Teen Mom’s Catelynn Lowell Hasn’t Visited Daughter Carly in Two Years
Teen Mom star Catelynn Lowell reveals that she has not been in contact with her biological daughter Carly, whom she placed for adoption back in 2009.
“The last time I saw Carly was about two years ago,” Lowell, 32, shared exclusively with Us Weekly prior to the premiere of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter on Thursday, January 30. “It’s very challenging. Ultimately, I just want what’s best for her and whatever that looks like for Carly, that’s all I desire.”
In July 2009, Lowell and her husband Tyler Baltierra filmed their decision to place Carly for adoption on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant.
The couple had initially agreed to an “open” adoption with Carly’s adoptive parents, meaning they would receive photos and could see their daughter in person once a year. However, this arrangement changed as Carly, now 17, grew older.
“They essentially have closed the adoption to us,” Lowell stated. “That’s difficult. I’ve really embraced a new perspective on my adoption journey, where I’m now connecting with many adoptees and learning what could have helped them, what might have benefitted them. I’m actively educating myself and others about the statistics surrounding adoptees, and if you ever make such a decision in your life, it’s important to be informed about what you’re choosing.”
For Lowell, who is also a mother to Nova, 10, Vaeda, 5, and Rya, 3, she speaks up so that Carly may one day understand just how much her birth parents love her.
“I want Carly to know that if she wants contact but it’s not happening, I will fight for that until the day I die or until she tells me it’s too difficult for her to maintain contact,” Lowell explained to Us. “But until that day comes, I want her to know that I am always here and willing to do whatever it takes.”
Another challenge Lowell and Baltierra, 33, are grappling with is how to explain to their younger children about their older sibling.
Lowell mentions that “it’s quite challenging to explain” the situation to her younger children because they are still quite small.
“Nova’s response was, ‘Well, that’s silly. We should be able to see her and talk to her,’” Lowell recounted. “She’s still young, which makes it difficult. I have a lot of frustration about this, but underneath lies sadness and hurt.”
Through the ups and downs, Lowell finds solace in knowing she’s not alone. The host of the “Cate & Ty: Break It Down” podcast continues to share her journey, as she recognizes that other families go through similar experiences. She feels grateful for the support of her husband.
Catelynn Lowell provides an update on her relationship with her 15-year-old daughter Carly’s adoptive parents. “Adoption is complicated. I’m blocked because I sent updates and pictures of her sisters,” the Teen Mom: The Next Chapter star, 32, claimed via her Instagram Story on Monday, September 9. “How is that fair to Carly […]
“It affects him deeply too,” she remarked about Baltierra. “I don’t think it strains our relationship. We went through this together. … When one of us is really down and struggling, the other is there to provide comfort and understanding.”
Teen Mom: The Next Chapter airs on MTV Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
