Part 1

Let’s discuss a few of the myths and facts of breast cancer. Myth: Men do not get breast cancer. Fact: While more women than men get breast cancer, men can and do develop breast cancer. This year approximately 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and only about 1,600 men.

Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. Fact: Eight out of ten lumps... more

Let's get practical for a moment. What are the things you need to know in preparation for the day you come home from the hospital without your child? I’ve listed a few here…perhaps other birthparents will think of more.

1. Make sure you have someone to pick you up and take you home from the hospital. In my case, none of us had thought of that, and when the day came, I was forced to call around to find a ride home. No one was available, and it was awful. Let me tell you, when you have just separated from your child, you don’t need this... more

First of all, happy October everyone!

I am sure you are all aware that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It might not be crisis pregnancy related, but it is an issue for all women (and men) to be aware of, so I must do my little part.

Until a few years ago, I knew very little about breast cancer myself. I was in my twenties and invincible – I didn’t need to worry about breast cancer. Then I watched a friend battle this disease. I watched her from a far, I wasn’t close enough to be a part of her every day life, but as I listened... more

I haven’t done one of my “healthy pregnancy posts” in awhile so I thought it was time…

Exercise and pregnancy – you’re probably thinking that those are two words that do not sound like they should go together. But with all the cravings and eating for two, a little exercise is a good thing. Don’t forget; I’m not a doctor, so you probably should check with your doctor before beginning any major exercise regimen.

Exercise during pregnancy will help you to have a healthy pregnancy and increase the chances of you having... more

My son’s Sunday School newsletter inspired this post. In it, was a 101 ways to praise a child and reading it I thought that we all need praise and positive affirmations. When you are in an unplanned pregnancy, you are typically feeling down and may feel like life is working against you. It’s very easy to emotionally beat yourself up right now and tell yourself that you are dumb, make poor decisions, have made too many mistakes, etc..

But don’t forget you have good qualities too! You care about your baby and want the best for him or her... more

It’s important to regularly schedule and keep your prenatal checkup appointments with your health care provider. They will help you schedule and keep track of the appointments – you just have to show up!

I know, I remember, it feels like you are spending half your life in doctors’ offices sitting and waiting for what feels like hours all for them to check you and speak with you maybe ten minutes max. But it’s necessary.

Attending regular doctors’ visits can not guarantee a perfect baby – what can? But attending your doctors visits... more

Are you having trouble sleeping during pregnancy? It seems the further along you get, the harder sleeping becomes! You toss and turn looking for just the right position and every way you turn, it seems like the baby turns and lies that way too. And the best part is when your baby has days and nights confused, and just us as you get ready to head to dreamland, your precious one starts practicing field goals or pirouettes for the night.

Sleep is important for you. Extra weight and added hormones make you a bit more tired than usual. Rest is key... more

If you had asked me a few years back, my opinions on teen pregnancy, I would have probably been a little negative thinking that a teen parent could not possibly have the patience and financial abilities to properly provide and care for a newborn. I probably would have thought adoption might be a better option for that child. However, my opinions have been greatly changed by a little man named Landon.

Landon was born to my nephew, T, and his girlfriend, LA. My nephew is seventeen and his girlfriend is sixteen. He is a senior in high school... more

Yesterday I shared the story of a pregnant teenager who chose to parent her son. Today, I will share Jenifer’s story, a pregnant teenager who chose adoption.

Jen was 17 when she became pregnant. Her boyfriend broke up with her during the pregnancy because he was so scared. Jenifer ended up placing her daughter in a semi-open adoption.

Did you consider all your options or did you immediately think adoption when you found out you were pregnant?

A... more

In continuing with the teen pregnancy series, today I’d like to share the story of a teen mom.

Meet Tabitha Tabitha became pregnant for the first time at 16 years old. She married her high school sweetheart while she was pregnant. She gave birth to her son two days after her 17th birthday in 1997. She freely shares the triumphs and tribulations of being a teen mom with us.

Did you consider adoption? For about 1 hour on a very bad day. Neither of us could find jobs and money was scarce.... more