Episode Description:

Following our raw and powerful conversation last week with birth mother advocate Ashley Mitchell, we are broadening the circle of our conversation. Today, we sit down with adoptive mother Kirsten Johanson for a deeply honest, warm, and eye-opening conversation about what it truly looks like to walk the path of adoption.

Kirsten shares her beautiful journey of adopting her son at 9 months old through an open adoption. She gently pulls back the curtain on the "unseen labor" of adoption—the profound emotional, mental, and physical preparation that prospective parents navigate before they ever hold their baby in their arms. Together, we explore the beautiful concept of the "adoption constellation"—the understanding that adoption isn’t just a transaction, but a lifelong, interconnected journey that deeply touches the birth family, the adoptive family, and, most importantly, the adoptees themselves.

If you have ever wanted to understand the realities of open adoption, or if you simply want to grow in empathy for the different ways we build our families, this episode is full of heart and wisdom.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• The Unseen Labor: Shifting our understanding of adoption from an "easy route" to honoring the unique, heavy, and beautiful preparation adoptive mothers go through.
• The Adoption Constellation: Looking beyond the traditional "adoption triangle" to see how everyone involved—including extended families and future generations—is uniquely impacted.
• Honoring the Adoptee’s Voice: Understanding how the narratives we use about adoption must serve and protect the child, who didn't get a choice in the process.
• The Reality of Openness: How Kirsten navigates a healthy, respectful open adoption with her son's birth family.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Connect with Kirsten’s work: Visit website: Known Together
• Learn more about the community: Discover THE Adoption Conference
• Join our Tribe: Learn more and join American Mothers
• Celebrate a Mom: Do you know an incredible mom who deserves recognition? Nominate a Mother of the Year today!
• Join the Conversation: We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Head over to the American Mothers Community Facebook Page to share your heart with us.

A Note from Deanne: Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be a great mother. Give yourself grace along your journey. We love you!