Birth Mother’s Day
May 10, Saturday
When it is celebrated
The holiday is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in May, the day before Mother's Day.
History of the holiday
- Established in 1990 by a group of women in Seattle, Washington, who were themselves birth mothers.
- They aimed to create a space for support and recognition, as they felt invisible on traditional Mother's Day.
- Since then, the holiday has spread, especially within adoption-related communities.
Purpose of the holiday
- To acknowledge the emotional pain and strength of birth mothers.
- To create opportunities for healing and support among women with similar experiences.
- To raise awareness of the vital role birth mothers play in the lives of their children and adoptive families.
How it is celebrated
- By holding support group meetings, remembrance ceremonies, and tributes.
- Through personal or public acknowledgments from adoptive families or adoptees.
- Some women choose to mark the day privately, reflecting or journaling their feelings.
Interesting facts
- Although Birth Mother's Day is not an official public holiday, it holds deep meaning for thousands of women.
- The holiday can be seen in different ways: some find it supportive, others see it as a painful reminder.
- It helps open dialogue about adoption, respect, and the recognition of all forms of motherhood.