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I'm 23, college graduate, still living with my parents, and have a VERY low paying job (the economy is horrible).
I was dating a man 10 years older than me and he was talking about marriage and babies. One month I didn't pick up my patch, and he knew it and we didn't use condoms and guess what? Yep I'm now "with child" ;-) however the boy freaked out and left. Leaving me horrible messages about how bad of a mother I'd be, telling me that getting an abortion is just like going to the dentist--no big deal--and he doesnt know why i wont just do it. I am pro-choice (whether that matters or not) but in my situation I just can't do it. We discussed adoption and he said he spoke with his attorney and that he will not consent to it and that if I will not have an abortion that he will make it so I have to raise this child on my own (like a punishment!). Now I'm a pretty smart lady and I know that in the United States you can't force someone to raise a child. If I don't want to raise it and he wont consent to adoption then they will ask him to raise it, and it will just sort of go down the list until someone takes the baby.
So after a week of his freak out and telling me I was just the "Fat X" he was having sex with" (can you belive he called me fat?--so not true!) he called me one morning and said he had thought about it and "He didn't want to lose me if there was no baby" so he came back and played Daddy and we talked to my parents and he became comfortable with the idea of having the baby--I thought. Now the red flag was up with the whole "I dont want to lose you if it werent for the baby" comment and after I saw his true colors the love was genuinely gone and all the talk of moving in together and eventually getting married made me depressed. But then, 3 days after he called and wanted to play daddy, he starts trying to talk me into an abortion and even went as far as telling me that "he keeps finding himself hoping I have a miscarriage!"
That was the end of that, and I honnestly felt relieved that he was gone and I wasn't planning the rest of my life with this man I had fallen out of love with. He continued harrassing me but last week I changed my number b/c it was stressing me out way too much, I could feel the stress. Keep in mind I just found out I was pregnant on 12 August so a lot has happened in the month.
Well my parents are getting kind of excited for the baby and they have informed every last member of our extended family (I mean it when I tell you that 5th cousins I didnt know existed know I'm pregnant). However, the more I think about raising the baby alone--even though I have the support of my family--the more it terrifies me. I really do love this baby already, I talk to it, I call it "Harper" (not what I plan to name it) and ask it to stop making me throw up, but I'm a single 23 year old. Maybe I'm immature, maybe I'm overly selfish, or maybe I just have cold feet and that's normal; but I'm afraid of never dating again, I'm afraid that that plan I had dreamed for my life is now just a fantisy for a silly single-mom. Not that in that dream I was married or even seriosuly dating but I was helping people, foster parenting, and doing more community service than can realistically fit in a day.
I'm considering adoption, but I'm afraid of what my family will think. My parents have already expressed their disapproval of that and I know it's my decission and eff them right? But that's seriously much easier said than done. I'm afraid that ex-boy will do what he says and that I won't get to choose the adoptive parents (I've already dreamt up my ideal couple). And then I've read through this meassage board and I'm absolutely TERRIFIED that in 2 years I will regret every day giving my baby for adoption, or finding out that they have addiction problems (like the father and I have bother recovered from), be in and out of institutions, be put in a foster home, wont connect with their a-parents, will grow up to hate me, etc ect...
I have no idea why I'm writing this. Maybe to see if people on the outside can tell how I'm really feeling by my post. Maybe so people who have been in my situation can help me out, advise me, whatever. But, Probably mostly because I have felt so alone since he left and although I do not want him back, I need to feel supported, comforted, assured that I will be okay and that I can do it alone, and that I wont be undatable, or that adoption is an excellent choice and I dont need to be afraid of the what-ifs.
China.. your basic decision is to keep the baby or give it up.. and I urge you to not make the decision before the birth..
And dont run from the decision by making things in your path that allows others to make the decision for you..
If the father of the baby wants to keep the baby then he goes to a lawyer and finds out what to do..
Not on you.. if you keep the baby you go to a lawyer and name him as the father he has acknowledged he is the father.. The law will get the child support off of him..
If your parents want to raise the baby that is another decision.. but if your parents or family want to manipulate your decision by giving you negative remarks.. understand that this is what is going down..
There is a saying in twelve steps.. keep it simple..
Lawyers.. law.. rights..
Jackie
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Welcome to the forums! FYI, we do not allow potential adoptive parents to solicit you for your baby, nor do we allow expectant mom's to solicit potential adoptive parents to adopt their baby. If anyone Private Messages you seeking to adopt your baby please contact me or anyone of our moderators or admin. We want this to be a safe place for you to receive the support and resources you are seeking.
Best of luck to you!
Let me also say, that in my opinion, I think what's best for your child is for them to stay with you. As JackieJdajda? said above, don't let anyone else influence your decision. You don't want to regret your decision at all. Have you had time to think over any of the things said here yet today?
First I want to congradulate you on your pregnancy. Even if you you do not end up parenting a new life deserves to be celebrated.
I second what Jackie said. Please do not rush into any decisions right now. Adoption is forever and as I have said many time, is a premanant solution to a te,porary situation. Life changes, finances change as do jobs living situations ect. Not to mention we all mature an our prioroties change.
I see that you have read some and realize that some of the bmoms here share pain that is lifelong after relinquishing their baby.
Another thing is there are many aparents here who are single, so it is doable and I personally know many singlemoms that have gone on to meet wonderful mates.
Life is not over just because you have a baby, it just takes a little rearranging. You are fortunate that you have such support from your family, that is a definate plus.
Like Jackie said, you have time. You can always wait until after your baby is born. You have no idea how you will feel when that little one is placed in your arms. Trust me, it is life changing. In a split second any fears that you might have will dissapate as you gaze into your newborns eyes.
One last note that I feel I must say because I hear so many times about babies being a gift to childless couple. You do NOT owe any one your baby. It is not your responsibility to give up your own flesh and blood to make another person a parent.
I am no way against adoption, in fact I am considered pro adoption, but whenever I see a young lady post here and feel how torn they are, I believe there is that small voice inside of them telling them not to give their baby up.
Yes you can be a wonderful mother to your baby.
EZ
Welcome to the forums. I agree with what some of the other posters have told you - do not make a decision now. Take your time, do your research, speak to those who have been there (parenting and adoption). Neither option will be easy for you or your baby.
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I, am very sorry that you are having to deal with so much all at once. I am even more sorry that the Baby's dad is being so horrible and unsupportive to you. It just isnt fair! I dont know why things happen they way they do, trust me i question Gods reasoning for things all the time. Just know that i am thinking about you and your baby. For right now, do what is right for you and take care of yourself. Take your time on making any decision, i am sure you will know when the time comes what you want to do. Listen to your heart.
Thank you all for your comments. Some of my fear stems from the same fear that Travis (ex-boyfriend) has. He has been told by both of his parents that they wish they had aborted him, that he was a mistake. His parents got married when his mom got pregnant and they did not love eachother. His dad has told him since he was small and he remembers his mom telling him when he was 12 that he was not wanted. I personally think telling your child they were a mistake is a horrible thing to do but what if I just think it? What if I resent my child for being born before I was ready, but then again what is ready? I know that I did the deed that created this result, however, this is a big consequence. And I hate to say it but I guess part of me is right there with Travis somewhat hoping for a miscarraige or a birth defect that would make abortion seem settling in my mind. I really hate being in this situation, and I am all hormones....
ChinaBuffet
Thank you all for your comments. Some of my fear stems from the same fear that Travis (ex-boyfriend) has. He has been told by both of his parents that they wish they had aborted him, that he was a mistake. His parents got married when his mom got pregnant and they did not love eachother. His dad has told him since he was small and he remembers his mom telling him when he was 12 that he was not wanted. I personally think telling your child they were a mistake is a horrible thing to do but what if I just think it? What if I resent my child for being born before I was ready, but then again what is ready? I know that I did the deed that created this result, however, this is a big consequence. And I hate to say it but I guess part of me is right there with Travis somewhat hoping for a miscarraige or a birth defect that would make abortion seem settling in my mind. I really hate being in this situation, and I am all hormones....
Hi China and welcome to the forum. I am a reunited B-mom and I also have a 2 month old son so I relate to some of the things you've posted. I know what it's like to wonder what should happen to the child growing inside of you; I was 16 when I placed my daughter and none of the decisions I made were easy. I did not
however, let anyone else make them for me and IMO you shouldn't either. Seek all the advice, help and support you need but ultimately it is you who needs to decide what choice is right for you and your baby.
Also, I know what an awful thing pregnancy related hormones can be since I'm just getting over my own. Take it slow, China. Things probably seem much worse than they really are. I don't know what your religious belief's are but I do know that even in your most lonely hour you are not alone or forgotten. Remember, no matter how bad it seems it's always darkest before the dawn. I need to repeat what others here have shared; you do not have to decide to place your baby now. Take as much time as you need to make the choice you want to make. Take care...Tracy
Hiya, welcome to the forums. You'll get a lot of stories and a lot of advice. It's GOOD to explore all options.
One thing I really want to emphasize though...this is YOUR choice. It is YOU that is going to have to live with it. Listen to your heart. If you follow what your heart is telling you, you can't go wrong.
I relinquished my son 23 years ago. My heart said it was what was best for him. Even though it's been hard, really hard at times, I listened to my heart, so I don't regret it. I wish I'd had open adoption as an option but that's another thing.
Remember too, THERE IS NO RUSH in making this decision. Give yourself the time to do it. Thing is,as it has been said before...adoption is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
I am so sorry that your boyfriend has been giving you such a hard time, it's just what you do NOT need right now. (((((((chinabuffet))))))
Hang in there and please please please take your time.
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Please take your time in making this decision. It's an extremely emotional time for you, with all the hormonal changes and your ex's nasty attitude. I pray God will provide you guidance. I have a very good friend who had a baby under similar circumstances when she was 18, and her family was very supportive to help care for her child while she attended school to get her nursing degree to support her child. She then got involved with a wonderful man at 28, who was great to her daughter, but then she got pregnant and he up and left because he didn't want to be a dad. So now she's a single mom of 2 wonderful children. On top of that, she can no longer be a nurse due to an injury/health problem she suffered while working. So my thoughts and prayers are with you. If your family is close and you want to parent, would they be supportive in this way?
yes, my family wants me to keep and parent the child. That's kind of why I'm in a hard spot. I dont think I'm ready or even want to parent right now. I think adoption is hard and I'm leaning towards abortion right now but I don't know if I can emotionally deal with that either. I really don't know what to do. My family disapproves of any option except parenting, and right now I'm trying to find away out of calling an abortion "abortion" to them. Somehow explaining a miscarriage or something. I'm scared. I wasn't at first but now all of the life changing and planning is starting to hit me and I just want to live my life right now. If I end up a single mother, I want it to be because of a divorce, not because I was careless at 23.
ChinaBuffet
yes, my family wants me to keep and parent the child.
This is not their decision.. this is your decision..
That's kind of why I'm in a hard spot. I dont think I'm ready or even want to parent right now.
You are 23.. You can leave home and make your way on your own.. You can stand up to them and say no..
You can separate from all their wants and desires..
You have a life ahead of you.. and you are the one that will have to live it..
I believe that the women that actually make their own decision on terms of relinquishing their baby.. find the healing easier.
If someone has forced a person to make a decision (to keep or relinquish or to abort) they may end up resenting the person that forced the person to make the decision and then they are not actually doing the grief work necessary..
It can be grieved.. it can be done.. You do what is right for you and the father..
If he has problems in his life these are his to sort.. you can not do him....
I think adoption is hard and I'm leaning towards abortion right now but I don't know if I can emotionally deal with that either.
My daughter had an abortion.. she grew up with a woman that relinquished and kept it a secret and did nothing about my grief work till the mid eighties.. She did not want what I went through..
And I told her when she told me that she needs to do what she thinks is right for her..
She was not ready to raise a child and she did not want to relinquish..
I am not anti adoption if you do not want to abort and do not want to raise the child.. then adoption is good for the child.. for the baby..
I really don't know what to do. My family disapproves of any option except parenting, and right now I'm trying to find away out of calling an abortion "abortion" to them. Somehow explaining a miscarriage or something.
Lies hurt.. I lied.. I did not tell my sister about the baby I relinquished and we had cut off for a long long time..
I do not know how you were raised and if you are emotionally dependent on your parents.. but.. You get to leave home and you get to live the life ahead of you with all the good and bad stuff involved..
I'm scared. I wasn't at first but now all of the life changing and planning is starting to hit me and I just want to live my life right now. If I end up a single mother, I want it to be because of a divorce, not because I was careless at 23.
You are having to grow up faster than you should.. but grow up you must..
Jackie
Hey China. My name's Janey. Welcome here!! :-)
I wanted to say that I sympathize with the confusion you're in - both the joy of pregnancy and the fear of the implications it brings for single women. Heck, it brings plenty of fear for all women - married or not- in some way I think.
I also agree with what has been said about taking time for yourself; not rushing into a decision.
It is enough simply dealing right now with being pregnant and with all the emotional blackmail that the bdad has laid on you. That's some heinous crapolio IMO!!
Try not too worry kiddo (easier said than done I know). But try not too worry.....you will know what to do when the times right......you will know.
And whatever decision you make, I'm sure it will be the one you think is best.
Hugs to you today!
Janey
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ChinaBuffet
yes, my family wants me to keep and parent the child. That's kind of why I'm in a hard spot. I dont think I'm ready or even want to parent right now. I think adoption is hard and I'm leaning towards abortion right now but I don't know if I can emotionally deal with that either. I really don't know what to do. My family disapproves of any option except parenting, and right now I'm trying to find away out of calling an abortion "abortion" to them. Somehow explaining a miscarriage or something. I'm scared. I wasn't at first but now all of the life changing and planning is starting to hit me and I just want to live my life right now. If I end up a single mother, I want it to be because of a divorce, not because I was careless at 23.
I am not a birth mother. But my little sister got pregnant at the age of 16, then again at 18. We all supported her and gave her the help she needed. She finished school, worked and took care of the first child. the second was born after she graduated. She then went on to college. She dated, and had a life. She is now 22. She is a nurse, a mother, and now a wife. Her husband is NOT the bio dad of her two beautiful girls. However, no one would ever know the difference. He treats those two babies as his own. I guess I am telling you this so that you know there is men out there that would love you and your child if you decide to keep it.
I am in the process of adopting my child. I have a open adoption with my dd's birth family. So maybe if you do choose adoption you could pick a family that would allow you and your parents to have some type of contact with the child. My dd sees her birth grandma 2x a month. Maybe your parents would be open to something like that.
I believe that the women that actually make their own decision on terms of relinquishing their baby.. find the healing easier
In my case, this has been 100% true. I will not say it was a walk in the park, by any means, but I was allowed to come to my decision on my own, and chose adoption (no pressure from family, agencies, friends, etc.). I also got excellent counseling both before I had my child and after. If someone else made this important decision for me, or forced me to do it, I know I would not have handled it well at all.
Take the time to weigh all your options. No matter what you choose, it will be a permanent decision. Figure out what you can best handle and go from there. I would plan on making your decision again after having the baby, if you choose to take the pregnancy to term, as your feelings can very well change after you give birth.