Coping with an Unplanned Pregnancy
So you are living in West Palm Beach and are trying to cope with an unplanned pregnancy? Depending on the views of your friends and family, you are likely either repeatedly informed of your options or adamantly asked for confirmation that you are keeping it. Unfortunately, these responses are not the support you need to make the necessary decisions and cope with your unplanned pregnancy.
The reality is that in any circumstance, a pregnancy is a beautiful and powerful experience. It is an opportunity for you as a woman to grow and learn things about your spirit and body that you never knew before. Additionally, if you are not ready to raise a child yourself, adoption is a way for the baby to be the greatest gift you ever gave another family. One of the best ways to approach an unplanned pregnancy is with a positive outlook and an eagerness to prepare for whatever is to come. Creating a personal plan of action will be doing a lot to prepare you for a positive pregnancy experience. If you are considering adoption for your unplanned pregnancy, here are recommendations for coping with the adventure ahead of you.
Consider Your Immediate Needs
Feelings of denial or turmoil are normal for women facing an unplanned pregnancy, but it is important to take certain actions in caring for both your wellbeing and the baby’s wellbeing. In fact, this unexpected life event could be the perfect opportunity to focus more on improving your own health. Start by scheduling a visit with your doctor and letting go of bad habits like smoking and drinking. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs may have adverse effects on the baby’s development, but they are bad for you anyways. If you are on any medications, discuss with your doctor whether you should continue taking them. Your doctor can play a major role in supporting you through this unplanned pregnancy and you should listen to your doctor’s advice. For the next 9 months, you are responsible for the human being growing inside of you. Carrying a child to term is not a small job, but it may be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.
Process Your Emotions
Holding in emotions doesn’t do any good for anyone. Expressing your emotions can help you come to terms with your unplanned pregnancy and the struggles that come with giving your child to an adoptive family. Open up to a few close confidants about what you are going through, or seek the help of a counselor. If you are planning on adoption, then the legal counsel and adoptive parents may be able to help you access emotional support when you need it. It never hurts to open up and ask what resources are available to you. A journal is another great way to work through your emotions. In the end, you may decide to keep the journal as an emotional, yet beautiful reminder of the incredible gift you once gave.
Struggling with emotions is normal throughout a pregnancy, but especially when the pregnancy was unplanned and you are searching for support. Remember that the emotions are normal, and allow yourself time to process what you are feeling. Deal with each step of your pregnancy and the adoption process as it comes. Do your best not to get overwhelmed by any of it, but forgive yourself if you do.
Alter Your Perspective
You may not have planned your pregnancy, but you are still in control of how you handle the news. It is common to feel like you have no control over your life, but in reality, you are in charge of every decision you make. In fact, you are now also in charge of a second life: the baby’s life. Some aspects of your life may be temporarily compromised, but this is just one chapter of your life where you get to do something great before moving on to the next. Whether you raise the child yourself, or you allow another family to raise him or her, you are still creating life.
Build a Support System
Having someone to lean on through the highs and lows that come with an unplanned pregnancy is crucial. A significant other or family member is great, but it doesn’t have to be limited to these people. Sometimes having someone to relate to is more powerful than talking to a person we know really well. Consider joining a local support group or exploring an online forum. You are not the first person to go through this experience and you will not be the last. Dive into the resources available and see what genuinely feels helpful.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power, but it may also be comfort and peace of mind for a pregnant woman. If you opt for the baby to be placed through private adoption, feel free to ask the adoption attorney for as much information as possible about the process and the adoptive family. As the birth mother, you can choose to keep yourself private or to meet the adoptive family. Work with the attorney to understand what your rights are and establish an agreement with the family that works for everyone.
You should also educate yourself on the birthing process itself. Read up on the changes your body will undergo, and the steps you can take to prepare mentally and physically for delivering the baby. Even if you do not plan on raising the baby, you will still be delivering it. Having knowledge of labor and delivery can help prepare you for decisions you may need to make and possibly lead to fewer complications. As additional unplanned pregnancy support, the attorney may work with you and the adoptive parents to provide monetary assistance for birthing classes in West Palm Beach. Again, it never hurts to ask for assistance where you need it.
An unplanned pregnancy does not have to be a negative or unhappy life event. You as the birth mother have the power to turn it into something beautiful. Lisa Paige Glass is an adoption attorney who provides assistance to West Palm Beach women who need unplanned pregnancy support and is considering adoption of the baby. With years of expertise, a kind heart, and great passion for creating families, Lisa will support you through your pregnancy and find a loving family for the unborn child. To find out more about private adoption, contact the Glass Law Office at (561) 614-6060.