At BraveLove, we believe it’s vital that a birth mother not walk alone because the journey of adoption does not end at placement.

Here’s a list of birth parent post-adoption support groups, retreats, and online groups around the country that we recommend.  These groups/events are not facilitated by BraveLove.  Though we’ve spoken with them, vetted them, and encourage you to see if they could be a good fit for you. 

Every person is different, which is why we’ve created this varied list.  We continue to expand this directory with more details and groups in order to provide lots of different avenues of support both online and offline.  If you know of a birth parent support group or retreat, contact us.  We’d love to learn more about them. 

If you're looking for community events related to adoption or BraveLove's birth mom dinners, check out our event calendar.

Support Groups (listed by state)  |  Retreats  |  Online Groups

Support Groups

Arizona

Expectant & Birth Mother Support Group - Gilbert, AZ

Adoption Home Study Services of Arizona offers a monthly support group for those who have placed a child for adoption OR those who are considering their options. This group is a safe place to get support and know that you are not alone. It's for any expectant mother considering her options, birth mothers, and a support person of their choice.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. No cost to attend. Additional post-adoption support services include: Private Facebook Group for birth mothers only, individual support and education through the adoption process, outreach opportunities

Interested? Call Calli at 480-392-5723 or email her for more information.

Visit website // Email: [email protected] // Call: 480-392-5723

California

Lifetime Healing Birth Mother Support Group - Anaheim, CA

This group meets in Anaheim every 2nd Sunday of the month at 7pm.  Any birth mother is welcome. 

Call, text, or email Katie for more information.

714-732-2284 // Email: [email protected] 

Florida

Bethany’s Birthmother Support Group

Adoption is a lifelong journey. You may find that you need support after an adoption is finalized. Bethany Christian Services understands and offers support groups for birth parents to share their experiences and lean on each other for strength and encouragement.

Contact this office for details on upcoming meetings.

Call 407-877-4006 

Placement from the Heart Support Group - Port Orange, FL

Placement from the Heart is a local birth parent support group providing peer support and mentoring to all birth parents. We have tailored-made events for any individual that has been touched by adoption placement. If you are looking for a group of women who understand how you are feeling, Placement from the Heart is for you. Adoption-minded women, women who are in the middle of their adoption plan, and women that have placed their child are invited to come and share a relaxed afternoon of good food and conversation. “Nothing is off-limits,” you will hear us talk about everything from morning sickness to new hairstyles! You can be yourself, just sit back and listen or jump in and ask a question.

Call or email Angela if you would like more information:

Visit website  // Email: [email protected] // Call 386–852–9098

A Women's Pregnancy Center Birthmother Support Group - Tallahassee, FL

A Women's Pregnancy Center is pleased to offer a support group for birth moms at any stage in their placement journey.  The support group meets once a month on varying dates and at varying times in accordance with what works well with birth moms' schedules.  Please contact Sherri Daume for the next meeting time and location.

Email: [email protected]  //  Call 850-297-1174

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Winter Park, FL

Calling all Birthmothers in Central Florida!

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us beginning on January 17, 2024, at 6:30PM!  Light refreshments will be served. 

Email [email protected] or call 407-766-6628 for more information.

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Vero Beach, FL

Calling all Birthmothers in Vero Beach!

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us beginning on January 23, 2024, at 6:00PM.  Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, email Tilara at [email protected] or call or text 772-538-2830

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Tallahassee, FL

Calling all Birthmothers in Tallahassee!

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us!

Location: Bruce J Host Northeast Branch Library (private room)

Start date: March 28, 2024 5:30-7:30 PM (meets every 4^th Thursday of the month)

For more information contact: Morgan 336-655-4081

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Lake City, FL

Calling all Birthmothers in Lake City!

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us!

Location: Pregnancy Care Center Lake City, 130 NW Hilton Ave, Lake City, Fl 32056

Start date: TBD

For more information contact: Lori 386-755-0058

Georgia

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Savannah, GA

Calling all Birthmothers in or around Savannah, GA!

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us!

Location: Savannah Care Center: 105 E 34th St., Savannah, GA 31401

Start Date: March 14, 2024 (will meet the second Thursday of each month)

Time: 6:30 PM

For more information, text or call Sarah Melissa 843-368-6384

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Stockbridge, GA

This group meets the last Wednesday of every month at The Bridge Wellness South (100 Eagles Walk Stockbridge, GA 30281).

Contact Carol Corban for more details (770) 957-8288

Indiana

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center - Lafayette, IN

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center is offering a birth mom support group on the third Tuesday of every month. We have a mixture of in-person and virtual meetings.  For more information, please email [email protected] or call or text 765-326-1110.

Kansas

Catholic Diocese of Wichita’s Birth Mom Support Group - Wichita, KS

The Catholic Diocese of Wichita offers a monthly support group that meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm. No cost to attend. It is open to the public but currently for birth mothers only.

Additional post-adoption support services include: private Facebook group for birth moms only, one-on-one counseling services, fall event with birth families and adoptive families, and an annual holiday party.

Email: [email protected]

Maine

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Portland, ME

Calling all Birthmothers in Portland!

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us!

Location: ABBA, Women's Choice 

1250 Forest Ave 2^nd Floor., Portland, ME 04103

        Start date: March 2024

        For more information contact Christine 207-253-5555

Minnesota

Christian Adoption Services

We provide one-on-one meetings to birth moms focusing on the following themes:

Grief & Triggers, Future & Goal Planning, Resilience, Disappointment, Personal Narrative, Owning your Story, Gratitude & Forgiveness

Email: [email protected]

Missouri

Lutheran Children and Family Services

LFCS Birth Mother Support Services welcomes any woman who has placed a child for adoption.  We alternate monthly between virtual and in-person gatherings in 5 locations in MO. Join us to connect with other women with shared experiences! 

Please contact the local LCFS Birth Parent Worker in your area for details and to sign up:

Kansas City – Traci O’Moore - [email protected]

Mid-Missouri (Columbia) – Amory’e Curtis - [email protected]

Southeast Missouri (Cape Girardeau) – Kayla Holmes - [email protected]

Southwest Missouri (Springfield) – Shirley Smith - [email protected]

St. Louis – Cyrini Daniels - [email protected]

Nevada

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Reno, NV

This group will begin meeting on July 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Real Choices Women's Center Meetings (5335 Reno Cooperate Drive, Reno, NV 89511).

Contact Treion Daily for more details (775) 223-1035 or [email protected]

North Dakota

Christian Adoption Services

We provide one-on-one meetings to birth moms focusing on the following themes:

Grief & Triggers, Future & Goal Planning, Resilience, Disappointment, Personal Narrative, Owning your Story, Gratitude & Forgiveness

Email: [email protected]

Ohio

Caring for Kids, Inc.

We provide support groups in two locations, Akron and Columbus.  Our Akron support group meets the 2nd Saturday of every month at 1:00pm.  Our Columbus support group meets the 3rd Sunday of every month at 6:00pm.  Birth Mothers and their support are welcome.

Please contact Anna at [email protected] for more details.

Oklahoma

Deaconess’s Common Threads Support Group - Oklahoma City, OK

Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption, is a premier, care-oriented adoption agency serving women and families all across Oklahoma. They provide annual birth mother retreats to honor and support women who have made the courageous choice for adoption. The following are the Post-Adoption Services they offer:

Search & Reunion

Whether you are a parent seeking your placed child or an adopted child seeking your birth parents or relatives, Deaconess can help. We offer search and reunion services tailored to your situation. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.

Birth Mother Retreat

At Deaconess, we honor the loving sacrifices made by birth mothers who place their children for adoption. One way we give back is with our Birth Mother Retreats, events where birth mothers can come together to share support, stories, and love.

The staff at Deaconess are committed to providing lifelong services to birth families. It is normal to experience mixed feelings after placing a child for adoption. Many birth parents have questions about how to communicate with others who may be not understanding of their adoption decision.

Visit website // Call 405-949-4200  //  Email: [email protected]

Crisis Pregnancy Outreach's Birth Mother Support Group - Tulsa, OK

You are not alone, this group meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30-8:00pm for fellowship and support. Hope. Happiness. Love. Understanding. It may not feel like it now, but these things are within your reach. Join us for support group and find women who love you and want to walk alongside you on your adoption journey.

Visit website // Call or text 918-296-3377

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Tulsa, OK

Calling all Birthmothers in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us! 

Location: Crisis Pregnancy Outreach, 10207 E. 61st St. Tulsa

Start date: January 23 (will meet every fourth week of the month)

Time: 6:30-8:00 PM

For more information, contact CPO at 918-296-3377

Oregon

Northwest Birthmom Group - Portland, OR

The Northwest Birthmom Group was created to support and empower other birth mothers in their journey through friendship, love, strength, and support. This group is specifically for women who have placed a child for adoption. Jessica and Chelsea, birthmothers themselves, know firsthand the need for support and welcome those with open arms. All ages and placement dates welcome.

This birth mom support group meets in Portland the last Thursday of every month from 7:00-8:30pm. Follow their Facebook page for location changes.

Email: [email protected] // Facebook

Tennessee

Bethany’s Birthmother Support Group

Adoption is a lifelong journey. You may find that you need support after an adoption is finalized. Bethany Christian Services understands and offers support groups for birth parents to share their experiences and lean on each other for strength and encouragement.

Knoxville: A group meets the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8:30pm.  Contact this office for more information.

Nashville: A group meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm.  Contact this office for more information.

Call 423-622-7360 

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Memphis, TN

Texas

Aggieland's Post Adoption Support - College Station, TX

Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach believes adoption is a lifelong journey. We are here to support you through the process of placement and after the adoption has been finalized. APO understands the needs of birth mothers and the need to share their experiences and gain support and encouragement from other birth parents. This group is for women who are considering adoption and women who have already placed their child into an adoptive family.

Additional post-adoption support services include a private Facebook group for birth moms only, one-on-one counseling services, support when meeting with adoptive families, and occasional special events.

For more information, email [email protected]

New Life Adoption’s Support Group - Tomball, TX

An open support group for birth mothers (who have placed a baby for adoption with our agency, any other agency, or private adoption) and pregnant women considering adoption. The group meets quarterly and provides peer support and counseling.

Visit website // Call 281-955-1001 // Email: [email protected]

Texas Christian Adoptions Support Group - Southlake, TX

This support group is held either in person (if requested) or over Zoom. For more information, email Andrea at [email protected] or text 214-663-6323.

The Table - Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

A support group for birth parents which offers on line and in person support groups.

Lacy and Katie met at a support group for birth mothers. After a while, they began to notice birth parents were not taking advantage of the resources available to them. They wanted to find a way to change this and help more birth parents find support. Not long after, The Table was born - a place where birth parents can find support in each other and in a casual setting, not a therapeutic one.

2024 Zoom Dates: February 15, April 18, June 20, August 15, October 17, and December 19

2024 In Person Event Dates: March 16, May 18, July 13, September 21, and November 9

Email: [email protected] // Instagram

Virginia

Bethany’s Birthmother Support Group

Adoption is a lifelong journey. You may find that you need support after an adoption is finalized. Bethany Christian Services understands and offers support groups for birth parents to share their experiences and lean on each other for strength and encouragement.

Contact this office for details on upcoming meetings.

Call 540-373-5165 

Catholic Charities of Arlington’s Support Group - Arlington, VA

This birth mother support group, hosted by Catholic Charities of Arlington, meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. It's an open monthly support group for women of all ages and faiths and there's no cost to attend. It is for birth mothers only. Other available services include:

- Private Facebook Page for Birth Mothers

- One-on-One Counseling

- Annual Birth Mother’s Day Picnic

- Annual Christmas Party

Visit website  // Email: [email protected]

Washington

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Seattle, WA

Calling all Birthmothers in Seattle, WA area!

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us!

Start date: TBD

For more information contact: [email protected]

Wyoming

SEEN Birthmother Healing Program - Sheridan, Wyoming

Embrace, Empower, Connect

Join our SEEN Birthmother Support Group, a nurturing community just for you.  Share your journey, find support, and build lifelong connections with others who understand.  Together, let's celebrate the strength and love that define birthmothers.  You're not alone.  Your story matters.

Start your empowering journey with us!

Location: Legacy Pregnancy Center, 847 Coffeen Ave., Sheridan, Wyoming 82801

Start Date: March 13th, 2024 (will meet the second Wednesday of each month)

Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

For more information, text or call Jandi, 307-460-8275

Retreats

Birth Mom Collective - North Carolina

To learn more about their annual retreat, email [email protected].

On Your Feet Foundation - Illinois

On Your Feet Foundation’s birth mom retreats started nearly 20 years ago and are among the longest running and most consistent anywhere in the country. Run for birth moms by birth moms, every woman at the retreat, whether a facilitator or participant, is a birth mom. Our retreats are the one place where everyone understands each other because they have lived the same life-changing experience.

Full details and registration dates/deadlines can be found here.

Birth Mom Bridge Ministries - Texas

To learn more information about their annual birthmother retreats, visit their website. 

Online Groups

BirthmomsConnect Support Calls

On Your Feet Foundation's support calls are for all birthmothers looking for a safe space to share their experiences with a supportive group of people who understand their journeys. Birthparents do not have to be a current client of On Your Feet to join. Advanced registration is required. Full details and how to register can be found here.

Nightlight Birth Mom Zoom Group

Nightlight Christian Adoptions hosts a Birth Mom Zoom call the first Saturday of every month at 11 am EST.  It is for mom's who have placed through Nightlight. 

Call Paige 864-275-1682 // Email: [email protected]

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center

Please email [email protected] or text 765-326-1110 for more information about our virtual support group options.

St. John's United Family Services

St. John's United Family Services offers an online Birthmother Circle support group that meets virtually the first Wednesday of every month.  Call or message 406-647-3583 for more information.

Spence-Chapin Monthly Birth Parent Support Group

Spence-Chapin’s Birth Parent Support Group is a virtual meet-up for individuals who made an adoption plan (with Spence-Chapin or elsewhere) and are in any stage in their placement journey. This group is a safe place to get support and know that you are not alone. Topics will include coping with feelings of grief and loss, sharing challenges and successes with open and closed adoption, and improving communication with friends and family around your adoption plan.

Spence-Chapin’s Birth Parent Support Group meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm EST.

There is no cost to attend. All attendees will receive a Zoom link to their confirmation email after registration.  Click here to register and learn more.

The Table - Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

A support group for birth parents which offers on line and in person support groups.

Lacy and Katie met at a support group for birth mothers. After a while, they began to notice birth parents were not taking advantage of the resources available to them. They wanted to find a way to change this and help more birth parents find support. Not long after, The Table was born - a place where birth parents can find support in each other and in a casual setting, not a therapeutic one.

2024 Zoom Dates: February 15, April 18, June 20, August 15, October 17, and December 19

2024 In Person Event Dates: March 16, May 18, July 13, September 21, and November 9

Email: [email protected] // Instagram

What others are saying about support...

"Being in this support group has really helped me through my adoption. I have these other women, who know exactly how I’m feeling, to talk to. They have given me great advice whenever I ask for it. They can tell you what they went through and how they handled a certain situation. I would recommend this group because birth moms need other birth moms to talk to. It’s not that they aren’t able to talk to their friends or family, but having someone who knows how you’re feeling and how they have handled a situation can be so helpful. At every meeting, I feel like we are one big family. We laugh, we cry, we can be ourselves with each other. This group makes me realize that I made the best decision by choosing adoption." - Brittney

"Support was something I never thought was necessary for me. Being adopted made me think that I could handle being a birth mom without feeling anything but happy. It took me four years to finally step into the birth mom support group at Gladney, but guess what? I was so wrong! Being in the support group washes me with this joy that is overwhelmingly beautiful. Just being around women who share this amazing commonality with me, envelopes me in comfort. To hear the stories of strength, joy, and tears, empowers me and lets me know that I don’t have to face the world alone. At Gladney's support group, even if I don't need to get anything off my chest, it's wonderful to be able to fellowship with such selfless and influential women. Not everyone understands our journey, but when I walk through those doors, they do, and it’s a completely judge free zone to just be myself. Sometimes we just need that support to grow us, and I'm so thankful for Gladney providing that to birth moms just like me." - Katie

"An active member of a parish, a mother, grandmother, and widow. I am also a birth mother who placed my firstborn child for adoption. One never knows a person's life story, whether that individual is sitting next to you at Mass, standing in front of you at the grocer’s checkout counter, or coaching your daughter’s softball team. Being a birth mother is not something that one shouts from the rooftop but it is a very important part of one's life story. This past spring I attended "After the Gift," a retreat for birth mothers who have placed their babies for adoption. I, along with other birth mothers, was facilitated by a counselor, other past participants, as well as a priest. I explored my feelings, good or bad, acknowledged my experiences, and gave thanks for what I had done. I explored and discovered where life had taken me and what God has in store for me. I was treated like a queen at times with special gifts, quiet times, a birthday cake and art projects. A special Mass/Service on Sunday morning was celebrated to honor all of us attending birth mothers. This retreat healed old wounds and helped me to begin to establish a God-centered direction in my life." - Debra

"Something wonderful happens when birthmothers get together. What once was secret, hidden and buried deep within becomes a common thread that binds them together. During the “After the Gift” retreats, this instant connection begins on Friday night and continues to grow throughout the weekend. In this safe environment, birthmothers are free to express all of their emotions and offer support to each other. After the Gift is a jewel in the Diocese of Wichita … offered as a gift … to birthmothers of all ages." - Carolyn

Can't find what you're looking for?  Contact us.