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A comment by Jenna in my last post regarding the Infant Care Center in Orange County California got me to thinking that I should probably be adding a disclaimer to these posts that are about different programs in which I have read news articles about. I probably should have done this from beginning, so just call me backwards!
First of all, for the record, let me state that I am not endorsing any of these programs nor do I have any personal experience with any of them. If I have personal experience with a particular program, I will state that in that particular blog. Typically I become aware of these programs through newspaper articles and am bringing them to your attention as a possibility, but a possibility that should be researched.
If you choose to attend, accept help from, or reside in any type of program for expectant mothers, single mothers, low income mothers, or whatever criteria you meet for that particular program (whether it is a program I mentioned here, a program you found in the phone book, or what have you) I would suggest that you research that program before attending.
In a previous post, I interviewed Leah, a young mother who lived in a maternity home while pregnant. In that post, Leah shared some advice for other expectant mothers who are considering living in maternity homes. This advice would work for anyone who is seeking out any type of residential program or assistance.
Below are a few suggestions when considering a program based on Leah’s suggestion, with a few of my own thrown in there.
1. Tour any type of residential home before you move in. Ask to speak with other residents. Ask them lots of questions and find out if they were pressured in any way or influenced in the decision making process.
2. Find out what their rules are. Many of these residential facilities and programs have many rules and expectations. Find out what they are before you move in or begin and see if you think that you can adhere to them. Find out what the penalties are if you can not stick with the program or the rules.
3. Check out multiple residential homes or programs if possible for comparison sake and to see what is available to you.
So again, I encourage you to research and ask questions before attending any sort of program or moving into a maternity home.
I’m sure other readers might have experience or advice regarding this subject, so if you do please chime in!
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Other Posts filled with Advice:
One Birthmother’s Advice
What to Expect When You Are Expecting
Making the Decision Twice
Good post, Coley!