摘要：Background: New Zealand, in contrast to other Western countries, has been practicing unlegislated open adoption policy as the primary means of adoption since the 1980s. Research on open adoption is emerging; however, relatively little research has been done on the birth and adoptive mothers in open adoption. This is especially true for research in the New Zealand context. Previous open adoption research has focused on the psychosocial outcomes rather than the actual experience of being a birth or adoptive mother. Aim: This research sought to investigate the lived experience of New Zealand birth and adoptive mothers in open adoption. Findings will add to the scarce New Zealand literature on open adoption and may influence future policy. Methodology: A qualitative study, guided by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to investigate the lived experience of New Zealand birth and adoptive mothers in open adoption. Findings: Six themes were revealed for the adoptive mother: (1) Adoption as a last choice, (2) Relief at being chosen, (3) Waiting, (4) I’m not ready, (5) Entitlement and (6) Advocacy. For the birthmother, three themes were revealed: (1) The right reasons, (2) Trauma and pain, and (3) Finding a role. For both the birth and adoptive mothers, one theme was found: Extended family. Conclusion and significance of study: This study has revealed that there is more to being a birth and adoptive mother than is usually portrayed in outcome studies. It has revealed that the mothers have different perspectives and experiences that contribute to our understandings of open adoption, and yields much needed information for practice, policy and future research.
