We need the support and unconditional love of our family and friends and we probably need it the most during an unplanned pregnancy. You may be afraid to share the news of your unplanned pregnancy with your family, especially your parents. You may be tempted to not tell your parents or hide your pregnancy from them. However, this is not a very good idea for a number of reasons.

Hiding a pregnancy can be very stressful and can add additional stress to an already stressful situation and will not be good for your own health and the health of your unborn baby. Additionally,... more

This week’s featured birthmother is Tammie. At the age of sixteen, Tammie became unexpectedly pregnant. Her unborn baby’s father was not supportive and even denied that the baby was his. When she initially found out she was pregnant, her parents kicked her out of the house. Eventually, a few months later, they let her return. Knowing that she wasn’t financially or emotionally ready to be a parent and handle the responsibility that goes along with being a parent and having little support, Tammie opted to make an adoption plan.

Tammie found a local adoption agency and chose the adoptive parents... more

From time to time I ask different birthmothers what they wish they had known while they were pregnant and before placing their children for adoption. If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you may find their thoughts helpful. To read previous posts in this series look at the links at the bottom of this post.

“I wish I had known that although the agency was nice while I was pregnant, they didn’t truly care about me. Once they had my baby, they really didn’t need to be nice to me anymore.” (statement by R.) “I wish I had known that open adoption was not... more

As an expectant mother considering adoption, you may be seeing some different terminology used as you are researching. Today, we’ll explore the differences in some of those.

Birthmother/Placing Mother You may be reading letters addressed “dear birthmother,” looking at areas on agency websites that say “for birthmothers,” and hear the word birthmother used in regards to you. It might all be a little confusing.

Are you a birthmother? No, not yet! And you may not become one at all if you do not follow through with an adoption plan.

Technically,... more

This week’s featured birthmom is Kara. Kara became unexpectedly pregnant when she was a senior in high school and placed her daughter for adoption when she was 18. Kara and her daughter’s birthfather began to consider adoption. They knew that they would never get married because of big religious difference. They also both felt that they were young and not financially ready to be parents and provide their daughter with everything she would need.

Kara was very torn and ended up bringing her daughter... more

Are you having trouble sleeping during your pregnancy? You are not alone! Many women complain of this especially in the third trimester. You toss and you turn trying to get in a comfortable position, which can be hard to do with your ever expanding belly! There are some common pregnancy culprits that could be hindering your sleep. Below are some ways to deal with those culprits and get some much needed rest!

Getting up a zillion times a night to go to the bathroom? Do not drink a lot of fluids before going to bed but be sure to drink plenty through out the day so you do not get dehydrated.... more

Once you discover that you may be pregnant and then confirm that fear, you may begin to feel very alone as you begin to deal with your unplanned pregnancy. Although you may feel isolated and alone, know that you are not and while it may feel like your world is coming to end, know that it is not. Unplanned pregnancies happen all the time to all different kinds of people. You will not be the first to experience and unplanned pregnancy and you will not be the last. You are strong! You can make it through this!

Having personally experienced two unplanned pregnancies, I know... more

So, when you have some free time this weekend, why not create a pregnancy scrapbook? Even though your pregnancy is unplanned, you should still make the most of it and try to enjoy it whenever possible. Regardless of what you ultimately decide about either making an adoption plan or a parenting plan, a pregnancy scrapbook can be a great way to remember your pregnancy as well as a neat keepsake item for your child in the future. Plus, it could also relieve some stress by channeling some energy into something positive. Why not invite some girlfriends over, make a “girl night in “out... more

In my last post, I introduced you to Lois Lodge, a home for women in unplanned pregnancies with nowhere to go. In this post, I’d like to introduce you to Leah, a young mother who stayed at Lois Lodge during her pregnancy.

In June of 2006, Leah discovered she was pregnant for the second time in her life. At sixteen, Leah experienced her first unplanned pregnancy and placed that baby for adoption. When she discovered she was pregnant the second time, she and her boyfriend, Mark were very shocked.... more

Last month, I told you about two different programs that house pregnant women and then help them with the resources and tools that they need in order to successfully parent their children. I’ve run across a similar program that is nearby in Charlotte, North Carolina called Lois Lodge. Lois Lodge is a family style, Christian based, modern day maternity home that provides housing to women in need while experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Lois Lodge does not force... more