Myself: Here Are Questions You Should Ask Yourself In Helping You Make Your Decision
- Am I mature and responsible?
- Am I willing to learn about child development and parenting?
- How do I handle situations when I am angry or upset?
- Am I willing to put my child’s needs before my own?
My Goals & Priorities
- What are my goals in life?
- How would a child fit into those goals?
- Am I willing to give up my goals for my child?
- Would I have the time & energy to parent and still pursue my goals?
- How would having a child impact my social life?
My Partner
- Does my partner want to have a child and parent with me?
- Is our relationship strong?
- Is my partner ready to give time, energy, and money to raise our child?
- Do we know each other’s feelings about parenting-discipline, religion, family, child-raising, work, and his/her future goals?
- If my partner is unwilling/unable to partner, am I capable of raising a child alone?
My Environment
- Do I live in an environment suitable for raising a child?
- Do I get along well with my parents and family? Will I have their support?
My Financial Resources & Expenses
- Can I afford child support?
- Do I know how much money it requires to provide for a child?
- Do I know the estimated expenses of newborns? (see average below)
| Birth medical expenses | $24,000 |
| Diapers/week | $12 |
| Baby equipment | $1,000 -$1,500 |
| Baby formula/week | $26 |
| Clothing/ season | $200 + |
| Babysitting/hour | $10-$15 |
| Doctor’s Visits | $75-$100 |
| Day Care/week | $200 |
Want to Learn More?
Testimonials From Women We Have Helped
“Obviously this situation wasn’t one I saw myself being in when I was only 19 years old, but, wishful thinking aside, I was, and it will be something I remember forever. I called various adoption agencies and Adoptions From The Heart seemed a lot more friendly and open and more willing to talk to me even if I hadn’t pledged my loyalty to their services. It helped a lot to know that I didn’t have to take care of everything by myself. I appreciate all the help and guidance you’ve given me and I wish that everyone’s adoption experience could be as comforting as mine was (thanks to you and your staff). The work you do and the effort you put in is fantastic and really admirable. Thank you again for everything.” – Samantha
“I can’t even begin to thank you for everything you have done for me. I could never have done anything without you. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.” – Theriese (letter to an AFTH social worker)
“Thank you so much for everything. You guys are a true blessing to me and my daughter.” – Michelle (Birth mother aided by the donation fund)
Parenting Options
Shared Parenting
This is when you and the father of your baby both agree to parent the child without the commitment of marriage. You might be considering alternating parenting roles for your child. If you choose this option it is important that you both come to an agreement on many things including:
- Who will be paying for what expenses? (Food, clothing, insurance, activities, etc. for the child)
- Which days of the week each parent will spend time with the child? How will holidays be spent?
- How will you handle schedule conflicts when it is your turn to take care of the child? Can you make other arrangements?
- Who will legally claim the child on their income tax return?
- What will happen when one of you gets married and starts another family?
- How will shared parenting affect the child as he or she gets older?
- Again, consider if shared parenting is best for your child. Our staff members are here to help you sort through your decision to determine what is best for your baby.
Single Parenting
If only one of you chooses to parent, there may be several legal steps involving the child’s custody. Single parenting is a challenge. It requires making daily decisions that will not only affect your child in the present but also the future of your child. Consider these few questions that focus in on you and your future plans:
- Are you financially, physically and spiritually prepared to raise this child?
- Can you take care of this child’s health, safety, and wellbeing for the next 18 years and beyond?
- Do you have family member who would be willing to help you with the child?
- Will your job or education allow you to properly care for your child?
- Are your living situations appropriate for a child?
Marriage
If you are ready to commit yourself for life to your child’s father then marriage may be the best option for you. A child needs a stable, loving, committed family. If marriage is becoming an option because of the pregnancy, you may need to take some time to consider how this commitment will affect the future. Here are some questions to ask consider:
- Are you ready to share everything about yourself with another person?
- Are you able to share your space with another person?
- Will you be able to financially support yourself and this person?
- Are you ready to care for your family (cook, clean the house, and do the laundry for yourself and another person)?
- Are you ready to live 24-hours a day with this person?
- Do you still imagine yourself 20 to 30 years down the road with this person?
Are you ready to the mother of your child and parent at the same time? Before you make a decision about marriage you need to examine all of your options. Our staff members are here to help you sort through your decision to determine what is best for you and your baby.
Want to Learn More?
1. Contact Us
We know you have questions. Our experienced social workers are standing by to listen to you and inform you about your options. Call, text, submit a form or chat with us 24/7.
2. Talk to a counselor
Our experienced counselors will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and advise you of your options. We will support you all the way through your decision. Once you have made a decision as to what you want to do with your pregnancy, we will give you assistance with your next step.
3. Stay Supported
Support is key. We know from the thousands of people we have helped that no matter which option you choose, you always need support.
If you choose to adoption for your baby
Here are the next steps >>
Pick an adopting family
We have a database of families that have created profiles to show their values, and why they are seeking to adopt a child. You can watch videos, read their bios and decide which family you are most comfortable with and one that fits your goals. We can help you through this process.
Complete your adoption plan
Once you have selected a family, we will help you with the details of the adoption, and how involved you would like to be. We pass no judgment and we are here to support you and achieve your goals.
