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I am new to this site but could really use any information, support, and advice that you have. I am about 8.5 weeks pregnant and very confused about what to do with this baby. I have always wanted a family with lots of children but I'm worried that it's too soon and I won't be able to support the child.
A little background info: I just turned 22 years old and my fiance is 24 years old. We have only been together for about 10 months but it was one of those things where we just knew we wanted to be together forever from the beginning. However, now I am even second guessing that and have considered breaking things off, but, I know that 90% of that is because of this baby and just being so stressed out that it's really taking a toll on our relationship. This pregnancy was not necessarily a mistake, but, we weren't actively trying to conceive either. I had gotten pregnant back in September but miscarried in late October and I have been wanting a child even more so after that miscarriage but, we're not ready.
When I say we're not ready, it's because we're not financially stable. I know that practically no one is really 100% financially secure before starting a family, but, we're not really secure at all. I have family that would help us out if we do have this child and keep it but, I don't want to be relying on my parents for money and security. That's just not who I am.
My fiance REALLY wants to keep the baby and was very upset when I first mentioned an open adoption. However, he has now comes to terms with it and says if it's really what's best for the child and our relationship, he will support that decision.
I am just so confused because I feel like after losing a baby a few months ago and letting this pregnancy happen and even looking forward to being pregnant again (I knew it wouldn't take long because my family tends to be very fertile and I did nothing to prevent it), I should be over the moon excited about this pregnancy. And when I look at the ultrasound picture, I want to keep this baby more than anything. But then reality sets in and I realize that we are in no way shape or form going to be able to take care of this child on our own without a lot of outside help and I feel like giving this child away for adoption is the best thing for the child.
I know that I'm still very early in this pregnancy and have a lot of time to think about it. But, I just really need some advice because I want to have time to come to terms with my decision and accept it. I don't want to be struggling last minute to make a decision and feel pressured one way or the other.
When I say we're not financially stable - my fiance has a job as a cook. It was supposed to be full time and has really been about one day a week. NOT good.
I have basically been in retail management since I was 16 and have a lot of skills that make me qualified for many positions, but am currently unemployed. It's very hard to get a job right now and on top of that, I just had one that I had to quit. I started a job right when I found out I was pregnant and had to quit a few weeks into it because I have been SO sick. First, I had a high fever and horrible cold. And now, I'm nauseous all day, every day and haven't been able to keep anything down. It wasn't fair to the company and I felt horrible, so I just had to part ways and am now looking for a job again (even though the sickness has not eased up, but I'm hoping it will by the time I find a job).
We are both hard workers and willing to put in a lot of time and effort with a job, but things just haven't been working out. My fiance is also in the Army National Guard so he has his once a month weekend drills and whatnot. Now, we could move elsewhere (when we get the money) and he could have a Monday thru Friday job with the National Guard and we would have a lot more money & security. But, all my family lives here and I haven't fully decided if it's worth it or not to leave my family and be any where from 12 - 24 hours away from them (by car) during my first pregnancy and with a baby (provided we keep the baby). My family has said they will help us out financially if we stay here, but not so much if we leave. Which, is understandable. So I'm very torn.
This would be so much more easy if we weren't financially stable AND I knew we weren't fit to be parents yet (maturity level, personalities, etc). But, I know we would both make GREAT parents and would love this child to pieces. We both absolutely love kids and it makes this so much harder on me.
Ugh, I'm so sorry this has gotten so long. I just really need some opinions and advice because I am LOST. If you couldn't tell, haha. Thank you in advance to anyone who took the time to read this and can weigh in with some advice!
It sounds like in your heart you really want to keep this baby.
If you can get help from your family during this tough time TAKE IT. Seriously.
Relinquishing a child to adoption is something you never recover from. You learn to live with it, but it's painful.
Open adoptions aren't even enforcable in most states.
I relinquished my son nearly 25 years ago and I have missed him every single day. I found him 3 years ago, and while it's been great knowing he's ok and happy, I ache for the years I missed watching him grow up. I will never have the relationship with him that his amom has with him or that I have with my raised daughters.
It's scary as heck being pregnant. Even with my 100% planned children that I'm raising now, I had panic moments and doubts.
Please remember that adoption is a PERMANENT solution to TEMPORARY problems. Your job situation could change at any time. There are programs available to help you, if your family will help you out, even better.
A baby doesn't care if they have second hand clothing. Breastmilk is free.
Adoption is right for some people, but it seems like both you and your fiance WANT this baby and CAN make it work, I would do everything in my power to do that.
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I am a 24 year old mother to 4 wonderful children. 3 have entered (or are in the process of entering) our family through means of adoption and one child I have birthed...
I just wanted you to know where I am coming from when I say KEEP YOUR BABY!!!! As the previous poster said that adoption is a permanent solution to a temporary issue...From reading your post you sound like you want to keep YOUR baby, I really hope and pray that you and the father are able to see that you will NEVER be ready to have children...You can never have enough money, things, time, preperation before you are a parent. I think that the most important lessons learned on how to be a wonderful parent comes after you are thrown into the whirlwind of it all :)
I would say to take advantage of any help offered and if that is not enough then look for more!! My kids wear all children place clothing off of the 99cent rack :)...that is cheeper then 2nd hand stores!! Hand me downs are also GREAT...Breastmilk is free and great for your little one, WIC is a nice progream for you and the baby. There are tons of help out there.
I am sorry this has gone on and on but I truly believe (and some my bite off my head for this) that adoption should be the LAST resort! I think that ALL Mothers should at least try to parent, even if they have nothing left to give...Of course there are always time when a situation is unsafe for the child and then I, of course, think that the baby needs to be safe! But I think that adoption is thought about too often for mothers that just need more support...
Much love and prayers coming from our home to you for a healthy and happy pregnancy...and years to come :)
from a potential amom's perspective:
Don't place your baby for adoption!
My sister and her husband had a child while she was finishing college and they weren't ready financially. Then, 2 years later, she had another. She continued this for another few years and had four before my bil had a surgery.
They are a delight to all of us and even though things have been tight financially, we are all so glad they are here. They live in a small house with one bathroom. Who cares? They are a great family and a great bunch of kids.
You love this child and wanted this pregnancy. You are in a relationship with someone you love. The fact that you are so concerned about it all shows me that you are already a loving mother.
lovinbean
I am just so confused because I feel like after losing a baby a few months ago and letting this pregnancy happen and even looking forward to being pregnant again (I knew it wouldn't take long because my family tends to be very fertile and I did nothing to prevent it), I should be over the moon excited about this pregnancy. And when I look at the ultrasound picture, I want to keep this baby more than anything. But then reality sets in and I realize that we are in no way shape or form going to be able to take care of this child on our own without a lot of outside help and I feel like giving this child away for adoption is the best thing for the child.
that. right there. THAT should be your answer. IMHO finances alone should NEVER be a reason to place your child. I gave my son up 1 month ago today, and yes, a good deal of it was finances (we are in a very similary position to you now) a lot more of it was support and well, maturity really. You said it yourself, you know you'll be great parents, and you want to keep the child. Money is tight, but there are tons of programs out there to help. Plus you have great support from the sounds, your family is willing to help! not even with just money, i'm sure. I honestly think that if you do place based on your financial situation at this moment, you will regret it forever. Things can change overnight, all it takes is one phone call saying "you got the job! you start at xx an hour!". and as for what's best for the child, love is what's best. If money were what's best, then that means that horribly rich people (like movie stars and such) have the BEST kids, right? no. wrong. you have plenty of what's best for your baby! Good luck in whatever you decide, and BIG (((HUGS))). I know it's a really tough decision to make.
[FONT="Century Gothic"]1st of all...i agree with almost everything said above! you can tell you are someone who has a love for that child already! there is no doubt that you would love this baby, right!? you are scared on providing...that is the way i was 11 1/2 years ago! my baby girl would have been loved a lot! i didn't even have the support system that it sounds like you have! i just have to remind myself that she is in a good place and maybe one day...she will understand!
there are some many things out there to help you out! like the others have said...breastmilk is free (not an easy task...but free!) :)
there is medicaid for insurance and WIC for check ups and formula...you can do it!!! if you place your baby just for the reasons of finance...you will never forgive yourself!
good luck on your decision...i hope we have helped you feel stronger about your decision![/FONT]
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Thanks for all the support and advice! It really means a lot and to see you all say that it seems like I really want the baby and can do it if I really want makes it clearer to me that that is probably the best way to go for me. I'm still a bit on the fence and may be back for more advice, but I just wanted to thank you all and let you know that you have helped ease my mind a bit! :)