Keeping it Together: These MTV stars' adoption nightmare

"Teen Mom" stars Tyler and Catelynn Baltierra love living in Michigan with their young daughters, they tell me. They joyfully jump into the fresh water of the Great Lakes. Bask in all four seasons each year.

The Baltierras are plenty used to other kinds of seasons, though – emotional ones – since starring on MTV's "16 and Pregnant." The now 32-year-old couple placed their eldest daughter Carly for adoption on TV 15 years ago; a milestone moment for the series that, at the time, featured its subjects for one documentary-like hour-long episode.

I'm David Oliver, a wellness reporter here at Paste BN, and I talked to them and others who have been impacted by adoption for a wide-ranging story this week.

Tyler and Catelynn's choice from the past snowballed into a nightmare in recent months. They say Carly's adoptive parents have cut off communication. What was supposed to be an "open adoption" has become anything but.

The Baltierras' adoption struggles, which have recent played out on the show and on social media, have sparked a conversation. Their story underscores how the adoption community is full of all kinds of stories – good and bad. Many believe the practice requires reform. Advocates say the first step is acknowledging the trauma and grief that comes with adoption for everyone involved.

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