The child may struggle with the meaning of being adopted, and may experience feelings of loss and sadness (1,7). He or she begins to see the flip side of the adoption story and may wonder what was wrong with him or her; why did the birth mother place him or her up for adoption?

Growing up, many adoptees find it difficult to express the hurt and loss they feel, for fear of upsetting their adoptive parents. While this emotional withholding is unintentional, it creates feelings of isolation. Feelings that often continue into adulthood. Sometimes, love and loneliness go hand in hand.

Contact the agency, adoption attorney, or mothers home that handled the adoption to see if they have any additional resources regarding your specific adoption or search. Utilize social media and social networking platforms to see if you are able to find your birth child with the information you compiled.

The same emotional bonds are formed with adopted children as with biological ones. The love and attachment for an adopted child are just as strong and deep as the love for a biological child. The emotional connection developed with an adopted child is built on trust, care, and unconditional love.