (NIH) and ScienceDirect.com to access studies on the lasting effects of adoption on birth parents.
Adoption Organizations:
Check resources from adoption support organizations, which often provide articles and information on the adoption experience from various perspectives.