Congratulations, you are having a baby! I’m sure that seems like a fairly daunting task right now, but you can do it. You are giving your baby life! That is the greatest gift you can give. You are off to a fantastic start. Since you’re choosing an abortion alternative here’s what you need to know.
First things first, you’ll want to do is to build Team Baby. Whether you decide to parent alone, co-parent with the baby’s father, choose a family member to care for your baby, or choose another family to adopt your baby, you are going to need an All Star team for you and your baby. Your team can be whatever size you’d like–definitely take quality over quantity. When building your Team Baby make sure that your team members are supportive of you and your decisions. Allow people in who will discuss with you and give you suggestions, but will ultimately back you up on your decisions.
Here are some suggestions of who could/should be on Team Baby with you:
1. “Your Person”
To borrow the phrase from Grey’s Anatomy, this person should be a really good friend (maybe the baby’s father, maybe a trusted family member, maybe a trusted friend). He or she should be someone who will go with you to appointments and help you understand all the information you are given. Someone who will be there to support you through the good, the bad, the ugly, and the amazing of your pregnancy. This person is someone who is there no matter what and on your side no matter what.
2. Midwife or Obstetrician
Find a midwife or a good obstetrician. These medical professionals can help you through the changes and challenges that being pregnant will bring. They are also essential for ensuring that your baby is growing well and that you remain healthy. Regular prenatal doctor/midwife visits are a must!
3. Counselor you can trust
You are making some big, potentially life-changing decisions and it’s good to have a professional you can talk through those decisions. A good counselor can help you figure out what the right choice is for you! You can find a counselor through a pregnancy options and support center or through the health unit.
4. Trusted Religious Advisor
A pastor or minister can be helpful as they will pray for you or with you and can be another support person you can trust. They can help you find peace in your decision-making. They might suggest coming out to their church or gathering as well. This can be a good idea if it is something you are comfortable with. It is a good way to meet people who have been through all sorts of life circumstances, but have found peace. These people can become good friends and a good support system as well.
5. Your Cheering Squad
Or in other words your support system. These can be family and friends who support your decision and are willing to walk with you in the weeks and months to come. They should be people who will encourage you and be positive influence around you
6. An Adoption Specialist within a licensed adoption agency
One abortion alternative is adoption. If you are thinking of looking into the adoption route, then it would be a good idea to find an adoption specialist that you trust to help you find the perfect family for your baby. He or she should be someone who will listen to all the needs and wants that you have for your baby and his/her future. It should be someone who will consider the involvement that you may want or not want in your baby’s future as well. Make sure that this individual comes from a licensed adoption agency. Your counselor, religious advisor, or midwife/doctor could likely help you make sure you find a good licensed adoption specialist.
Well there you have it: Team Baby. With you as the captain and with your trusted teammates, you and baby are going to do great! You’ll encounter challenges, and the opposition might be fierce, but overall you and your baby will overcome and be the victors. Whatever decision you make from here, you chose life for your baby and that already makes you a champion.
For more guidance in your unplanned pregnancy, visit Adoption.com. If you are considering placing your baby for adoption, you can go to Adoption.com to view adoption profiles of hopeful adoptive parents.
