Pronunciation: [bˈɜːθmʌðə] (IPA) 
The word "birthmother" is spelled with the combination of two words: "birth" and "mother". The stress falls on the first syllable, "birth". In phonetic transcription, it is written as /bɜrθˈmʌðər/. The "th" sound is pronounced as /θ/ like in the word "think". The "u" in the second syllable is pronounced as /ʌ/ like in "up". The word refers to a biological mother who gave birth to a child and gave them up for adoption.
A birthmother is defined as a woman who has given birth to a child and subsequently placed that child for adoption. This term specifically refers to a biological mother who has made the difficult decision to relinquish parental rights and allow another individual or couple to adopt and raise her child.
The term "birthmother" emphasizes the biological link between the mother and child, distinguishing her from an adoptive mother or any other maternal figure in the child's life. It acknowledges the unique and often complex experience of giving birth and making the choice to place the child with another family.
Birthmothers play a crucial role in the adoption process, demonstrating immense strength, love, and selflessness. They are often faced with challenging circumstances, such as financial difficulties, lack of support, or personal circumstances that make parenting a significant struggle. By choosing adoption, birthmothers prioritize the best interests and welfare of their child, recognizing that an alternative home environment may offer better opportunities for the child's growth, happiness, and stability.
Birthmothers may have varying levels of involvement in their child's life after adoption, depending on their personal preferences and the adoptive family's arrangements. Some birthmothers choose to maintain an open adoption, where they can have ongoing contact and communication with the child and adoptive parents. Others may prefer a closed adoption, allowing for limited or no contact. Ultimately, birthmothers deserve respect, understanding, and support as they navigate the profound journey of placing their child for adoption.
The term "birthmother" is a combination of the words "birth" and "mother". The word "birth" comes from the Old English word "byrþ", which means "the process of bearing young". It is also related to the Old Norse word "börn", meaning "children". The word "mother" comes from the Old English word "modor", which has Germanic origins. It shares similarity with words in other Germanic languages, such as the German word "Mutter" and the Dutch word "moeder". The word "birthmother" itself was popularized in the mid-20th century, particularly in the context of adoption, to describe a biological or genetic mother who has given birth to a child but may or may not continue to raise them.
