AIRED: March 29, 2021
SPECIAL GUEST: Hope O. Baker
“At twenty-one years old Hope O. Baker made one of the hardest decisions a person can make: she placed her son for adoption. She lived with her son’s adoptive mother while she was pregnant and pursued an open adoption. After her son was born, Hope tried to resume her life.
But the difficulty of letting her child go gnawed at Hope. Even though she had it together on the outside—graduating college and excelling in her career—on the inside she was battling a destructive cycle of depression and addiction. When life was at its darkest, Hope managed to find her way back to the light. It’s a journey she continues to this day.
In this love letter to her son, Finding Hope: A Birthmother’s Journey into the Light, Hope shows how messy and chaotically beautiful adoption can be, by sharing the authentic details of her remarkable story. From her struggles, you’ll see how the community can help you rebuild and be reminded of how important it is to find your voice and speak up for what you need when life hands you unexpected difficulties. There are many relatable moments that can dispense needed wisdom to new parents, and get knowing nods from those who have had kids and been through the journey of parenthood and now have an empty nest. Hope has been through some very rough emotional turmoil, made some agonizing decisions, and has come through the fire to let us know that she has found her namesake as she emerged from places where she almost lost it.
ABOUT HOPE O BAKER
After placing her newborn son for adoption in 2013, Hope O Baker struggled with depression, addiction, and overcoming the stigma that surrounds birthmothers. In her first book, Finding Hope: A Birthmother’s Journey Into the Light, hope shares her story of a successful, open adoption—and all the heartache and light that came along the way.
Hope is a passionate advocate for those on all sides of adoption. You can find her online at HopeOBaker.com or follow her on Instagram at @HopeOBaker. Hope visits her son regularly and is a passionate advocate for those on all sides of adoption.
