Delivering a baby is an emotional time in a woman’s life. And while it is a joyous time, it can also be a time in which the thoughts of parenting become real. Some women may find themselves in this moment saying “I am too young”, “I am not ready”, “I wanted to focus on my career right now”, “I can’t afford another baby”, or many other thoughts that may have them asking if adoption is the best option for themselves and their baby at this time.

Your Emotions Are Valid

How you are feeling in this moment is valid. Your emotions are not selfish, but rather you taking your time to ensure that the decision you make is consistent with what you this is best. The realities of parenting may be something that you feel that you are prepared for (as much as anyone ever is), or it can feel like the timing simply isn’t right. Some mother’s may be facing raising a child alone, and are not desiring to be a single parent. Others may feel that the addition of a child may be financially out of reach at this time. We are here to let you know that whatever you are feeling, those are your feelings and you are entitled to those. It can be hard to process your OWN emotions when family and friends are saying “I’m a single parent and it’s fine” or “it’ll be fine, he’ll just have to work a second job”. You can be proud of your friends and family for doing those things and not desire that for your own life.

Spend Sometime Reality Checking Your Options

If you delivered a child and did not realize that you were pregnant, you may be in shock. Give yourself time to process the delivery & what parenting may look like in reality. You may have money in savings you can reallocate to do a quick order of baby items, have paid FMLA that you can call your HR department to access, etc. The shock of the delivery may have you feeling overwhelmed, but you may really be in a space where parenting is a reality.

Assess Your Supports

Family members and friends regularly offer support when a child is born, however the level of support varies greatly. Take sometime to consider what support looks like for you. Can you & your partner rearrange your shifts to be able to care for the baby? If your friend is offering childcare do they work opposite hours of you where that support can be realized? Do you trust them? How long is the support offered for - weeks, months, or indefinitely? Assessing the true level of support you will receive allows you to then make a plan for what parenting will look like or if adoption is an option you want to consider.

Take Your Time

You do not need to make a decision today. You have had an emotional and physically exhausting day. Take time and if you need to talk, we are here for you. No pressure, just support & listening to you process through your decision.