Adoption could have been a dream for Millie Bobby Brownbut it’s not his only dream.
The sensational actress, best known as the star of Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” became a first-time mom thanks to a 2025 adoption.
Many were shocked when Millie Bobby Brown and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, decided to become parents in their early 20s. However, the artist is open to the idea of having more children, including biological ones.
Millie Bobby Brown didn’t close the door on biological children
Brown recently opened up about her motherhood journey in a new interview, revealing that she always knew adoption would be her way of having children. “I always wanted to adopt. It was always part of my childhood dreams,” she said.
Brown explained that when she was a child, even her parents noticed her interest in adoption, telling her, “You had your dolls. They were all adopted.” The actress added that she has never pretended to be pregnant while playing with her dolls before clarifying that it was not excluded.
“It’s not because I don’t want it. I hope that one day it will be in my future, but for me, adoption has always been a part of my future. Adoption is love. Adoption is forever,” Brown said on the June 11 episode of Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast.
The TV personality learned about adoption at school
Brown revealed that her love for adoption wasn’t just about fulfilling her childhood dreams, as she took many adoption classes. She initially went to school to become a social worker and studied for two years before her love of animals led her to pursue veterinary studies.
During her time working to become a social worker, Brown said she learned “meaningful and important” lessons about adoption. These classes also helped Brown understand the journey of becoming a birth mother, which, in turn, played a role in helping her and Bongiovi choose the right path for them.
Ultimately, Brown and Bongiovi embarked on an adoption journey to start their family. When asked if she had any advice for families considering adoption, Brown had a lot to say. She began by emphasizing how comparison is the thief of joy, emphasizing that “every journey is different.”
Millie Bobby Brown trusted her ‘maternal instinct’ to find her baby
Brown also advised couples considering adoption, especially mothers, to trust their instincts when choosing their child. She used her experience as an example, recalling how she knew her daughter was the right one for her family. In Brown’s words:
“My maternal instinct kicked in. I’m an aunt, and my maternal instinct kicked in. I was like, this baby is like…I will protect this baby at all costs.”
Brown noted that her instincts told her it was right when she met her baby girl, remembering how the baby felt like everything she needed in that moment. “And the connection immediately kicks in, for me at least it really does,” the proud mom added.
SAG Award winner wants a big family
Brown has been open about her interest in adoption, previously gushing about her desire to have a large family. Last year, The Blast reported that Brown shared her thoughts in an interview, revealing that she and Bongiovi agreed to have more children.
“I really want to have a family. I really want a big family. I’m one of four. He’s one of four. So, it’s definitely in our future,” Brown said, referring to the number of siblings she and Bongiovi grew up with. She added that she doesn’t see having her own child as any different from adoption.
Brown and Bongiovi announced they had welcomed a daughter through adoption in a joint statement shared on Instagram. The August 2025 post saw the couple excited to become parents for the first time and imploring fans to allow them to enjoy the journey “in both peace and privacy”.
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi’s Relationship Timeline
Brown and Bongiovi first sparked romance rumors in June 2021 after the latter posted a selfie of them on social media with the caption “bff <3." That same month, the duo was spotted holding hands while walking around New York City, according to PEOPLE.
They finally went Instagram official in November 2021 and made their red carpet debut in March 2022 at the BAFTA Film Awards. Brown and Bongiovi have given fans plenty to talk about with their frequent displays of affection, including birthday tributes on social media.
The lovebirds took their relationship to the next level in June 2023, with an engagement party. Brown revealed a year later that her boyfriend proposed to her underwater while they were scuba diving on vacation. The same year, she and Bongiovi secretly married in the presence of their closest family.
