First mothers are indebted to the early pioneers who spoke up about adoption damage.  Florence Fischer and Betty Jean Lifton are adoptee authors.  Two courageous first mothers came out of the darkness of secrecy and told their stories about adoption surrender and its traumatic effects.  Their books, first published in 1979, were the first validation of the impact of losing one's baby through adoption.  The courage of these two women must not be forgotten: Lorraine Dusky and Sandra Musser.  Lee Campbell was the first to organize a support group for first mothers.  Soon, more support groups sprang up in various cities. 

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Lorraine Dusky became a pioneer in working toward open records in adoption after joining ALMA (Adoptees Liberty Movement Association).  In addition to Birthmark, she has authored Hole in My Heart.  Both books can be purchased below.