This decision includes continuing the pregnancy and raising the child yourself, either on your own or with support from family, friends, or a partner.
It involves long-term responsibility, daily care, and shaping a child’s life and well-being over time.
Parenting is not meant to be done alone. Support can come from many places—family, friends, community programs, childcare resources, or parenting groups. Learning what kinds of support are available to you can help you better understand what parenting might look like in your situation.
You don’t have to have everything figured out at once. Even within a limited timeframe, it’s okay to pause, gather information, and reflect thoughtfully. You deserve space to think carefully and honestly about what you are facing and what moving forward could look like for your life.
Parenting information can present very different pictures of what life as a parent might look like. Some resources emphasize the challenges, while others focus more on the rewards. Looking for balanced, realistic information can help you picture what parenting might look like in your life.
As you search for information, it can help to look for sources that:
The goal is to find information that gives you a realistic picture of parenting without making it seem harder or easier than it is.
Many parents say they didn’t feel fully prepared when they started. Feeling unsure doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be a caring or capable parent. Readiness can grow over time, especially when people have access to support, information, and help from others.
Every woman’s journey is unique. Our guided Whole Self Approach™ helps you consider the emotional, relational, physical, practical, and spiritual dimensions of your whole self as you move forward.
Find clear, nonjudgmental information about substance use during pregnancy, including health considerations, support options, and resources.
Sometimes, we do too. Download our free eBook.
Unexpected pregnancy can impact many areas of your life. Every part of your life that matters to you is allowed to be considered here.
