Unplanned Pregnancy

Sharing Feelings as a Birth Mother: The Importance of Writing a Love Letter to Your Child

2012-01-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

Although the lifelong gifts you choose to give to your child through adoption may be many, one beautiful and cherished gift only you can provide is a love letter, sharing your feelings of love and hope.

Birthparents around the world often say, "I don't want my child to hate me for choosing adoption.” Listening to these words and acting on them allows a birthmother to release their child into the arms of the adoptive parents with trust, faith, and love. A special letter written directly to her child can help any birthmother at this time of high emotions and often grief. She is demonstrating her true loving feelings for her child.

Start the letter by telling your child your hopes for their lives, which may be a key reason you chose adoption in the first place. If you made an adoption plan, share the care with which you took to ensure they had the type of family you wished to provide. And take this opportunity to explain that you did not choose adoption because you did not care for them, you chose adoption because you care so much that you want to provide more for them than you are able.

Other members of your family may also want to write a letter if they are struggling with your decision or difficult emotions. This is an opportunity for them to convey to your child that he or she is always loved from afar.

Be sure to make copy of the letters for your special memory books or boxes. It may help you through the years when you feel a twinge of heartache, to reread the loving words you released your child with.

You may wish to ask the adoptive parents to give your child this letter at a specific time or at a time they decide is best. Your special letter is your hope and love on paper expressed to your child and will be a treasure for your child and the adoptive parents for many years to come.

Not all birthmothers feel as though they can write a letter like this. It can be difficult to put words on paper that accurately reflect what is in your heart. Please don’t let your words and feelings go unwritten or unspoken. Stories and pictures the adoptive parents tell your child will pale when compared to the heartfelt words that you can share, describing your feelings and your decision to choose adoption.

This is a beautiful way to leave a legacy for your child, sharing the hope you have for them through adoption. To consider submitting your letter to an upcoming book titled Adoption Love Stories, please visit www.AdoptionLoveStories.com.

Should You Really Marry Your Baby’s Father?

2012-01-19T15:01:00.001-08:00

Marriages are made in heaven, but we are responsible for the maintenance work.^{^[1]}One of the biggest questions on an unwed pregnant teen's mind is 'Should I marry the father of my baby?' If you are one of those girls asking yourself that very question, then this article is just for you.

Marriage should be a carefully weighed decision. You are going to spend the rest of your life with this person and the least you can do is to give thought to how compatible you are with your partner, spiritually and mentally. The following poem is a sad yet accurate description of how most youngsters get married today and how their marriage turns out:

Nice night in June. Stars shine. Big moon.

In park with girl. Heart pound. Head swirl.

Me say love. She coo like dove.

Me smart. Me fast. Me don’t let chance pass.

Get hitched me say. She say okay.

Wedding bells ring. Honeymoon. Everything.

Settle down. Happy life. Happy man. Happy wife.

Another night in June. Stars shine. Big moon.

Me not happy anymore. Carry baby. Walk the floor.

Wife mad. She stew. Me mad. Stew too.

Life one big spat. Nagging wife. Bawling brat.

We realize at last, we moved too fast.^{^[2]}

Consider your true motives for wanting to marry the father of your baby: Are you doing it out of love for the man or just to save yourself from the embarrassment of remaining an unwed woman? Are you both confident of your abilities to raise your baby and be good role models? Marriages should not be based on your convenience but based on your true love for each other. If you are marrying for the wrong reasons, with a baby on the way, you already have a lot going against you. Statistics prove that couples who get married because a baby is on the way have a higher chance of failure than those marriages based on a solid foundation of love, faith, and trust. Don't make a hasty or poorly thought decision.

It takes a lot of maturity, mental and financial stability, and sacrifices to raise a child. Are you confident that you and your boyfriend have what it takes? If not, why don't you consider adoption as a wonderful alternative to ensuring that your child grows up in the best of environments? An adoptive family will serve as good role models for your child and provide the healthy image of marriage that every growing child finds security in. Spend some time in prayer, asking God today to help you make the right decision that focuses on the future of your child.

^{^[1]}Robert J. Morgan, Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes, electronic ed., 529 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000).

^{^[2]}Robert J. Morgan, Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes, electronic ed., 531 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000).

What to Do When Your Friends Say You Shouldn't Place Your Baby for Adoption

2012-01-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

Choosing to place your baby for adoption is one of theheart-wrenching yet courageous decisions you can make. Yourpregnancy may have come from a moment of passion, but you are now burdened witha lifelong commitment – one that you cannot maintain due to your circumstances.

A woman facing an unplanned pregnancy goes through a lot of emotions –helplessness, unworthiness, depression, anger, self-doubt, and above all guilt.As you battle with all these emotions, you must also deal with your changingbody and hormones including the life that is growing inside you with everypassing day. What must you do with the baby? Do you have the inner strength toplace your baby for adoption? Is it even right to make your baby someoneelse's responsibility? What if the adoptive family doesn't treat your babyright? In addition, you may be surrounded by friends from school or college whowill offer a lot of unsolicited advice. They may encourage you to keep yourbaby because you are its 'real' mother. The first thing you need to do isforgive yourself. When you repent and confess the ungodly mistakes of yourpast, God is quick to forgive. Have you really forgiven yourself for thecircumstance you are in now?

Secondly, you must be willing to shut out all the voicesscreaming at you, including your own feelings and emotions. Your friends maynot be the best people to help you choose as they are not emotionally investedin your situation. Instead, open your heart to God and ask Him to show you whatHe wants you to do with the baby. God's Word offers health to a person's entireflesh (Proverbs 4:22) and that includes your mind and emotions as well. As youseek His guidance and strength, allow yourself to consider where you are inyour life. Are you ready to be a single mother? Do you have the necessarymental, physical, educational, and financial resources to provide the life thatyour baby deserves? If not, adoption is the best way to ensure that your babygrows up in a loving and secure family. Here's a great resource that will helpyou reach a godly decision concerning your baby: www.LifetimeAdoption.com. You canalso speak to other birth mothers who can help you deal with your pregnancy.

Adoptive families are 'real' families too. There are manyChristian couples who have adopted children into their own fold and treat themas their own. They provide the necessary love, faith, hope, and values yourbaby will need as he or she grows up to face the world. Consider it as aGod-given choice to turn your mistake into a miracle and a blessing.

How Will I Explain Adoption to My Family?!

2012-01-05T13:28:00.001-08:00

Are you making an adoption plan for your baby or child and wondering how you can explain it to your family? Watch this short video to learn how:
How Do I Explain Adoption to My Family? by ncgoldca86

The First Few Months of Your Pregnancy-Handling Changes in Your Emotions

2011-12-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of changes happening within your body during the first few months of your pregnancy. You may feel as if your emotions are on a roller coaster ride! This is perfectly normal. Some of your feelings may include:

Joy and happiness

Unstable, PMS – like symptoms

Irritability

Mood swings

Irrationality

Weeping

You may feel scared, alone or angry.

During these first few months of your pregnancy, it is important to be gentle with yourself. If you need to talk to someone, Pregnancy Help Online is just a phone call away at 1-800-923-6784.

Alleviating Morning Sickness

2011-12-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

Most women don’t think of morning sickness as helpful, but it can be an excellent indicator of pregnancy.

Morning sickness usually begins between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy. This is often the first sign most women get that they are actually pregnant. Therefore, morning sickness is a clue to start taking better care of your health for you and your baby.

No one knows the exact reason pregnant women experience this time of nausea and vomiting. When you become pregnant, your body is going through many hormonal changes, which are normal. The pregnancy hormone, ‘human chronic gonadotropin’, is believed to be the cause of morning sickness. Not much research has been done on the subject. Low blood sugar is also believed to be a contributing factor of nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.

Morning sickness does not mean you will be sick and vomiting every morning. It can occur at any time of the day or night. It varies from woman to woman and can be brought on by many different things. Knowing what can cause your morning sickness to worsen can be helpful in preventing severe symptoms. Unfortunately, in some cases, nothing can be done to lessen the severity of morning sickness. If you are vomiting more than twice a day or think you may be losing weight, contact your doctor. He or she may prescribe medication that can lessen the symptoms of morning sickness.

Morning sickness can occur regardless of your lifestyle, but there are many factors that may contribute to causing it to be more severe. Here are some things to do that may help prevent the onset of nausea and vomiting:

Do not let your stomach get empty. An empty stomach can lead to severe nausea.
Move slowly when getting out of bed in the morning.
If possible, eat a few crackers before getting out of bed.
Drinking plenty of fluids during the day can prevent dehydration.
Get lots of rest, taking naps during the day if possible.
When cooking, keep your kitchen well ventilated to avoid lingering odors.
Get a light amount of exercise, which will help you sleep and get rest.

Food is a big factor for most women when dealing with morning sickness. From eating the right foods to smelling the wrong ones, food of all kinds can either help or hurt a sensitive tummy. Some tips for dealing with food during pregnancy are:

Eat many small meals throughout the day. Eating too much at one time can make you feel sick, but not keeping something in your stomach will bring on nausea.
Take your prenatal vitamins with food. Some vitamins may cause your stomach to become upset if not taken with food.
Try to avoid spicy and acidic foods. These foods can irritate your delicate stomach and make your symptoms worse.
Stay away from high-fat foods. These can also worsen morning sickness symptoms. ” Eat foods high in protein, as they can help lessen your symptoms.
Drinking fluids thirty minutes before and thirty minutes after eating can help with symptoms, try not to drink during meals.
Eat whatever foods you feel like you can keep down. Pregnancy is not a time to start or continue on a diet, unless advised by your doctor.
Avoid hot foods if your sense of smell is very strong. Cold foods do not smell as strong as hot foods. ” Eat anytime you feel like you want to.
Certain foods seem to help most women alleviate morning sickness symptoms. Eating these may help: dry crackers, Melba toast, whole wheat toast/bread, fruit, baked potatoes, pasta etc. These are easy to digest foods and are light on your stomach.
Some women find relief in drinking carbonated drinks.
Ginger is believed to help relieve symptoms of morning sickness. Try eating ginger snaps, drinking ginger ale or ginger tea.

Morning sickness can range from making you a little queasy to very sick and unable to get out of bed. The good thing is it usually only lasts through your first trimester of pregnancy and should start disappearing after the twelfth or thirteenth week. Just keep in mind it is a normal part of being pregnant, and you are enduring it for a great cause.

Am I Pregnant? Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

2011-12-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

"Am I pregnant?" This is one of the most common questions asked by women. Of course, some ask it with expectant hope while some with fearful anxiety. But it is a question asked by many women, those who are trying to get pregnant and those trying to avoid it.

There are many common signs of pregnancy. The most obvious sign is a missed or delayed menstrual period. This is a general symptom in the first trimester and is usually the first indication to a woman that something different is happening within her body. However, there are instances where pregnant women experience some bleeding and spotting around the time of expected period, which is usually 6 to 12 days after conception takes place. But this bleeding is not as heavy as a regular menstrual period. A woman may experience "implantation bleeding", which happens when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall.

It is recommended to take a home pregnancy test if you have missed your period. These tests are very reliable and usually will accurately indicate if you are pregnant or not.

Other common symptoms of pregnancy include:

Swollen or tender breasts are an early symptom that can be seen after one or two weeks of conception. Many women may notice that their breasts have become tender to the touch or experience a tingling sensation in their breasts.
Unusual fatigue or tiredness may begin within the first week of conception
You may be surprised to know that nausea or morning sickness may show up as early as about 2 to 8 weeks after conception
Lower backaches are another early symptom of pregnancy
Frequent urination occurs after 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy and is a very common symptom of pregnancy
Darkening of the skin around the nipples is a common pregnancy sign
Food cravings for certain kinds of food indicate a presence of pregnancy and can last throughout the pregnancy

Many women want to know when they can hear the baby's heart beat. The baby's heart can begin to pump blood different from that of the mother as early as 21 days after conception, which could be just a few days after the woman's missed period!

Of course, all these pregnancy symptoms cannot confirm a pregnancy. There is no online pregnancy test, nor is there any way to accurately diagnose a pregnancy from symptoms alone. Many women experience all these symptoms and end up not being pregnant while many others have no symptoms at all, only to find out that they are indeed expecting a baby!

19-year-old Jackie had been having sex with her boyfriend and they had been using a condom. One day, she realized her period was late and, upon checking a calendar, realized it was about two weeks overdue. “Surely it will come,” she thought, and continued about her day. But thoughts of a possible pregnancy kept creeping in. “Is my stomach a little bigger? Did I feel nauseous last week because of morning sickness or a little bug? If I’m hungry for a hamburger is that a craving?”

By the end of the day, her mind was spinning out of control with panicked thoughts about pregnancy. How would she tell her parents? Her boyfriend? What would she do with a baby? Would she have to quit college? What about adoption? What was she going to do?

She scoured the internet for a way to find out for sure if she was pregnant. She had considered buying a test but was too embarrassed. And besides, she was a little nervous to find out for sure. She’d have to make a lot of decisions. Wait, was that the baby moving?

After reading all the signs and symptoms, she was convinced that she must be pregnant. She was overwhelmed with all the things she would have to do, the decisions she would have to make, and the conversations she would have to have. She felt like her life was over, like she was too young to have to make these decisions.

She stopped by a pregnancy center offering free pregnancy testing the next day, wanting to see what help was available to her. The first thing they did was to offer a pregnancy test. Imagine her surprise when she learned it was negative, that she wasn’t pregnant!

Our bodies and minds can play tricks on us when we are worried about a life-changing event like pregnancy. And we shouldn’t make choices, like emergency contraception that can eliminate a pregnancy before we know if we are even pregnant, that can have lifelong ramifications. Ultimately, the only way to confirm a pregnancy is to take a test.

Take some time and take a test. If you are pregnant, your baby is counting on you to make the best decisions.

How Soon Does a Baby Start to Develop?

2011-12-08T13:07:00.001-08:00

The development of a baby in a woman's womb is a fascinating process! While most women don't feel the presence of 'life' inside their womb until a couple of months after conception, the baby is already growing by leaps and bounds even in the first few weeks of pregnancy! Here are some interesting facts about a baby’s development inside a woman's body:

Heartbeat: The baby’s heart begins to pump blood as early as 21 days after conception. You can hear the baby's heartbeat at the seventh or eighth week using an ultrasonic stethoscope.

Brain: The baby's brain begins to function as early as eight weeks into gestation or six weeks after conception. Brain waves have been recorded at 40 days through an EEG (Electroencephalogram)

Other organs: Did you know that the fetus's eyes, ears, and respiratory system begin to form just four weeks after fertilization? In fact, by eight weeks (or two months), all of the baby's body systems are present. At eight weeks the baby's stomach begins to produce gastric juice necessary for digestion.

Teeth: The baby's milk-teeth buds (all 20 of them!) are present at six and a half weeks

Fingernails: You will be surprised to know that the baby's fingerprints are fully formed by the fourth month of gestation and fingernails are present by 11 to 12 weeks. Even eyelashes are formed by 16 weeks!

Movement: The baby can make some movement as early as the ninth or 10th week. The baby can squint, swallow, move the tongue, and even make a tight fist at this stage!

Breath: At 3 months, the baby can breathe fluid and will continue to do so until birth. Since the baby obtains oxygen through the mother's umbilical cord, he or she will not drown by breathing the fluid inside the womb. It is this breathing that helps to develop the respiratory systems.

In short, the baby is very much a life even a few days after conception and is not something with gills and a tail or just a random group of cells! In fact, it makes more sense to see the baby as the second patient, the first one being the mother. In other words, the unborn baby must be given the same amount of care and preference that is given to the pregnant mother.

Unfortunately, many women are considering abortion as a solution to unplanned pregnancy not knowing all of these facts. If you are considering this, I want you to know that there are better alternatives to abortion. Your baby is alive.

Tara had gone in to a clinic hoping to terminate her pregnancy through a surgical abortion. She was only a teenager and was terrified to tell her mom and dad that she was pregnant, especially because her dad was the pastor of the local church. She thought abortion would be easier than enduring the guilt and shame that would come with being a pregnant teen.

Once she saw her baby on the ultrasound, she realized it wasn’t just a mass of cells. It was formed and organized. And while it didn’t look like a fully-formed baby just yet, it was clear to see that it was on its way to becoming something. It was at that moment that Tara realized that ending her baby’s life simply to avoid telling her folks was not the answer.

After a tearful conversation, they began looking into adoption as an option. Tara chose a couple in California to adopt her baby boy. She liked the fact that they were open to letting her come visit once a year and be part of her son’s life. Christopher is now 5 years old and knows Tara is his “tummy mommy”.

Parenting or adoption can both be ways to give your baby the live he or she is already living. With open adoption, you can even remain a part of your child’s life, watching them grow with parents that you chose for them. There is so much help available if you can just reach out and take it. Your baby is counting on you to make the best decision. To learn more about your pregnancy choices, including adoption, please call Pregnancy Help Online at 1-800-923-6784.

When Can You Make an Adoption Plan?

2011-12-02T14:03:00.001-08:00

Are you considering adoption for your baby or child, but not quite ready to place yet? Remember, you can always make an adoption plan. Even if you have already delivered, or you have older children, there are always families who are available and would like nothing more than to provide a wonderful home for your child.

Even if you are at the hospital and you haven’t decided on adoption, we can send the paperwork to the hospital along with family profiles. We can have a caring family available immediately for you and the baby! Please give Lifetime Adoption a call toll-free at 1-800-923-6784 or Instant Message “ltabirthmother” on Yahoo Messenger.

Handling Emotions During Your Pregnancy

2011-11-23T11:00:00.001-08:00

During the first few months of your pregnancy, there are a lot of changes happening within your body and you may feel as if your emotions are on a roller coaster ride. This is normal. Some of your feelings may include:

Joy and happiness
Unstable, PMS - like symptoms
Irritability
Mood swings
Irrationality
Weeping
You may feel scared, alone or angry.

During these first few months of your pregnancy, it is important to be gentle with yourself. If you need to talk to someone, Pregnancy Help Online is just a phone call away at 1-800-923-6784.

Adoption for your Baby? Visit Parent Profiles on Facebook

2011-11-17T12:23:00.001-08:00

Are you considering adoption for your baby? Visit Parent Profiles on Facebook to learn about the adoptive couples you have to choose from!

Parent ProfilesMany of the important people in Chris and Cindy's lives were adopted, so they're excited about starting their family through adoption! They love to spend time outdoors in Maine, skiing, camping, hiking in the mountains, and swimming along the beautiful coast. They enjoy spending time at the beaches just minutes from our house! 1 day ago · 8 likes · 0 comments

Adoption Services

2011-11-15T10:47:00.001-08:00

Check out this Facebook post from a girl who chose adoption for her baby:

Lifetime Adoption CenterLast night, after normal business hours, we had a birthmother share with us: "I really appreciate Lifetime's care and assistance. I had called a lot of adoption places, and kept getting their answering machines. Lifetime was the first place that I called where I was able to speak to a real person who could answer my questions right away!" 4 days ago · 29 likes · 2 comments

Veteran's Day - Military Couples Looking to Adopt

2011-11-11T16:07:00.001-08:00

Lifetime would like to thank our armed forces this Veteran's Day for your service to our country! We'd like to share USAadoption.com with you; many active-duty adoptive families are featured here!

USA Adoption also helps women in the military who wish to place their child for adoption. You may call 24 hours a day at 1-800-923-6784 to receive free help and assistance with an adoption plan.

Click to view waiting families currently stationed in our Armed Forces...

Adoption Resources...need someone to talk to?

2011-11-10T13:30:00.001-08:00

Adoption is not an easy choice, but sometimes it can help to just to have someone to talk with. Counseling services are always available to you with no cost. It can be very helpful to take the time to talk to someone about your feelings and thoughts. Peer counseling is also an option and a chance to talk with another woman who has been through the adoption experience and is available to listen to you. Visit www.BirthmotherCounseling.com or you can call Lifetime Adoption: 1-800-923-6784

Get Your Free Copy of So I Was Thinking About Adoption!

2011-10-27T09:11:00.001-07:00

Get a free, instant downloadable copy of So I Was Thinking About Adoption. It's full of checklists, help, and advice as you consider all of your pregnancy choices. All you need to do is provide your email address!

This book is:

Handy, a guide to the ins and outs of the adoption process.
Overflowing with information.
Packed with resources for families in crisis.
Excellent! No other book like it on the market!

Click here to request your free copy today! It will be delivered straight to your email inbox.

The Importance of Pre-Natal Care for Your Baby

2011-10-20T09:14:00.001-07:00

Getting the best prenatal care early in your pregnancy need will make a difference in your quality of your delivery and afterwards. A pre-natal vitamin and a balanced, healthy diet will help you keep strong. Plus, your emotions and hormones are less likely to take over when you have been eating properly. That means getting information from your doctor. If it is suggested that you take an iron supplement, make sure to do so. Read about how to keep healthy from this book about pregnancy, for women considering adoption. There is a chapter titled “Taking Care of You” in the book So I Was Thinking About Adoption…Considering Your Choices. You can download a free copy at www.FreeAdoptionBook.com.

Pre-natal vitamins are wonderful for your nails and hair. I know a number of women that take them long after giving birth to strengthen these two areas. If you need help finding a doctor, call the Pregnancy Help Online hotline at 1-800-923-6784.

Resource4Women.com - Unplanned Pregnancy & Adoption Assistance

2011-10-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Resource4Women.com offers women facing an unplanned pregnancy confidentiality, guidance and encouragement. Our mission is to help you gain the knowledge and resources to make an informed decision on your pregnancy. This includes support and resources for you.

If you are looking for anything related to women and unplanned pregnancy, adoption decisions, or support - you have come to the right place!

Resource4Women has collection of facts, information, advice, and suggestions to help you deal with your unplanned pregnancy concerns. All content on these pages are designed, written, and developed by caring women who care about you and want to provide you with valuable information to help you make the right decision.

We care about what you want and need and have been helping birth families of all ages nationwide with their adoption plans for over 20 years.

In the short video below, I explain Resouce4Women's services:

I’m Pregnant…Is Adoption for Me?

2011-09-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Making the decision to place your child for adoption can be a difficult one. You are not alone in this decision, though. There are groups and sites, like Lifetime Adoption, that are more than willing to help and support you as you make this decision. They can give you information, offer you advice, or just sit and listen to what you need to say. Everyone needs support when faced with a decision like this, and these groups have people who have gone through similar situations and are willing to help.

No matter who you turn to for support, do not let them rush you into making any decisions. This is YOUR decision – accept their advice, accept their information, but do not let them bully you into a decision that you do not think is right. This is your pregnancy and your baby.

Below are steps you can use to help you decide what you want to do:

List all the choices you have. Even if you do not think it could happen, put it down. As you gather information, you can eliminate what will not work.

Ask yourself some hard questions. You need to ask questions that not only deal with the present, but also your future. Write them down and answer them honestly. Here are a few to get you started:
- What do I want to do with my life?
- Is there someone willing to support me? If not, how will I support me and my baby?
- Do I feel comfortable being on public assistance?
- What are my views on abortion? How will an abortion make me feel years from now?
- What kind of people do I think would make good parents?
- Am I ready for the responsibility of being a parent? A single parent?
- Can I share my decision with my parents and friends?
- If someone I know does not like the decision, how will I deal with it?
- Is the father of the baby willing to help me through the pregnancy and after it?

Learn everything possible about each available option. Ask people you trust what things they would consider if they were experiencing this. Remember, this is your decision. Do not let anyone force you to make a decision you are uncomfortable with.

Look at the pros and cons of each option and write them down. Put them in a list of most favorable to least. This can help you see the whole picture.

Look inside yourself. Explore all your feelings. This decision is an extremely personal one. Only you know how you feel about what is happening.

A number of years ago, I worked with Beth, a woman in her mid-20’s who called to get adoption information only because her mother encouraged her to at least look into it. She wasn’t truly interested. She wanted to be a mom to her baby.

As we talked, I asked her some of these hard questions. This exercise made her really think about her situation.

“Is the father of your baby ready to support you, your baby, and be a dad.”
“Well, he isn’t around right now but I know he’ll be when the baby is here.”

“How do you know he’ll be?”
“Well, I guess I don’t really know but I just kind of hope he will."

“And what if he doesn’t? What if he doesn’t come back and doesn’t pay child support?”
“I don’t want to think about that.”

“Do you have someone else then who will support you?”
“My mom said I can live with her for three months.”

“Then what?”
“I want to get my own place.”

“Great! How will you pay for it? And diapers, clothes, gas, a car, and other stuff?”
“Ummm… Maybe child support for some. But I don’t know. I don’t have to know that now do I? Can’t I figure it out when the baby’s here.”

“How will you figure it out when you have to get up with baby every three to four hours in the night and have a little one to care for all day.”
“I don’t know.”

Through the exercise, Beth realized that she needed a plan. She realized that she was unprepared for life as a single mom. She hadn’t planned this out fully. It wasn’t the life she had expected. When her man didn’t come around, she started to open up more to adoption, learning about the opportunities.

No matter what your decision is, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible and schedule all necessary appointments. And remember, there are people ready to help and support you.

Am I Pregnant?! How to Tell

2011-09-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Worried that you might be pregnant? How can you tell? It's important that you get medical help, and get a pregnancy test if you're worried that you might be pregnant. If you find out you are pregnant, and you are considering adoption for your child, please call 1-800-923-6784

Birth Control…There’s an app for that?

2011-09-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Q: I use a period tracker app on my smart phone. I only had sex twice this last cycle and both times were on days that it said I wasn’t fertile. I’m now pregnant and I don’t understand how this app could have been wrong. Please help.

A: Period predictor and tracker apps are free, easy, and a must-have for many smart phone equipped women. They help track symptoms, period duration, anticipated start dates, and much more!

What they cannot effectively predict is fertility, especially if you are using it for birth control. Apps cannot predict how long sperm will live, how long it takes your egg to travel down the fallopian tube, accurate ovulation, or even a fertile period that is anything more than a calculated guess.

Our bodies are each very unique. Certainly the timing of a woman’s cycle is somewhat predictable, but relying on an app (or what amounts to a computer program) to determine what’s going on in our bodies without any biological input is a mathematical guess at best. It simply cannot accurate predict what is going on with the limited information (usually dates) that you input.

Consider this; you are standing at a very busy intersection with heavy traffic. You need to cross the street and you have two choices: First, you push the button on the pedestrian console and watch (and wait) for the light to change, indicating it is safe to cross. Or, you have just downloaded this fabulous app that is smart enough to let you know when it is safe to cross the street based. You are on the curb, what do you do? Look at the light, street, and traffic or look at your phone? Which do you trust more to keep you safe from a car that is running a red light – your own senses or your phone?

It’s the same when attempting to use a period tracking app for birth control. Are you really going to trust your phone to keep you from getting pregnant?

I’m sorry that you have had to learn the hard way that there is no app that functions as birth control. Anytime you have sexual intercourse you risk getting pregnant, no matter what your smart phone tells you.

iPhone app "OpenAdoption" - Info on Adoption Options

2011-09-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

OpenAdoption, one of the newest apps available in the iTunes Store, brings adoption education and pregnancy options directly to mobile devices. The free app provides not only information and help, but also links to over 150 families waiting to adopt. It enables users to learn about and explore their adoption options, search for and review families that are ready to adopt, and utilize other adoption tools. Users will be pleased with the ease of use and excellent performance offered by the developer of the app. Click to visit the iTunes store to download the OpenAdoption app.

It also provides a full download of the book, So I Was Thinking About Adoption, that has lots of info for you if you're considering adoption because of an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. The technology allows anybody to instantly and privately access adoption planning tools.

The app was the brainchild of Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P. who was one of the first adoption professionals to take adoption services to the internet. Through Caldwell’s adoption center, Lifetime Adoption, she has helped thousands of women find the free and non-judgmental help they need as they consider various options for their pregnancy.

Non-iPhone users can view and use the app as a web-based version at www.AdoptionOptionApp.com. The same functionality and usability is incorporated in this web version that works similarly to the version available in the iTunes Store.

About Lifetime Adoption:
Lifetime Adoption Center has been providing safe and successful adoptions nationwide since 1986. Services for pregnant women or those interested in considering adoption for an older child are always available at no cost. Lifetime maintains a 24-hour adoption answer line at 1-800-923-6784 and is available on the internet at www.LifetimeAdoption.com. Lifetime is a member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and a registered adoption facilitator with the State of California.

Christian, Single, and Pregnant…God has a plan for YOU!

2011-09-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13-14

Those were the words of the apostle Paul, as he addressed the church of Ephesus. If you take a look at Paul's heyday as a persecutor of Christians, you may be tempted to think that he is worthy of God's entire wrath and fury. But, here he is, exhorting us to forget all that is in our past and press on towards God's purpose for our lives! Paul went on to become one of the leading proponents of the Christian faith and, 2000 years later, is still teaching millions of people how to walk with God.

How was he able to embrace the very person he swore to discredit – Jesus? How could he overcome his atrocious past to become God's most powerful instrument in bringing the unsaved to Christ? It all begins with confessing the sins of the past and accepting God's forgiveness and healing.

Many unmarried Christian women who are pregnant may feel guilty in their situation. Well, guilt is a God-given feeling, which brings our mistakes and faults to the forefront of our minds. It is a bitter reminder of our sins and bad choices, exposing our straying away from God's intended path for our future. However, shame is not from God.

While guilt can convict us to repent and confess our sins to receive God's forgiveness, shame drives us away from Him into more darkness. Shame can fool you into thinking that you are too far away for God's loving embrace.

If you have unconfessed sin in your life, I encourage you to repent from the decisions of your past and press on towards the good future God has for you. God's grace has the power to cover all your sins when you embrace what Christ did for you on the Cross of Calvary. You may be embarrassed and scorned by those around you. Your self-esteem may have taken a heavy beating. But, no sin is too big for God's forgiving heart.

Melody was a pastor’s daughter who had a rebellious streak. She’d gotten caught smoking behind the church, ditching school to hang out at the park, and running around with older boys. She knew the loving arms of Jesus, but the strict rules at home seemed too tight for her free spirit.

When she realized at 17 that she was pregnant, it felt like her world came crashing down. All the broken rules of the past felt like kid stuff – this was real. The guilt and shame seemed to eat at her every day and, while she kept the news from her parents, they knew something was wrong. Melody felt as though in her heart she knew better than this, and that this was real sin on so many levels.

When she finally told her parents she was five months along and absolutely clueless how to make this right with them and with God. Rather than berate Melody, her parents embraced her with the love of God, encouraging her to first repent her sin, and then ask for His guidance in her decisions. Together they discussed options, and finally settled on a semi-open adoption with a Christian couple who were unable to conceive a baby.

It wasn’t easy for Melody, but the guilt and shame were replaced with love and concern for her baby, the couple, and God. She embraced this as part of God’s plan for her life, although it was the result of her own sinful choices.

Your unplanned pregnancy may be used as a part of God's plan to bring joy and happiness to another couple. Your mistake can be the very miracle that God has prepared for a childless couple. There are millions of women who cry themselves to sleep every night, not knowing what to do about an unplanned pregnancy. Prayerfully consider what God wants you to do with this child and ask for His grace to help you carry through your decision.

Whatever mistakes you have made in the past, all you need to do is seek the forgiveness of God so that you can move on to enjoy the abundant life that God wants you to have. Just remember that Jesus loves you and He has a great plan for your life!

Feeling Things Out During the First Few Months of Your Pregnancy...

2011-09-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of changes happening within your body and you may feel as if your emotions are on a roller coaster ride.

This is normal. Some of your feelings may include:

• Joy and happiness
• Unstable, PMS - like symptoms
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Irrationality
• Weeping
• You may feel scared, alone or angry.

During these first two months it is important to be gentle with yourself. If you need to talk with someone, Pregnancy Help Online is just a phone call away at 1-800-923-6784.

Apply for a Lifetime Foundation Adoption Scholarship

2011-08-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

This thank you note recently came to use from a girl who placed her baby for adoption years ago. She is now graduating from college, which was made possible by the Lifetime Adoption Foundation program. To find out how you can apply for a scholarship, click here.

"Dear Diane, Mardie, and the Lifetime staff,
I really wanted to thank you for the support that you provided me throughout my college years (as well as before!) Thank you for the Lifetime scholarships, as well as providing me the opportunity to find a wonderful family for our daughter at such a young age! The support has led to the graduation I have earned! I will be walking in the ceremony this May, getting my B.A. in Political Science.

Thank you again and I will keep in touch! Keep on changing lives!

Birthmother in California"

Why are Newborn Babies Murdered or Left to Die?

2011-08-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

This week we learn about a mentally-ill woman, Kalina, who pleaded guilty to murder in connection with the deaths of five newborn babies. She secretly delivered these babies in her bathtub at home, and then hid them in her closet for their remains to be found years later. A few months ago, we learned about a baby who was thrown eight feet down a garbage chute into a trash compactor in a Brooklyn apartment, just after birth by the mother. Luckily this infant was discovered alive, but that is not always the case.

As disturbing as these incidents are, they are reality. Nobody knows the exact number of newborn babies abandoned or murdered every year, although some experts in the field estimate approximately 57 infants a day are abandoned across the country. Statistics also show that most abandoned babies are never found alive. The senseless deaths that occur when babies are abandoned need never happen. In an effort to prevent such tragedies, state officials enacted the Abandoned Infant Protection Act in 2000, which allows new parents to avoid prosecution if they leave their unwanted babies someplace safe such as a fire station or hospital within five days after giving birth. Yet, there are many other alternatives available for mothers who find themselves pregnant and unable to care for a child.

We do not clearly understand why some mothers abandon or harm their babies, but feelings of denial, lack of education, and economic issues are thought to play a large part in the problem.

One reason pregnant women may resort to such drastic measures is because they are uneducated about the options available. My book, So I was Thinking about Adoption, is available at no-cost and provides information to help you make a decision about the future of your baby. The book includes support from women who have been in similar situations and numerous resources to help women make an adoption plan if they choose to go that direction.

Economic factors also play a role in a mother choosing to discard her child. More than 80% of teen moms in the U.S. are on welfare. These women may be unaware of some of the financial assistance that adoption services may provide during their pregnancy including: assistance with housing, financial assistance with medical bills, maternity clothing and more.

Another possible reason for discarding unwanted babies may be that some pregnant women hide their pregnancy from families and friends. It may be culturally taboo, an embarrassment, a decision to avoid confrontation in an abusive home, or a desperate attempt at hiding an affair. This was the case for Kalina who admits to hiding each of these pregnancies from her husband as the children were conceived with another man. Regardless of their reasons, these women need to be informed about the possibility of adoption as an alternative to abandoning or harming their babies.

If you or someone you know needs confidential help, please call the National Adoption Answer Line at 1-800-923-6602 24 hours a day. Help us save a child!

East Indian and Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy?

2011-07-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy as an East Indian woman? East Indian Adoption has confidential services to help provide assistance for you during your unplanned pregnancy. Their privatized services can help you to keep shame from your family.

They've assisted many women of East Indian descent, by providing them with a private adoption services. There is no fee to you for adoption services, and all legal costs are covered for you.

East Indian Adoption’s services also provide help with finding confidential physicians and hospitals, applying for college scholarships, and a career assistance via our exclusive career training program.

To learn about the confidential services that East Indian Adoption can provide for you, visit www.EastIndianAdoption.com.

I'm pregnant! Now what?!

2011-07-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Are You Pregnant? Looking For Options? Whether you just found out you are pregnant, or are late into your pregnancy, we have information for you.

We Can Help You With An Unplanned Pregnancy.

We understand that decisions about a pregnancy aren't always easy. Unplanned or unexpected pregnancies happen, and helping you make the best decision for you and your baby is what we are here for.

It may help to see all three pregnancy decisions laid out. Learn more about your pregnancy choices here.

Call our 24-Hour Pregnancy Option Hotline at 1-800-923-6784.

Have you thought "I Could Never Give My Baby Away"?

2011-05-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, chances are that the thought "I could never give my baby away!" has crossed your mind. The truth is, adoption isn't giving your baby away...ICouldNeverGiveMyBabyAway.com explores that myth.

Adoption is giving your baby a life, a stable family, and a future. No matter how far along you are, an unplanned pregnancy may make you feel like you are stuck. However, the truth is you always have options. The choices you make at this point will affect your child’s future, as well as your own. Today, women choosing adoption play an active role in every part of the adoption process. You are able to customize your own adoption plan. You can make choices every step of the way.

You are able to choose the adoptive parents for your baby from a wide variety of couples, and meet them if you’d like. You also have the option to exchange on-going letters, photos, and visits. Check out www.ICouldNeverGiveMyBabyAway.com to learn more about open adoption.

Proposed Solution for Abortion Funding Cut

2011-05-05T08:33:00.001-07:00

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to ban federal funding of abortions. While Republicans are cheering their leadership in passing the bill that is supported by current public opinion, the Democrats and the White House are portraying this as evidence of an extreme social agenda, limiting women’s rights to reproductive health.

Lost in the midst of the arguments between choosing life and choosing abortion is the often-forgotten third choice of adoption.

Adoption provides a woman with the right to choose not to parent a child she is not ready to. It provides an opportunity for infertile couples who may not otherwise ever have the ability to become parents of a baby. And most importantly, it provides a clear possibility of a life filled with choices for the child, apart from the moral debate on abortion.

“It is disheartening that adoption is lost in the whole pro-choice and pro-life debate. Especially when it is a choice that can provide everyone involved with a positive outcome,” says Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P., author of So I Was Thinking About Adoption, a book geared toward women facing an unplanned pregnancy. “I still speak to teens today who have never heard about the choices they have with open adoption. It’s amazing that they are aware of all types of birth control, morning after pills, and sexually transmitted diseases but have no clue about the realities of adoption.”

The open adoption choices Caldwell refers to are the opportunities that women have to customize their own adoption plan. “Nowadays they can choose the family for their child and even meet and speak with them. They can choose how things go at the hospital. And they can choose to have ongoing contact through email, letters, visits, SKYPE, texting… the possibilities are endless! The result is an adoption triad made up of the birth family, the adoptive family, and the child who are all connected for one purpose – the best interest of the child.”

Caldwell expects that President Obama will step forward to veto the ban if it passes the Senate, even though he has voted for similar bans when he was a senator. She remains hopeful, however, that somehow open adoption will enter the debate.

“You only have to look at the abortion statistics and the number of families waiting to adopt in this country to see that if only a fraction of those women made different choices, it would make a difference to so many,” Caldwell says. “We’ve come so far in so many areas of women’s health, it saddens me as both an adoption professional and adoptive mother that we aren’t sharing the truth and possibilities about open adoption as a pregnancy option.”

While critics point to the number of children languishing in the foster care system, Caldwell sees that as yet another strong argument for her case.

“Had these parents had the option of adoption explained to them, many may have chosen it prior to the involvement of Child Protective Services. In fact, at Lifetime Adoption Center we receive many calls each month from women who have had children removed and are interested in making a permanent adoption plan for their children. However once the government is involved, mothers often have little say or ability to make these decisions,” she reports.

In an effort to provide accurate information on adoption choices that women have, Caldwell offers her book as a free download for anyone interested at www.FreeAdoptionBook.com.

“I just want women to know and understand what adoption is and what it isn’t. It isn’t right for everyone,” she admits, “but just having the knowledge is a powerful step in ensuring the debate surrounding this issue takes adoption into account as a viable option for an unplanned pregnancy.”

Birthmother’s Day – A Day of Honor and Healing

2011-05-04T14:47:00.001-07:00

Many women frequently give of themselves for those that they love. One of the ultimate shows of true love is when a woman decides that her child may have a more secure life with another family and places that child for adoption.

Borne from that selfless act came Birthmother’s Day, a day set aside to honor these most special of mothers. Celebrated the Saturday before Mother’s Day, Birthmother’s Day is truly a day of honor and healing.

In 1990, a Seattle-based group of women felt that they deserved to recognize their adoption decision with dignity and resolve. As the world often passes judgment, not understanding the depths of their love, the founders of Birthmother’s Day realized that despite the inner struggle that they may feel because of their decisions, they must never underestimate their sacrifice.

If you are a Birthmother, you already know the emotional rollercoaster that comes with placing your child for adoption. Your feelings can range from the contented feeling of knowing that your child will be provided for as you desired, to the loneliness or doubt in yourself. Birthmother’s Day is a day to cope with these emotions while celebrating you and your sacrifice.

Here are a few ideas to commemorate the day whether it is for a special Birthmother you know or something you can do for yourself.
1. Buy a bouquet of roses or blooming plant.
2. Attend a Birthmother’s Day event in your community.
3. Organize a Birthmother’s Day where you show other Birthmother’s honor.
4. Share with someone special in your life the feelings surrounding adoption.
5. Write a letter, poem, or song dealing with your innermost feelings and the positive things that have come from your connection to adoption.
Take the time to remember these strong women on Birthmother’s Day. The choices they have made have touched many hearts for a lifetime.

A special note to all birthmothers:
"I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations."-Isaiah 60:15

Do you know how beautiful you are? You're beautiful in your heart, in your soul, and in every sense of the word.You're beautiful through your ups and downs, your successes and disappointments, through every stage of your own amazing life journey.

You're beautiful because of who you are, and what you've done, and who you'll always be.

You're beautiful to us simply because you're you.

We celebrate YOU this Birth Mother's Day. We pray God is blessing your life richly.

A New Song...A Fresh Start

2011-04-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life is smooth sailing, other times we have challenges that must be met and decisions that need to be made. It can sometimes feel overwhelming and stop us in our tracks. In nature, spring marks a new song, a fresh start, and a time to grow.

Whatever challenges or decisions you have in your life today, please know that you are not alone. Sometimes a new song starts with reaching out to find help and hope.
Other times, it is only through time spent reflecting alone or in prayer that we can truly see our lives for the journey they are.

Our prayer for you this Easter is that you find peace, hope, and love in the beauty around you. And if now is a time of challenge for you, you are able to reach out for the help you need.

May God Richly Bless You on Easter! Find out more.

A Guy's Opinion of Adoption

2011-04-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what a guy's view of adoption is? Mark shared with me his thoughts on the adoption book So I Was Thinking About Adoption:

"I can see why teenager girls like Megan find themselves in a challenging situation... Your message is one of possibility, and offers an element of hope to everyone."

Get your FREE copy of this book today by visiting www.FreeAdoptionBook.com.

How Do I Explain Adoption to My Family?

2011-04-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Are you making an adoption plan for your baby or child and wondering how you can explain it to your family? Watch this short video to learn how:

How Do I Explain Adoption to My Family? by ncgoldca86

The Real Challenges of Single Parenting

2011-04-13T14:57:00.001-07:00

Being a single parent is more than just a job. It is a major life situation that will dictate how and what you do for years and years. Throughout those years of raising a child alone, your patience, strength, and sanity will be tried to the limit at times. Making the decision to become a single parent is not one that should be taken lightly. It is a very serious decision and your life will be forever changed should you make single parenting your choice. Before you decide, consider this:

Many women and young girls become pregnant unexpectedly every day. You are not the only one. You are also not alone and there are people out there that can help you to work through this situation. Before you just jump into single parenting, understand that you do have a choice. Becoming a single parent is not an absolute and it does not have to be the direction that your life takes.

Think about whether or not you are ready to sacrifice your life for a child. Children don’t come with instructions and there will be so much that you will need to learn in order to properly take care of this child. If you have twins, that will be even more work. Consider whether you are emotionally ready to give up so much of your own life, some friendships, and possibly even time taken from your education. Having a child requires dedication and a willingness to give everything for that child’s wellbeing and happiness. Can you do that?

With this pregnancy being unplanned, have you really considered this child’s father in his or her life? It’s one thing to take on the brunt of the work of raising a child, but imagine how frustrating and tiring it will be dealing with a potentially deadbeat father. How will you explain to your child that his or her father may not want to be a part of your child’s life? Doing that could really put you outside of your own comfort zone.

Raising a child can be an expensive endeavor. Even with different government programs and family members that say that they will help you, there will be times when, financially, everything will be on you. People often have a lot of positive things to say before a baby comes. When the baby gets here, your expectations for their assistance and their actual level of help may be two different things. You wouldn’t want to start a life around the expectation that someone else will be there for you, because if it doesn’t happen, you could end up disappointed, scared, and overburdened with a child to care for all by yourself.

Before you make your final decision to take on raising a child by yourself as a single parent, you should definitely consider these things. There is always the option to place this child for adoption. Don’t discount the adoption option. It could be a major life-saver for you and this child. Remember, you want to give this child the best possible life…even if it means someone else may need to raise him or her.

5 Reasons to Consider a Bi-racial Couple for Your Baby

2011-04-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

When it comes to selecting a family for your unborn child, you will ultimately have the last say as the birthmother. The hopes, concerns, and aspirations that you have for your unborn child are always important and heard. But one common thing that has kept birthmothers from sometimes selecting the best possible families for their child has been focusing too much on the race of the adoptive families. This is especially true when it comes to bi-racial couples.

When a couple is looking to adopt a child, they make a commitment to give that child a healthy and enjoyable upbringing. Their promise to care for the child goes beyond the daily necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. They are dedicated to helping that child to become a positive and successful member of society regardless of that child’s race or those of their parents.

A bi-racial couple that is looking to open their hearts, home, and lives to an unborn child, such as yours, has an abundance of wonderful things to offer that child. In general, they are often well-educated, successful in their careers, open-minded, and very strong people. Bi-racial couples have overcome so much to make it and they could teach your child about the power of love and sharing that love, regardless of race or background.

In a bi-racial family, your child could have an amazing opportunity to explore and learn to appreciate people as individuals with unique perspectives and upbringings. Being a part of a bi-racial family is not about being “color blind.” In fact, it’s the exact opposite. It’s about being color-“full”, empathetic, and respectful. To be raised with such admirable ideals, any adoptive child that is fortunate enough to have that life experience, has a major advantage over so many that have not been exposed to a variety of cultures and unbiased thinking.

No doubt, there are many questions that you may have as to whether a family that is very diverse is best for your child. To answer some of these questions, here are five factors that could actually make your decision to select a bi-racial couple one of the easiest decisions that you may ever make:

1. Bi-racial couples make every effort to acknowledge and respect all cultural backgrounds. This, of course, would include your child’s culture. Opting for a bi-racial couple to raise your child will almost ensure that he or she understand and accepts that everyone is different, special, and unique…especially your child.

2. Bi-racial couples can bring a variety of different child raising techniques to their parenting experience. Every culture has ways of caring for their babies. Your child could have a chance to be showered with love in ways you may not have ever imagined!

3. Some bi-racial couples also speak multiple languages. In a global world, where the ability to speak more than one language is valuable, your child could gain strong communication and linguistic skills that will serve him throughout his or her life!

4. Bi-racial couples are likely very resilient people. While there are tons of positives about being in an interracial relationship, one of the hardest parts could be dealing with other people’s prejudices. However, a couple that has weathered the storm of racial prejudice will be able to teach your child about the strength that we all need to be strong individuals and comfortable in our own skin.

5. A bi-racial couple that longs for a child will have an unconditional love for that new addition to their lives, regardless of that child’s race or cultural background. In fact, because they have learned to hold onto each other during the wait, they will be even more ready and willing to love their new child with their whole hearts…as one strong and wonderful family!
The world that your child will grow up in is international, multiracial, and extremely diverse. Your child will need to know how to work, live, and love in this world. By selecting a bi-racial couple to care for and raise your child, you are also making a statement that you want your child to be emotionally prepared to compete in this world, which will contribute to his or her long-term success. The majority of bi-racial couples are open to staying in touch with you after the adoption, through letters, emails, photos, and visits.

As a birth mother, you want to give your child the best. What better thing to give him or her than an awesome family that will embrace and celebrate life, culture, and love!

Alleviating Morning Sickness

2011-03-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Most women don't think of morning sickness as helpful, but it can be an excellent indicator of pregnancy. Morning sickness usually begins between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy. This is often the first sign most women get that they are actually pregnant. Therefore, morning sickness is a clue to start taking better care of your health for you and your baby.

No one knows the exact reason pregnant women experience this time of nausea and vomiting. When you become pregnant, your body is going through many hormonal changes, which are normal. The pregnancy hormone, 'human chronic gonadotropin', is believed to be the cause of morning sickness. Not much research has been done on the subject. Low blood sugar is also believed to be a contributing factor of nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.

Morning sickness does not mean you will be sick and vomiting every morning. It can occur at any time of the day or night. It varies from woman to woman and can be brought on by many different things. Knowing what can cause your morning sickness to worsen can be helpful in preventing severe symptoms. Unfortunately, in some cases, nothing can be done to lessen the severity of morning sickness. If you are vomiting more than twice a day or think you may be losing weight, contact your doctor. He or she may prescribe medication that can lessen the symptoms of morning sickness.

Morning sickness can occur regardless of your lifestyle, but there are many factors that may contribute to causing it to be more severe. Click here to find out some things you can do that may help prevent the onset of nausea and vomiting.

Pre-Natal Care

2011-03-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

Getting the best prenatal care early in your pregnancy need will make a difference in your quality of your delivery and afterwards. A pre-natal vitamin and a balanced, healthy diet will help you keep strong. Plus, your emotions and hormones are less likely to take over when you have been eating properly. That means getting information from your doctor. If it is suggested that you take an iron supplement, make sure to do so. Read about how to keep healthy from this book about pregnancy, for women considering adoption. There is a chapter titled "Taking Care of You" in the book So I Was Thinking About Adoption...Considering Your Choices. You can download a free copy at www.FreeAdoptionBook.com.

Pre-natal vitamins are wonderful for your nails and hair. I know a number of women that take them long after giving birth to strengthen these two areas. If you need help finding a doctor, call the Pregnancy Help Online hotline at 1-800-923-6784.

I Have an 11 Month Old & I'm Pregnant Again!

2011-03-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

Hi, My name is Kristin and I am a mother of an 11 month old and recently found out I am pregnant again. We have been using protection so this is a very unexpected pregnancy. My boyfriend and I have been together for about 3 years and he is not very excited about having another baby. I am getting so worried that I will not be able to handle another baby at this time in my life. We are so overwhelmed right now. There is never enough time or money to go around. My boyfriend doesn’t help out that much; he says that since he works all day he shouldn’t have to work when he gets home. I am already overwhelmed and cannot even imagine what will happen when the new baby comes. Please help.

Dear Kristin,
it is normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious when an unexpected pregnancy occurs. Just know that you are not alone and that many women before you have gone through the same thing. It is not unusual for woman to have children close together. And it is definitely not unusually to feel anxiety about your ability to handle the situation.

Right now it is probably best to try and relax and get your bearings on the situation. You need to look at your life and ways that you can make things more comfortable for you and your family. Listing the areas you are concerned about may be helpful. Also look at how each of those areas can be worked on. Try to sit your boyfriend down and discuss your concerns. The two of you can brainstorm ways of making your situation work for your family. Do your best to keep him involved in the pregnancy and your feelings and concerns. He cannot be there for you if you don’t tell him what it is you need from him.

If you are feeling the stresses of money you can look to specific counseling organizations that can help you balance your financial life before your new baby comes. For stress related to not having enough time you can try to allocate your resources differently. Possibly using a day timer will help you organize your time better.

Keep your options open and be willing to look at all the possibilities for making your life what you want it to be. If you know you want to keep this baby you can definitely make it work, you will just have to put in the effort to find the best way to make it work for your family

If you have ever thought about adoption you could try to find a group or person who you can talk to about your concerns and help you work through the possibilities. You have many options to consider. There are many organizations that can be very helpful and informative without any pressuring you into making any decisions.

Just remember that many woman have been in your situation and got through it just fine and so can you.

I Had an Affair With a Married Man

2011-03-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

Q: I am a 24 year old single woman, I had an affair with a married man, and he ended up staying with his wife. I got pregnant and gave birth to a son, but did not list him on the baby’s birth certificate. The man doesn’t acknowledge me and I don’t want to hurt his wife but I do want to put the baby into a home with two parents, but not with him and his wife. We never completed any kind of paperwork and he never acknowledged paternity of the baby. Can I still go through with an adoption plan with out his signature or knowledge or what can you do to help me? This guy and his wife do have other children together and I just want to do what is right for my baby and adoption would be the best for him. Can you help me?

A: Actually, there are options and an adoption center can advise an attorney involved on how to help you. There is no cost to you and you don’t have to speak to the father of the baby and his wife normally will not have to be notified. The best thing for you to do it to contact an adoption center and ask to speak to an adoption attorney to find out more about your rights. This can be done by phone and is confidential and at no cost to you. It does not obligate you to adoption but allows you to get some facts before you decide. Visit www.LifetimeAdoption.com and contact them to get more information. Or, you can call the 24 hour answer line to speak to one of the adoption coordinators at 1-800-923-6784. You have several options and there many families to select from. The attorney will take care of the paperwork and the adoptive parents will cover the cost of the legal paperwork: I hope this helps.

Dealing with Anger and Hopelessness After Placing Your Child for Adoption

2011-03-02T10:42:00.001-08:00

As a birth parent, you may encounter feelings of hopelessness and anger directly after your baby’s birth. You might feel anger towards yourself, or even your baby. Keeping a journal throughout your pregnancy will help you address your feelings early on. Write down your thoughts about keeping your baby and your thoughts about finding your baby an adoptive family. Keep this journal throughout your adoption experience; it will be helpful to read after you have placed your baby in a loving home. For a birth father, a journal will also help you come to terms with the decision you and your baby’s mother have come to.

Reading your thoughts and your daily feelings about placing your child for adoption can help remind you of the plan you made. You decided adoption was right for you. You did not come to this decision lightly, but your feelings anger and depression can still be upsetting to you. The greatest gift you can give your child is a happy, loving home. Yet even after you have done just that you may be consumed by feelings of anger and hopelessness. Your head may be telling you that you did the right thing but your heart is in so much pain. How do you work through those feelings of anger, despair, and hopelessness?

Acknowledging your feelings will help you cope with them. Unresolved anger can affect your whole body. You may not be sleeping well and feeling tired constantly. Finding someone to talk to will help you vent your feelings in a safe and healthy way.

You need to have an outlet for all your feelings because unresolved frustration can start to form a wall around you. This wall will begin to affect you and those around you and it will be hard to you to see the good in life. You don’t have to find a counselor to talk to, just find someone who can listen to you; maybe a priest, clergyman, your family, friends, or possibly a support group if there is one in your area. Just find someone you can trust. Your adoption coordinator can also be a resource and help you find peace.

Lastly, remember that you have made the right choice for you and for your baby. You have done what many wish they could do; you found the best most loving family to raise a child that you couldn’t at this time in your life.

This is a selfless, wonderful act that you should be proud of. By writing down your feelings throughout the adoption process, you are giving yourself a reference point to always look back on. When you feel anger and hopelessness overwhelming you, just look back at your journal and all your thoughts and feelings that helped you form your decision. Those words can be a comfort to you as you confront your decision and come to terms with your feelings. Finding someone to talk to will also help you work through your unresolved feelings of anger and hopelessness.

Are You Ready To Be A Mom?

2011-03-01T15:08:00.000-08:00

Becoming a mother is very natural for some and very difficult for others. When it is a personal choice, people tend to have a more positive outlook toward becoming a mother. When someone becomes a mother as a result of an unplanned or unexpected pregnancy, their feelings and outlook may be less positive and filled more with negativity. Whichever situation you have found yourself in, there are some things to be considered as you embark on this new experience. You will need to ask yourself this all important question, “Are you ready to be a mom?”

Before you answer, here are 10 things that you need to seriously think about:

1. Are you emotionally ready to handle being pregnant for 36-40 weeks of your life?
You may go through a number of different feelings during that time that could range from elation to doubt to self-consciousness.

2. Are you ready to make a sacrifice for your baby?
Children do not come with instructions. They require a lot of time, energy, effort, and sacrifice for their proper care. A mother fills the voids for a child, which can mean that the mother's own personal interests may have to be put aside at times for the good of her family. Along with the personal sacrifice that a mother gives up for her child, there are daily challenges that she should be prepared to face with regard to the child's rearing. For a teenage mother-to-be, this could mean that you can't hang out with friends when you want to or that you have to rely on others for support. Ask yourself if you are willing to do that for your child.

3. Are you financially able to care for a baby?
Babies cost a lot of money. For starters, they need diapers, baby wipes, hygiene products like baby powder and lotion, clothes, carriers and strollers, cribs and other furnishings, food, milk, and health care. This is all for the first couple of months of life and you can just imagine how much more they will need as they grow. The important thing about determining whether or not you can "afford" a baby is to consider your own resourcefulness. While you may not have tons of money, there are programs that are designed to help new mothers that may be able to provide assistance to your family. Also consider the baby's father and his contribution if you are not married. Above all, anticipate always needing to take care of your baby's needs and along with that you can anticipate needing some finances.

4. Are you ready to be your child's teacher?
Mothers are the first teacher that a child will have. Babies are a blank slate and will look for their mother to teach them what they need to know to make it in life. You don't have to personally know everything, but your child will believe that you do. As you live your life, your child will learn what to do, what not to do, what is good, and what is bad...mostly by watching you. Your child's hopes and plans for the future will be shaped by the life that you lead before them.

5. Are you ready to go through childbirth?
Having a baby is a life-changing experience. For some, the change will be for the better. For others, the change will seem to be for the worse. Either way, it is something that you will never, ever forget. Along with the pain associated with childbearing, there are emotional and physical highs and lows which will determine your attitude about your child-bearing experience.

6. Do you have support?
Support can come in a number of sources. It could come from a spouse, a partner, a social service organization, an adoption agency, family, or friends. Support may come in the form of emotional support, physical care, or financial assistance.

7. Are you ready to give someone unconditional love?
Babies rely on the love of their mothers. The feeling of safety, security, nurturing, and peace that they need comes from the love that a mother gives to her baby. This unconditional love will need to be a fixture in your child's life as they experience their own ups and downs, and as they learn to grow and live. It's a love that is not supposed to change with fashion, but it should be there at all times.

8. Are you prepared to face the long term challenges of being a mother?
Parenting happens over a lifetime. Your baby has certain needs now, but those needs could be even greater as they grow older. Your baby won't stay a baby forever and you should be prepared to deal with the changes and challenges that life will bring your family regarding your child's upbringing and care.

9. Are you healthy enough to carry a baby?
You should take stock of your own health, physical and emotional. Consider your relationships and the impact that they have on you psychologically and physically. It may be time to visit your primary care physician to find out if you are physically ready to undertake a pregnancy. Your baby will need a stable, healthy environment to grow up in and that includes having a mother that is able to attend to his or her needs.

10. Do you want a baby?
Deciding whether or not you want a child can be a key to determining whether or not you are ready to be a mother. If you are not ready to make a long term commitment to your child and you are already pregnant, then there are some options that you should consider, including adoption. Through adoption, your child could have a healthy and stable life in a caring and loving home, if you are not able or willing to provide these for your baby. Visit LifetimeAdoption.com to find out more about adoption.
If you are not already pregnant, then you should make the decision as to whether or not taking on the added responsibility of a child is right for you. Don't make any snap decisions. Always weigh out the pros and cons of your personal situation, including determining whether or not your partner wants to be a caregiver to your child also.

Make the decision to become a mother will forever change who you are and will shape who you will be. Put a lot of thought and prayer into it. Remember, there are at least two lives at stake...yours and that of your unborn child. If you would like to look into adoption as an option, visit www.LifetimeAdoption.com for info.

How Do I Let My Mom Know I'm Pregnant?

2011-02-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Mardie,
I need help,i dont know how to let my mother know that im pregnant. And also im afraid of what others are going to be saying, since i was always seen as a "good girl" and always involved at church and my community, and i always had the grades...please help me
-Jenni, 16

Dear Jenni,
There are times when your parents may not be the easiest people in the world to talk with, and it is even worse if the subject of the conversation is something that you know will be upsetting. The important thing to remember is that if you are pregnant, your parents are the people who are in the best position to help you handle this and make responsible decisions.

Choose a time when you will have complete privacy with your mom and dad, as well as their attention. Tell them that you have to talk to them about a serious matter and ask them if they will not interrupt you until you have finished. If you would rather tell your mother first, and later your father, then pursue that option. However you choose to do it, pick your time wisely, when they aren't agitated for another reason already.

If you feel like you really can't talk to your parents alone, bring a friend or another family member that you are close to. Choose someone you know will support you regardless of what decision you make.

From the first word you utter, be completely honest with your parents. Tell them exactly what your problem is and ask them for their help. Your parents love you and they will want to be there to support you through this difficult time.

Start the conversation with the maturity that you will need from now on. You are in a tough situation and facing it in an adult way will make the road a little less rocky. Avoid arguing and sarcasm; remember your parents may be the best friends you could have at this time in your life.

After the first waves of shock have subsided, talk with your parents about how you will handle this situation. If you have decided to keep your baby, be sure your parents are in agreement if you are expecting money, help, or support from them. It must be understood that if a young mother decides to live with her parents and keep her baby, it is very important that all parties involved including grandparents know that the responsibility and care for that child lies with the mother. Things could end up very messy later on if a line is not drawn.
Your parents can help you during this time.

If adoption is what you have in mind, ask your parents for their full support in this decision. After thinking the situation through, they will likely be very supportive in this decision. Learn about your options with open adoption, including the contact you and your family can have with your child and the adoptive family. You can even choose your baby's parents and meet them beforehand!

Remember, your parents will very likely be pretty upset by this news; they love you very deeply and they probably had dreams for you that a pregnancy may likely put an end to. All parents want their children to be successful and happy and having a child at a young age tends to make achieving success a much more difficult accomplishment. Hang in there because that same love that is spurring their anger will win out and they will very likely want to stand by you through this difficult time in your life.

Visit StandbyMeAdoption.com to read the rest of my answer...

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

From everyone at Lifetime Adoption Center...Warm wishes for a Happy Valentine's Day!

Love and family is at the heart of everything we do and have done for over 25 years. Building families and finding you a loving home for your baby or child is why we're here.

We pray today you are are surrounded with love! If you have questions about how open adoption works, you can call Lifetime Adoption at 1-800-923-6784.

How Do I Tell My Parents I'm Pregnant?

2011-02-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

Have you just found out you're pregnant? There are times when your parents are definitely not the easiest people in the world to talk with, and it is even worse if the the conversation is about something you know will be upsetting. Try to remember that if you are pregnant, your parents are likely the people in the best position to help you now as you work towards making responsible decisions.

Click here for some tips on how to actually break the news...

Get a Free Book!

2011-01-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

Are you considering adoption for your baby or child? Get your free copy of a book about how open adoption works. Watch this video to learn how to pick up your free copy!

Get a Free Book on Adoption
Uploaded by ncgoldca86.

Learning About Open Adoption

2010-12-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

Your head may be spinning from your family and friends telling you what they think you should do. Parents tell you one thing. Friends tell you something else.

Adoption is a choice. It is like any other choice. It isn't the right choice for every woman but it may be right for you and your baby.

Whatever your reason for considering adoption today, you are not alone. And the good news is that women choosing adoption can play an active role in just about every step of the process. You can choose the parents for your child, receive counseling, create your own adoption plan, and meet the adoptive parents.

Here are some common reasons why women choose adoption:

Not ready to be a mom
Situations that prevent parenting, such as mental illness or jail sentence
No support from baby's father
Desire for a solid, two-parent family
Safety and stability
College plans
Opportunity for a solid future
Prior involvement with Child Protective Services
Cannot afford another child
Lifestyle
Rape

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, we can help with caring, confidential services. Learn more by calling us now at 1-800-923-6784 or by chatting live @ LifetimeAdoption.com.

Why Adoption?

2010-11-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

This note recently came to me at our Lifetime Adoption Center:

"The reason I decided to do an adoption for my son was wanting more for him. Love was the most important of the reasons. I just wanted to make sure that he would be LOVED. I knew that I could have given him all the love he needed, but that was probably all I could have given him. The parents he is with have much more and that has allowed me peace in my decision. I am glad I had support from the Lifetime staff and my friends."

Amber, 19

Free Adoption Services

2010-10-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

No Cost Adoption Services at Lifetime Adoption Center!

Ask for our free resource book for women considering adoption So, I Was Thinking About Adoption.

A caring adoption coordinator speak with you; please call 1-800-9-ADOPT-4 (that's 1-800-923-6784) to set up a time to discuss your options about a child you are considering adoption for.

Lifetime Adoption Foundation also offers career counseling to help you after your adoption and has resources for scholarships for college, maternity clothes and referrals for free legal advice.

Professional counseling is also offered at no cost to you - by phone or in person.

Please call 1-800-9-Adopt-4 for confidential answers- 24 hours a day.

Or visit our web site – www.LifetimeAdoption.com to chat live today

IM us at the screenname "Ltabirthmother" on Yahoo messenger

Christian Adoptive Families

2010-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Have you been considering doing an adoption for your baby? Lifetime Adoption Center is able to work with adoptive families nationwide, so you will have a wide selection of families to choose from. Are you looking for a family that is your race? Perhaps you'd like to place with a family who attend church regularly, or who have a stay-at-home mom.

Adoptive families are thoroughly pre-screened and interviewed by a social worker, so you can be assured your child is safe & loved. Also, you have the choice to remain in touch with your child as he grows up. Call Lifetime Adoption today at 1-800-923-6784 to learn about the many options available to you!

Breaking Generational Patterns

2010-10-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

Lilada's story:

"My reflections:
I still remain grateful that I have been able to provide a very different childhood for my children than I had. God has given me the strength to break generational patterns, choices and consequences in my family line. I purposely did not say curses. I think when we use the term "generational curses" we remove the personal responsibility that each person; each generation has to choose better. A curse infers that it happens against both our will and our power to have a different outcome. I made very difficult and costly choices in order for my children not to grow up in a home that was a war zone. I made the choice that as a divorced woman, I wasn't going to have men in and out of my home thereby increasing the risk for abuse and I made the choice to cut ties with relatives that have abused me and other children in order to protect them.

If we are going to end sexual violence against children it's not going to be legislated, it's not going to be court ordered and no social agency will stop it. It will stop when each individual and each family makes the choices necessary to keep children safe and hold ALL abusers accountable for their actions. As the theme song to the TV show Barretta used to say, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time, yeah, don't do it!"

Be Inspired!
~Lilada

Lilada is a passionate mother, author, speaker and advocate for girl and women surviors of sexual abuse. For more info see http://www.facebook.com/lilada

My Girlfriend is Pregnant...Now What?

2010-09-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Are you pregnant and having a difficult time dealing with your baby's father? It may help to share this story with him, from the point-of-view of a guy who's soon to be a daddy:

"It started out like probably most other teenage relationships. I saw this girl at school. She looked cute. I started asking about her from friends that we had in common. I finally approached her and we hit it off. You know...normal, nothing extraordinary, but it was a pretty good start.

Then, as time went on, I got a little antsy about things. I kind of wanted to go beyond the basics, but at first she didn't want to. I definitely wasn't going to force her, so I chilled and just enjoyed hanging out with her. Our relationship was approaching the one year anniversary mark. I know because she constantly reminded me of this. When I realized that it was a whole year, I figured I would try to nudge her along a bit. I was so ready for a more physical relationship at that point..and lucky me...so was she!

That was the start of our "new" relationship and plenty of physical encounters. We generally used some sort of birth control, but not always. I was really loving life and we started making all types of future plans. We were both about to graduate and college was our next move. It all seemed cool until that day. She broke the news. I thought to myself, "My girlfriend is pregnant. What now?" I was absolutely, positively NOT ready to be anybody's dad. I was scared and completely confused."

Click here to continue reading his story...

Pregnant! Now What?!

2010-07-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a Q&A from a guest blogger, Jewelz. You can read more of her answers at TeensHelpOnline.com.

Dear Jewelz,
I found out I was 10 weeks pregnant I want an abortion because i don't want to live this way I'm a baby myself and I wouldn't want to have to be carry a baby around I hate the fact of a abortion but I think its the best thing I'm not ready for a baby my mom would kill me and be very disappointed in me I'm scared and don't know what to do my mind in lost I wish I would of used protected sex and wasn't so dumb can you help please?
-Staci, 16

Dear Staci,
Abortion is the first thought when an unexpected pregnancy happens to teens, but its really not the best option, is what i personally think. If you don't like the thought of abortion, they don't do it. I know its gonna suck that you would have to tell your mom about it, but who said lifes easy? I think adoption would be very best for your child. I'm glad you know that your too young to be a mother, alot of girls think they're ready at this age and they're just not, so i'm glad you realize that, so if you were to put your baby up for adoption, two very loving parents could take care of your baby, and if you can have an open adoption where you can see the baby as they're growing up. If you want to know more about the process and such, a great adoption agency would be www.LifetimeAdoption.com. They're very helpful! You can also get a book about how adoption works for free...at this website: FreeAdoptionBook.com. All you have to do is fill in your email address and the download will come straight to your email inbox. You can also talk to some other girls that have been in this situation before you decide on adoption by calling toll-free 1-800-9-ADOPT-4. Good Luck hun. And try not to be so hard on yourself. Remember, everything happens for a reason!

How soon can I match with an adoptive family?

2010-06-30T14:17:00.001-07:00

Frequently Asked Question about Adoption

Q: How soon can I see waiting couples or match with an adoptive family?

A: At Lifetime, you can begin looking at waiting couples as early as you'd like. There are many available on our website and in our magazine, or we can send you adoptive family profiles (that have more photos and information about them) by mail. We can begin the informal matching process as early as you'd like. This can include emailing with families and even speaking with them if you'd like!

You are able to officially match with an adoptive family as early as 16 weeks into your pregnancy. In some cases, matches have been made even earlier. At Lifetime, we want to ensure you have the ability to make the choices that you want to make as you design your own custom adoption plan.

Visit LifetimeAdoption.com for more info and to start your adoption plan.

Pro-Life or Pro-Choice... Is There Another Option?

2010-05-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Everything in life is not in "black" or "white." From children, we have been taught to look at so many aspects of life as definitives, when in fact, things aren't always that simple or clear cut. We are fortunate to live in a country where people are not forced to limit the number of children to one or none. We have a great amount of freedom and liberties that we enjoy in America. We live in a country where not only is everything not simply in terms of "black" or "white," the people that live here are a testament to our country's great diversity, opportunities, and options.

The same holds true with regard to pregnancy. For far too long, we have been made to feel that there are only two options for women when they become pregnant...that they can only have one of two views. Either your perspective is Pro-life or Pro-choice...that's it. Pick a side and stick with it. But, that couldn't be farther from the truth. There is another option for women. How about adoption? Visit USAadoptions.com to learn about this third option.

Are You Ready to Have a Baby at 15?

2010-05-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Are You Ready to Have a Baby at 15?

Dear Mardie,
I am 15 and my boyfriend is 17 and we would like to have a baby together. We live with our parents but think it would be so cool to have a baby. What do you think we should do?
Bella

Dear Bella,
Sex is a serious matter at any age, but if you are young it is even more important to think the situation through very carefully. The facts surrounding teen pregnancy are scary, and you must totally understand that if you are going to have sex, you are taking the risk of becoming pregnant.

Children born to teen mothers like you are in danger of a lot of things; not the least of which is a major health risk to you. For example,
Children born to teenage mothers are less likely to receive proper nutrition, health care, and intellectual and social interaction. So, they may develop a learning disability that will affect their progress in school later.
Children born to teenage mothers are at bigger risk for abuse and neglect. Just the facts.
Boys born to teenage mothers are more apt to go to jail or prison at some point in their lives
Girls born to teenage mothers are more prone to become teenage mothers as their moms were. They follow the same pattern as they see as role models.

In addition to all this, other proven facts include:

Having a baby while you are still a teenager usually means that you will have a lower income and may have to rely on welfare or your parents to support you.
Teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school and only about one-third obtain a high school diploma.
Teen dads are more likely to get into legal trouble or develop a drug or alcohol problem. Often, they are not around to support you or the child.
In the United States, teen pregnancies end up costing tax payers about $7 billion as the result of welfare programs, criminal behavior etc.

There are few things in life quite as scary as being young, alone and pregnant. You meet this really cute guy and he says some very sweet things that make you feel the so much like the most special person in the world to him, but how much of what he says is simply to get you into bed? Is it really worth the price you and possibly an unborn child may pay? Sure he’s cute, but is he worth tossing the dice and gambling your future on, not to mention the extreme responsibility you will be faced with if you really should become pregnant? The only truly safe sex is no sex at all. Using birth control and a condom are not guarantees. After all, there are also STDs to be concerned about, many of which last your whole life and cause infertility later on when you are really ready to be a mom with a guy that can support and love his family.

I think you need to wait and think this out. Speak to a counselor about why you feel you need to have a baby at this early age. Are you filling in a gap of not having a parent around, not feeling loved or needed? Having a child will only make matters worse, truly.
If you are a teen who suspects she may already be in trouble; don’t panic. There are many programs and people out there that can help you through this difficult time.
If you would like to speak to another girl or counselor to help you with your decision call Lifetime Adoption toll free at 1-800-923-6784. Your call is confidential and you will never be pressured or judged. You can also visit their site at www.LifetimeAdoption.com.

Hang in there, Bella. Don’t make a forever decision without a plan for your life, a commitment from your boyfriend, and the knowledge that you are able, without help from family or the government, to provide the life that you want for your baby.

National Birthmother's Day

2010-05-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

In 1990, a group of women gathered and decided to set aside the day before Mother's Day to honor mothers who choose to give their child life and provide them a family through adoption. This year, that special day is May 8, 2010.

At Lifetime, we recognize our birth mothers on this day; they are special to us. If you will be recognizing this special day with us, please select consider attending our virtual Facebook event for National Birthmother's Day. You do not need to come to our Center in northern California to participate. You can recognize and honor birthmothers nationwide.

Click here to view our Facebook event and RSVP!

Am I Ready to be a Mom?

2010-04-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

by Kylee

Even though some people think that teenagers have it easy, I'm not one of them. Actually, being a teenager is not always fun. It can be scary, confusing, and lonely, but we're not supposed to admit that!

Things are not like they were when my mom was young. Then it was "bad" to have a baby as a teenager. Today, plenty of girls have babies and they make it seem so simple. There is a lot of pressure from other kids to have sex and to have a baby. But, I'm not so sure that I'm ready to be a mom. Here are some things that I wonder about:

1. Older people talk about how sick a woman can get because of morning sickness.
Who would want to be "sick"? Would I be able to handle all of that throwing up and being nauseous? Plus, what if it lasts the whole time instead of just a couple of months? I don't know if I could handle almost a year of feeling like I want to gag. I hate to throw up when I'm sick!

2. They say that I would probably gain about 30 pounds and my face might change.
Will I be able to look cute and cool in maternity clothes? Doubtful! I haven't seen too many people look cute during their pregnancy. I don't want my face to change. Will I end up with a nose that swells and then never goes back to the right size? Will that "mask" that people talk about leave me 3 or 4 shades darker. I like the way that I look now. Why would I want to change?

3. People say that having a baby hurts.
Some people have even told me that they had pain while they were pregnant, when they had the baby, and after they had the baby. Would I be able to deal with all of that pain? I

4. I never had to be in charge of anything.
How in the world would I raise a child? I don't even know any babies. Don't babies need all types of stuff like diapers and baby milk? I'm still dealing with my own issues around doing the "right" thing. How in the world could I tell a child what to do if I can't even do the right thing like I'm supposed to all of the time?

5. I can't stand the sound of babies crying.
How can somebody deal with all of that crying, whining, and noise?!? It's not like it's the latest song. It's crying, and lots of it! What's fun about that? Plus, how would I get a baby that can't talk or do stuff for itself to stop when I get tired of hearing it? What if that baby gets sick? I think that would be too much to manage.

Other girls make having a baby seem like the "thing" to do. I don't think that it is. I have heard of girls getting pregnant and then not knowing what they could do about it. I would think that it would be really hard to make the decision between having an abortion, placing your baby for adoption, and possibly even keeping it. Before I get myself in to that situation, I'm going to really think about this pregnancy thing and all of the stuff, and of course changes, that it could cause in my life. Check out 16andPregnant.com for more articles about teen pregnancy, and pregnancy options.

Can my mom raise my baby?

2010-04-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

"My mom can raise my baby." is what one girl said. She was very serious and very nonchalant about it. Then, there was that other girl in my math class. She said the same thing, "My mom can raise my baby".

What? Did these people hear themselves talking??

You go, get pregnant, and then decide that your mother, who I might add was not involved in the whole baby-making process, has to take on your responsibility and raise your child. To me, it sounded so selfish. I just couldn't get with that way of thinking.

Then, it happened. I got pregnant.

Visit 16andPregnant.com to read the rest of Kelly's story.

Free Book for Pregnant Teens!

2010-03-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Get a free, instantly down-loadable copy of of the new book, So I Was Thinking About Adoption.

It's full of checklists, advice, and help as you consider all of your pregnancy choices. Visit FreeAdoptionBook.com to get your copy now!

My Story: I Just Wasn't Positive I Was Actually Pregnant

2010-03-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

This girl wanted to share her story, in hopes that it will help others.

"Like a lot of girls my age, I have been in some really physical relationships. While I'm not necessarily proud of my actions, I don't regret being with my boyfriends or anything. I only regret that I may have gotten caught up in this situation where I might be pregnant. I didn't really want that to happen.

So, I did what most people probably do. I took a pregnancy test. But, the line was so light that I couldn't tell if it was actually even there! It was pretty confusing and at that point, I really just wanted to know whether or not I was prego. Instead of getting all worked up though, I just relaxed and waited for a couple of days. Then, I took another test. This time, the line was darker, but I was not going to trust that test 100%..."

Visit PregnancyHelpOnline.com to read the rest of her story.

What is Your Due Date?

2010-03-10T14:02:00.001-08:00

Do you know what your due date is? You can find it quickly and easily by using this handy online calculator.

Enter your pregnancy information on this pregnancy calculator and it will provide an estimated conception date, due date and current fetal age.

Click here to calculate your due date!

I'm Pregnant...Advice Needed!

2010-03-03T13:34:00.001-08:00

Dear Jewelz,
i need advice about my pregnancy... i am 17 yrs old i am 5 months pregnant, and lately i feel like my world is falling apart. I have so much stress on me, i don't have a job and neither does my boyfriend. i am about to graduate in 4 months, i still live with my parents, and so does my boyfriend we have been together for 6 yrs i love him... we just don't have money for the baby. he has been trying to look for a job , but no luck. his parents are not supportive at all it's like if they don't care i have also been looking for a job, but no one wants to hired me because of the stage am in.. my only plans are to continue with my school and not give up..
-Shawna, 17

Dear Shawna,
First of all, have you considered adoption at all? Many teens don't want to choose that choice but it truly is the best when you cant support a baby financially. It is hard but in the long run it can be the very best thing. Second of all, your not alone in this, many teens go through this, not having a job, enough money, support. Its a very hard time in your life. Its good your boyfriend is looking for a job. Do you or him have a friend's parents he can work for? Check out all your resources. All you can really do from now until the pregnancy is be strong and pray that your boyfriend can find a job quickly! Don't get too stressed about all of this because the stress can affect the baby. They sense it. So be careful :)
-Jewelz

Are You Ready to Be a Parent?

2010-02-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Are you pregnant and trying to decide if you are ready to be a parent? This list of focused questions will help you to think about it as you make your decision about this pregnancy. Use them to ask your guy too as you evaluate his potential for fatherhood:

Are You Ready to Be a Parent? Click here to find out!

Are You 16 and Pregnant? Share your story!

2010-02-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

Did you catch last night's episode of 16 & Pregnant with Jenelle? After she finds out she is pregnant at 16, she realizes that she'll have to give up a lot of the things she enjoyed, like surfing and partying. Her long-distance boyfriend isn't coming back and she needs help from her mom to raise her baby.

Are you in a similar situation and would like to share your story with other teens? Visit 16andPregnant.com to share!

2nd Season of MTV's 16 and Pregnant

2010-02-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

MTV will premier its second season of the popular show "16 and Pregnant" next Tuesday night, the 16th at 10/9 Central. View the season 2 trailer of 16 and Pregnant here.

If you or a friend are a teen facing an unplanned pregnancy, visit 16andPregnant.com for pregnancy resources and choices.

Is It Hard Being a Teen Mom: Real Life Facts

2010-02-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

Q: Is it hard being a teen mom?

im 14, almost 15, and i have wanted a baby since i knew what they were. i know i could be a good mom. i would pay myself for him/her and give them all the love and attention they would need.

i realllllly want to have a baby,not in a slut kind of way but for love. I want would have a baby tomorrow if i could. I think im going to start trying again, maybe in janurary.
Do you have any advice?

A: The first thing I would ask is why do you think or believe that now is the time you want to be a mom. Why are you in such a hurry at such a young age?

To answer your question, yes, it is very hard to be a teen mom. Ask any teen mom about the sacrifices she has made. Find out if she would do it as a teen again if she had the choice, or wait until she had more life behind her and more support in front of her for her and her child.

I am glad read you are positive about being a good mom. Many teens are filling an empty spot in their lives that they believe a baby can fill. They think a child is someone that will always love them. But being a good mom, especially as a teen isn’t easy, or we would not have so many children in child protective service and foster care. I am sure most of those young moms, had dreams as you did, but missing some support, wisdom, knowledge. Without financial support that is needed to raise a child, they were led into places they never dreamed they would go when they got pregnant.

Do you have a good role model from your a mom, grandmother or friend’s mom? Is your dad around? Does he love your mom, love you, and spend time showing you what a good man is like? Without this, your chances are harder for success, it is not impossible and some people have beat the odds and become good teen parents, but they have done it with a great deal of determination and resources.

As a teen mom, your chances are increased of falling into a trap of becoming involved with a guy that will abuse you and your children. The possibilities of living in poverty for many years or for your entire life are increased as well. Are you willing to bring your child up without the support and basics that they need? Sure they can survive, but the children in Haiti are surviving but they don’t deserve the poverty and pain they are going through? Why would you intentionally do this to a child?

Giving a child love and attention are just the beginning. There are sacrifices that you will have to make, and you may come to resent the fact you are giving up so much at your age to care for a demanding baby. Your future child needs you to become a healthy, productive, wise, and independent mother. Ask yourself, are you sure you are ready to be that type of mother?

Anna, a 15 year old gave up her life when she decided to parent. Her parents didn’t support her and she ended up living with an older guy, who was secretly selling drugs. Over time, Anna’s young daughter was abused by the people who came in and out of their home. Three years later, in a drug raid on their apartment, Anna was arrested for child endangerment and her daughter taken from her.

Do you want to take the chance of messing up your life? And the life of your baby?

Why not wait until you find a guy that you love, who is mature enough to love you back, support a family? Take the time now to have some fun, learn about life, and become independent so you child will have a parent who is not a child themselves? Your chances of success will go way up!

A teen choosing to become a parent and not yet out of school is the equivalent of someone walking in front of a bus and saying “I won’t get hurt.” It is just dreaming of what if someone loved me.

Speak to your school counselor, parent, or a youth pastor. There is something missing in your life, and I think once you find out what, you can fill it with what you really need at this age. You will be happier and some day your dreams of being a loving and devoted parent will have a chance for becoming a reality. You deserve it and your future children deserve it too. Think about it.

If you need more information or stories of teen moms visit www.16andPregnant.com.

Pregnant and Confused

2010-01-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

This Q&A comes in to our teen peer counselor, Jewelz.

Dear Jewelz,
my name is robin, im currently 14 in september ill be 15. two weeks ago i found out i was pregnant they said i was 7 weeks pregnant, i dont know what to do. my boyfriends just wants to do what i wanna do. but i have no clue what to do i need some help! i know my options but dont know what to choose.
-Robin

Robin,
You should have a talk with your boyfriend and see what his true feelings are. He can't just say, "i dont know", he has word in this too, he's going to be the father of this baby, so really talk to him about that. Personally I have to say that adoption is the best choice you should choose for your age. Alot of girls your age want to keep their babies when they find out that they're pregnant but in reality, girls our age in our generation aren't suppose to be mothers yet. we're still developing and learing how to be an adult and someday mother. So if you really want your baby to have the best life they can, adoption would be your best chance. You can have an open adoption where you get to see your child as they grow up. Visit LifetimeAdoption.com, they are a great adoption center that can really help you. Feel free to email me back with further questions. Good Luck hun!
-Jewelz

My Mom Is Trying to Force Me to Have an Abortion

2010-01-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Mardie,
I am pregnant about 5 weeks. My mom is trying to force me to go to get abortion, but I don't want to. Do I have a right to keep my baby? Where I can seek for a place to stay if my mom kicks me out. Please help me

Dear Ali,
Thank you for your question. I can imagine right now seems a little scary, but I'm glad you are taking time to really think about what YOU want to do for you and your baby. No one, not your parents, not your boyfriend, can force you to abort your baby. All of the options you face will be life altering. Of the three options, abortion is the one choice you can't change your mind about later. You have the choice over what happens to your baby, even as a teen mother.

There are definitely some realities you will have to face as you decide what to do next, especially if your mom won't let you live with her and raise your baby with her help. One thing you might want to find out is if she'd kick you out if you made an open adoption plan for your baby. Open adoption can be a positive alternative when raising your baby doesn't work out quite as you hope.

In most circumstances your mom legally cannot simply "kick you out" because she is responsible for you until you are of legal adult age. However, that does not mean she can't make living at home difficult, or that she has to help you raise your baby. Many times there are resources for pregnant teens and young mothers who are not able to live at home with their parents. There is also help for pregnant teens choosing adoption.

As you decide, think about some basic questions such as:

How will you provide (food, clothing, housing) for yourself and your baby?
Will the father of your baby help out at all?
What were your plans for your future if you didn't get pregnant?
Do you have school or work that will take up a lot of your time?
Do you have any family who will help?
What kind of life do you want for your child?
Are you ready to do what it takes to raise a child?

It's also fair to look at what your goals are for yourself and decide if you're ready to put those aside yet.

When it comes to deciding what is best for you and your baby listen to your heart and make sure you research your options. There is always more than one solution, even when it may feel like you're stuck. I encourage you to check out a free book, which you can download to your email. It's about open adoption and may be a good way for you to explore your options; go to FreeAdoptionBook.com. Taking time to think about things and to get answers to your questions will help you come to a decision that is best for you and your baby, whether you choose adoption or to raise your baby. Feel free to call 1-800-923-6784 to find out more about resources and help available to you now.

College Scholarships Available from Lifetime Adoption Foundation

2010-01-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

The Lifetime Adoption Foundation is able to offer educational scholarships in deep appreciation to birthmothers who have chosen adoption for their children. They have enabled others to experience the joy of becoming parents and created futures, not only for those families, but also for their children, for a lifetime. Scholarships can be sent to any accredited college or university in the 50 states.

Are You Interested in Applying to Receive a Scholarship?
Please visit LifetimeFoundation.org for the
criteria for a Lifetime Adoption Foundation Scholarship
and to fill out the free online application.

How Early Can I Take a Home Pregnancy Test?

2009-12-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

Do you think you may be pregnant but aren't sure? Wondering how early you can take a home pregnancy test?

One of the most frequently asked questions about getting that life-changing "yes" or "no", is to know when is the earliest that someone can take and get fairly accurate results from a pregnancy test. While many pregnancy test companies will tell you that their test can let you know as early as the very next day after your period doesn't show, those claims are pretty much not 100% true. Most pregnancy tests cannot accurately or consistently detect pregnancy that early.

Click to keep reading...

Video on Open Adoption

2009-11-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

Are you considering adoption? This video shares the reality of open adoption from both the birthparent and adoptive family perspectives. Click here to view the video.

Lifetime Adoption provides specialized phone and online resources so you get prompt and accurate answers to your questions regarding our adoption services.

Lifetime Adoption's staff is dedicated to providing our nationwide clients with caring solutions that fit their unique needs. Our staff of 23 compassionate and well-trained adoption professionals are ready to help you 24/7. Our services are offered all across the U.S. for even greater personalized service. We have prequalified adoptive families for any situation and need. There is never a cost to birth parents.

Visit LifetimeAdoption.com for help with your adoption questions, or you may call us:

Birth Parent 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-923-6784

Get Pregnancy Help

2009-11-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Considering your pregnancy options?

Do you or someone you know need pregnancy help?
Would you like to know more about adoption for you or a friend?

GetPregnancyHelp.com's Adoption Answer Line is open to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer adoption questions, like:

* What does adoption look like?
* How does it work?
* Where do I start with adoption? and
* Is there any cost to me?

Call the Adoption Answer Line at 1-800-923-6602. One of our caring coordinators will answer your questions and explain the adoption process and provide you with many options available to you at no cost to you. Or, visit GetPregnancyHelp.com to find out more.

Unplanned Pregnancy Help for Enlisted Women

2009-10-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Are you currently pregnant and serving in the military? Depending on your situation you may be wondering how you are going to make it all work-your lifestyle, your relationship, raising a child etc. For the women who decide they want to parent, there are ways to make it work, but what about for those who don’t want to go through with an abortion?

Tanya became pregnant after serving her first two years. The relationship with the civilian did not pan out as expected and she could not afford to be a single mother. She had already had an abortion at 15 and it wasn’t something she could handle again. Instead she chose a family to raise the child.

With open adoption she was able to decide the lifestyle she wanted for her son. She found a family that would love him unconditionally and help him go to college. She was still a part of his life with visits and photos and he is growing up proud knowing that his mother is serving his country. Visit www.OpenAdoption.com to learn more about how open adoption works.

If you are pregnant and unsure about the best choice for you and your child, consider adoption as a possibility. It is a choice that can offer the best of both worlds: for you to continue your successful career, while giving your child the gift of life and family.

As for Tanya, she continues to serve overseas and has plans to finish college when her tour of duty is complete. On her last visit state side, she spent time with her son and his family and enjoyed seeing that he is growing into quite a successful young man.

For more information about the wonderful and loving families available, visit USAadoption.com.

What is open adoption like?

2009-10-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

What is open adoption and how does it work? What does it look like? Watch this documentary by One World TV to find out! It is filled with first-hand interviews of adoptive parents and birthmothers about their experiences.

Open adoption today provides women a positive choice for an unplanned pregnancy. It also provides struggling parents or grandparents a way to stay involved in their child's life yet place them in a stable, safe family - important if losing them to the foster system is imminent. Open adoption lets you choose the family for your child, lets you maintain ongoing contact both before and after the adoption, and lets your child have a strong and balanced relationship. If you are pregnant, call Lifetime Adoption at 1-800-923-6784 to receive confidential and compassionate help 24 hours a day. You are also able to design a custom adoption plan that suits you and your child. Open adoption is a decision to be proud of!

Watch the documentary about Lifetime Adoption and open adoption here:

16 and Pregnant?!

2009-10-07T11:43:00.001-07:00

Are you a teen and just learned you are pregnant? Have you been hiding a pregnancy for a while? We can provide confidential help as you face these questions. You have decisions to make, and you are the one who will be the most affected by the choices you make.

There is hope.
There is life after an unplanned teen pregnancy.
There are choices that you can be proud of!

You are not alone. Help with your choices is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-923-6784. We also offer confidential live chat throughout the day. Take the first step by asking for help.

Learn more about your pregnancy choices

2009-09-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Counseling

2009-09-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Counseling for women facing an unplanned pregnancy

I have helped women since 1986 with direction in unplanned pregnancies, offering gentle advice to women who are pregnant. They may be considering parenting or making an adoption plan for their baby or an older child. Adoption is not for everyone but there are more options now. Free legal and counseling services along with assistance for expenses and housing options all at no cost to the birth mother. Get Adoption help 24 hours/7 days a week by calling 1-800-923-6784. Ask for a free packet to be sent confidentially to you about adoption.
www.LifetimeAdoption.com

Open Adoption

2009-09-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a video about what open adoption is and how it works. Adoption does not mean saying goodbye or giving your baby away. Adoption is giving your baby a life, a stable family, and a future.

To learn more about open adoption and to get a FREE book about adoption, call 1-800-923-6784 today!

FreeAdoptionBook.com

I Only Did It One Time and I'm Pregnant!

2009-09-02T13:22:00.001-07:00

Sadie's Story

It was a hard lesson to learn, but I learned it. He was 17 and I was 15. He was on the football team and I was a cheerleader. It seemed like a relationship straight out of one of those teenager romance books. The whole relationship seemed almost too good to be true....and, it was. The best part of the whole thing was that it wasn't just a story, it was my life and things were great until it happened. In my wildest dreams, I never thought that I would be in a situation where we only did it once, but got pregnant.

Click here to read the rest of Sadie's story.

I Could Never Give My Baby Away!

2009-08-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Jessica's Story

When I first found out that I was pregnant I was extremely scared. What was I going to do? Some of my friends thought that it was "cool" or "cute" to be pregnant. To be honest, I didn't. I thought it was really stupid of me and I was really mad at the guy that got me pregnant. Yeah, I was in on it, but if I had known what was going to happen, I would never have been with that guy! He wasn't even my boyfriend!

Click here to read the rest of Jessica's story of her unplanned pregnancy.

He Wants Me to Have an Abortion

2009-08-19T09:45:00.001-07:00

This question recently came to me from a pregnant teen, considering her pregnancy choices:

Dear Mardie,
My boyfriend wants me to have an abortion and I don't want to. But I don’t want to lose my boyfriend either. Do you have any advice?
-Tasha

Dear Tasha,
Life can be very interesting for a teenager. Compound that with a little personal insecurity, a longing for more independence from parents, and for some, an unplanned pregnancy, and life goes from interesting to downright confusing. It's only natural for girls that find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy situation to look to their boyfriends for help or support. But it sounds like you are in a situation where things don't go as you think they should with your partner.

You need to do what will work best for you. While it is true that you and your boyfriend had to be together for you to become pregnant, the reality is that what you ultimately decide to do is your decision and does not have to be a collaboration between you and him. It is your body, and if he is not willing to be there for you, it is fairly natural for you to feel like it is YOUR baby. Therefore, you have a right to be the one to make the decision that will work best for you.
Whether you are religious or simply do not believe in abortion is really your business. You don't have to justify or substantiate the extent of your beliefs. That's a personal thing. However, when it comes to determining the best course of action for you, you should never feel that you have compromise what you believe for your boyfriend or anyone. Also, you know your boyfriend, so, you may need to just explain to him why you feel like you do and that even though he wants you to have an abortion, you don't want to because it doesn't seem right for you.

Another option is for you and your boyfriend to consider the other choices that you have. If you find that he is not very cooperative, then you may need to get a third party involved, maybe a professional adoption counselor, a counselor at your local clinic, a parent, or a friend. Even if you decide to try to help him to understand the options including adoption or, potentially, keeping and raising the baby, always remember that you need to keep your own ideals and life priorities in the forefront, as you are one most affected.

If you do pursue adoption, there are people who can help you through the process and there are support groups of birth mothers and adoptive parents that can give you the encouragement that you need before, during, and after the process. These people will educate you as to your choice, what they mean for you, and the benefits for your child. They will also be there if no one else is to listen to you and to make you understand that you are not alone. If you would like to look into adoption, visit LifetimeAdoption.com or call 1-800-923-6784.

Ultimately, it is your choice as to whether you keep the baby, whether you place the baby for adoption, or whether you choose to have an abortion. Before you decide, however, make sure that it's your decision and that no one is forcing you, pressuring you, or threatening you either way. So, even if you find yourself saying, "My boyfriend wants me to have an abortion and I don't want to", the reality is that you don't have to. The final decision is always yours.

Pregnant, worried, no clue how to tell your boyfriend, scared to tell your folks?

2009-08-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Any of those things sound familiar?? You probably feel like you're not ready to be a mom or have to make some decisions that you know one way or another you are going to have to make. It's overwhelming. It's scary.

And, more than anything, you feel alone. Except, guess what... You're not! You may feel trapped, but you aren't. You have choices and we can help you figure out the best one for you.

For instance, many people don't know that adoption still exists, in fact, it's thriving. A lot of young women are in the same spot you are and are choosing adoption for their unborn babies. They can choose the adoptive parents and choose to have contact (even visits!) with the family and their child. Adoption is not goodbye forever, it is taking a scary situation and turning it into a beautiful life. And it is one of your choices.Listen, we could write a book on facing pregnancy by yourself, but we'd rather just talk to you about your situation and see how we can help you. You can call us anytime at 1-800-923-6604.

Pregnancy Counseling Video

Pregnancy counseling for women facing an unplanned pregnancy. I've helped women since 1986 with direction in unplanned pregnancies, offering gentle advice to women who are pregnant. They may be considering parenting or making an adoption plan for their baby or an older child. Adoption is not for everyone but there are more options now . Free legal and counseling services along with assistance for expenses and housing options all at no cost to the birth mother. Get Adoption help 24 hours / 7 days a week by calling 1 800 923-6784 . Ask for a free packet to be sent confidentially to you about adoption

Cost of Raising Child to 17

2009-08-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Do you know the cost of raising a child today to age 17? You might be surprised...click here to find out!

Treasures in a Bag Supports Adoption Foundation

2009-07-29T10:30:00.001-07:00

Treasures in a Bag is a fun and exciting gold panning activity for all ages that raises funds for the non-profit, Lifetime Foundation. In the interview below, Mardie Caldwell, Founder of Treasures in a Bag, explains how the gold panning & treasure hunting fundraising events work in the Gold Country.

The Lifetime Foundation provides scholarships to women who have lovingly chosen adoption.
visit TreasuresinBag.com for info on the gold panning events, and LifetimeFoundation.org for info on the non-profit.

Why I Chose a Single Sista to Adopt by Baby

2009-07-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

This is the story of Shameka, an African American woman who was facing an unplanned pregnancy:

I found out that I was pregnant during the summer time. I was having a cool time hanging out with a lot of new people, and the baby daddy was someone that I had just met. He was cute and smart...a college guy that was home on break. That was cool with me because I was also home just for the summer and had plans to start college in the fall. He and I got together, and the next thing that I knew, I was taking a pregnancy test.

There was so many things that ran through my head when I found out that I was pregnant. To be honest, there were so many thoughts that I actually could not focus. It was terrible. I told the baby daddy and he told me that he didn't want any children at this point in his life. I didn't want any either, but here I was knocked-up and having to make all types of new decisions.

I decided that abortion was not gonna happen. I had known people that had gone through that process and let's just say, they hated it and they hated themselves afterward for doing it. But, I really was considering adoption, that way someone else that maybe couldn't have a baby on their own could be happy and I would be free to move on with my life also.

So, I made some calls, did a little research online, and finally was ready to learn about adoption. It was not a very "comfortable" time in my life, not only because of the situation being what it was, but I was experiencing horrible bouts of morning sickness. I placed a call to African American Adoptions Online:
1-800-923-6784. It was one of the toughest calls I’ve ever made, but I made it through and I felt that my mind was a little less fuzzy afterward.

The adoption counselor and I spoke pretty in-depth about what I wanted for this baby. I told her that whoever adopted my child needed to be strong, African-American like me, and respected. I wasn't ready to be a mom, but I know what a good mom and parent should be.

As time when on, my adoption counselor and I had narrowed it down to two families. I would have to decide between this really great couple and a single African-American woman that wanted to be a mom. The adoption counselor was kind of shocked when I told her that I picked the single woman. But, in my heart, I know that it was the right decision for this child. Here's why...
Click here to read the rest of Shameka's story...

Adoption on ABC news show

2009-07-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Lifetime Adoption Center's Director recently appeared on ABC's morning news show, Sacramento & Company, to discuss how adoption has been impacted by the current economy. Click here to watch the interview.

Since the decline in our economy, there has been a steady increase in the number of older and married women placing a child for adoption. Lifetime has seen the number of birth mothers planning to place their babies for adoption tripled to 378 since the decline in the economy. Some women already have two or three children and say they can't afford to feed another mouth.

The good news, however, is that there hasn't been a decrease in families adopting. The CEO of Lifetime is also the author of "I Was Thinking About Adoption" which offers great information for those who want to adopt and those who want to put their children up for adoption. Click here to get your free copy.

Pregnant Chicks - Help for pregnant chicks looking for advice

2009-07-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Every day, hundreds of women will discover they are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Are you or a friend one of them?

You are not alone. Visit Pregnant Chicks for help!

Ask a question...
Read a story...

Lots of women have been where you are and we can help you find the help you need and the resources you want.

We hope you will find the help you need to make the best decision for you and your baby!

Get Your Free Copy of So I Was Thinking About Adoption!

2009-07-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

Handy, a guide to the ins and outs of the adoption process.
Overflowing with information.
Packed with resources for families in crisis.
Excellent! No other book like it on the market!

Click here to request your free copy today! It will be delivered straight to your email inbox.

Pro-Life or Pro-Choice...Is There Another Option?

2009-06-23T14:18:00.001-07:00

Everything in life is not in "black" or "white." From children, we have been taught to look at so many aspects of life as definitive’s, when in fact, things aren't always that simple or clear cut. The same holds true with regard to pregnancy. For far too long, we have been made to feel that there are only two options for women when they become pregnant...that they can only have one of two views. Either your perspective is Pro-life or Pro-choice...that's it. Pick a side and stick with it. But, that couldn't be farther from the truth. There is another option for women. How about adoption? Click here to read more.

For more information and to get a FREE downloadable book about your options, visit SoIWasThinkingAboutAdoption.com or pop online and chat live with an adoption professional that can answer your questions confidentially at www.LifetimeAdoption.com. 1-800-9-ADOPT-4 is a hotline open around the clock for questions about adoption and unplanned pregnancy.

I don't think I can do this on my own!

2009-06-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Mardie,
I watched the show tonight about being a pregnant teen. I can relate. I am almost 16. My baby is 3 months old. When I found out I was pregnant, I was lucky because my family was behind me. But being pregnant was the easy part. I mean it was hard, and labor was awful, but I definitely didn't think it was going to be like this after my baby came. Taking care of my baby is really hard- my mom started help with me in the beginning, but she had to go back to work and now me and Lauren are home alone all day and I don't even have a license so I can get out and have some freedom. I have to take care of everything on my own at home. I mean I am up all night and then up early to feed her and then hardly have time for my friends or doing things I like. As soon as I start to get dressed or put my makeup on the baby starts crying. I really didn't think it would be like this. I was so excited but it is so much work. It's like I just take care of her and if I'm lucky I get some sleep. Everything is about the baby, and then people are judging me or telling me how to take care of Lauren like I'm stupid or something.

My mom is getting on my nerves, she said she would help but it's all me, taking care of the baby. She won’t take over when I ask. Like she tells me all day what I should be doing or how to I should do something, but then at night she says she needs her sleep and then goes to bed. This is so different and I just don’t know if I can do this forever. I can't take this much longer. The baby cries a lot and my friends hardly come over to see me. I am so tired all the time.

My friends don’t understand and they barely text me or call anymore. I haven’t had a date since before I was showing and the baby’s father has a new girlfriend. I wish I could go out with my friends but I am so tired and just cry and fight with my mom. I am alone. My mom says we can't afford for her to take time off work to take me to the DMV to get my license and that even if I had my license we couldn't afford the insurance and I won't get a car. I feel like she treats me like a little kid. I need some independence. I am hoping it will all be better in a few months, but I don't know.

I am not sure I can do this, but I am rethinking my decision. I love my baby but I don’t think I can do this on my own much longer. A friend told me I should do adoption when I was pregnant but I didn't want to carry a baby for all those months and then just give it away. But now I wonder if I made the wrong choice. I still don't know. It would be hard not to see my baby or know how she's doing. But I want a life; I really do want to live again. Is it too late to change my mind? Help.
~Lizzie from Ohio

Dear Lizzie,
It took guts for you to share your feelings here and I appreciate that you put it all out there. Many times women are too afraid to speak out about the difficulties they face with a baby. Your feelings and challenges are real, and it may sometimes feel like you are stuck. But you still have options. A woman can choose to make an open adoption plan for her baby at any time, even after the baby is born. Learning the facts about adoption will help you decide if it's going to be the best move for your baby's future, and your future.
~Mardie

With open adoption you can:

choose your baby's adoptive parents and the exact lifestyle you desire for your baby

talk with and meet the adoptive parents before you do the adoption

get free, confidential counseling and support

stay in touch with the adoptive parents after the adoption and even have visits

make goals for after the adoption and pursue them

qualify for scholarships available only to women who chose adoption for their baby

Since you're not sure yet if adoption would be the right thing to do now, I recommend that you read the latest book for teens on adoption, So I Was Thinking About Adoption. You can download a FREE copy of So I Was Thinking About Adoption by clicking here. Find out more about the book by visiting http://www.soiwasthinkingaboutadoption.com/. You may also request a free copy of the book by mail if you call
1-800-923-6784. I think that this little book will be an approachable, low pressure way for you to figure out if adoption is something you could get serious about. You never know! Maybe an open adoption is the best way to provide your baby and yourself with the lives you hope for. You'll only find out if you read more of the facts about adoption. Look into your heart and at your realities and keep asking questions, Lizzie. If you need more information call 1-800-923-6784 anytime.

"16 and Pregnant" show on MTV

2009-06-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

The new show "16 and Pregnant" on MTV follows teens who are pregnant and dealing with issues like marriage, adoption, school, work, and gossip. The first episode, which aired last night, featured Maci, who is pregnant and just graduating high school. Her baby's father, Ryan, doesn't seem supportive at all. While Maci works, goes to college, and takes care of their baby Bentley Cadence, he enjoys nights out with friends and can't even be bothered to change one diaper.

The episode was certainly an eye-opener for teenagers who dream of having a cute baby of their own to love. Raising a baby at a young age is not glamorous or easy. Maci was forced to sacrifice her teenage years and high school experience.

If you or a friend think you may be pregnant, or are facing a teenage pregnancy, visit 16andPregnant.com for options and to chat.

Are You Pregnant? Chat Live online

2009-06-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Whether you just found out you are pregnant, or are late into your pregnancy, we have information for you. Maybe it's your daughter or girlfriend who just learned she is having a baby.

We Can Help You With An Unplanned Pregnancy. Click here to chat live with a specialist about your options.

Free Unplanned Pregnancy Adoption Kit!

2009-06-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Call Lifetime Adoption today at
1-800-923-6784 to request your Free Unplanned Pregnancy Adoption Kit! Each kit contains:

Free copy of the hot new adoption book So I Was Thinking About Adoption...Considering Your Choices and a cute matching bookmark
Fun beauty gift
Copy of the Lifetime Magazine, which is packed with informative pregnancy articles and letters from adoptive families
"What Are My Choices?" brochure, which explains how Lifetime's free and confidential adoption services work

"Birthmother Blessings" brochure, that describes how women considering adoption can receive free clothing, household items, and more!

Pregnancy newsletter tailored to your pregnancy month to answer your pregnancy questions

"The Steps to Adoption" packet explaining how the adoption process works with Lifetime Adoption
Profiles about hopeful adoptive families who match your preferences

Call Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784 to request your free kit today! We care about you and your child!

Please call us at 1-800-923-6784. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Let us help you. http://www.lifetimeadoption.com/.

16 and Pregnant?!

2009-05-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

"No, it can't be...
How will I tell my parents?
What will my boyfriend say?
I'm too young to be pregnant...
I'm too young to make these decisions!"

Are you struggling with these or similar thoughts? Have you just learned you are pregnant? Have you been hiding a pregnancy for a while?

We can provide confidential help as you face these questions. You have decisions to make, and you are the one who will be the most affected by the choices you make.

There is hope.
There is life after an unplanned teen pregnancy.
There are choices that you can be proud of.

You are not alone. Help with your choices is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-923-6784. We also offer confidential live chat throughout the day. Take the first step by asking for help. 16andPregnant.com.

Unplanned Pregnancy Twitter

2009-05-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Twitter yet? Twitter has created quite a buzz lately and is a free social messaging utility for staying connected with friends, family, and those with similar interests.

Here is a Twitter user to follow for those facing an unplanned pregnancy:

https://twitter.com/pregnancy_help

Lifetime Adoption on Facebook

2009-05-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Are you considering adoption? Are you a Facebook member? Become a fan of Lifetime Adoption for updates on adoption situations, adoption videos, audio, and more!

LifetimeAdoption.com/facebook

National Birth Mother's Day video

2009-05-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is National Birth Mother's Day!

This day honors and remembers the women who lovingly chose adoption for their children.

Join in on our Virtual Event on Facebook! Click here to attend.

Watch a video of Mardie Caldwell, Founder of Lifetime Adoption, explaining this special day:

A Day for Birth Mothers...

2009-05-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

In 1990, a group of women gathered and decided to set aside the day before Mother's Day to honor mothers who choose to give their child life and provide them a family through adoption. This year, that special day is May 9, 2009. At Lifetime, we want to recognize our birth mothers on this day; they are special to us.

The Lifetime Adoption Foundation is eager to help you with your future through an educational scholarship to pursue your education. They are also able to help with other needs you may have, such as clothing or household items. Please don’t hesitate to ask. Visit LifetimeFoundation.org to find out more.

Remember that we are always here for you, even if you just need to talk. Today and everyday, you are warmly remembered and lifted up in prayer.

Fondly,
Mardie Caldwell & Everyone at Lifetime

To My Daughter’s First Mother
Written by an Adoptive Mother

All the words in the world could never express
The way I feel about you.
I know our paths were meant to cross
I hope you feel that way too.

I wish for you a wonderful life,
I know great things are in store for you
Because you are strong and will never give up
You will make your dreams come true.

The day I had the pleasure of meeting you
I saw your beautiful face,
My heart was filled with great peace
I felt our spirits embrace.

You have given me a treasure
Worth far more than silver or gold,
A beautiful daughter, a child of God,
A precious life to shape and mold.

I am grateful to you for giving her life,
You knew abortion was not to be her fate.
You chose to take the harder path
You proved your love for her was great.

I promise you that I will tell her
Of the great courage you have shown,
And that she is deeply loved by another
To her you will always be known.

I hope you will find comfort in knowingS
he is deeply loved and cherished too.
She will never want for anything,
I owe her life to you.

I pray for guardian angels
To guide you and ease your way.
I pray you always feel our Savior’s love
Because of the sacrifice you made that day.

Pregnancy Decision Kit

2009-04-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Are you a mother who just found out your daughter is pregnant? You are not alone. Thousands of moms have been right where you are today. But somewhere between the shock and fear, reality sets in... This is MY Little Girl.

We Have the Help, Information, and Tools You are Looking For To Help Your Daughter Make the BEST Decision For Herself AND Her Baby.

There is a media kit, "My Child is Pregnant... What are My Rights?" that contains the answers that you as a parent need. It's part of My Daughter's Decision kit, designed for you and your daughter.

Let me share what's in the My Daughter's Decision kit with you...

AUDIO CD: "My Child is Pregnant, What Are My Rights?"

Learn the rights that you as a parent have in your dauther's decisions in regards to her pregnancy. Attorney Felice Webster shares her knowledge and interpretation of the law. This will arm you with what you need to know.

RETAIL VALUE: $9.97

NEW BOOK: "So I Was Thinking About Adoption..."

Short, concise book helps you and your daughter consider options for her pregnancy that include adoption. Get planning sheets, questions for the doctor, and tips for caring for yourself during pregnancy.
RETAIL VALUE: $8.95

BONUS INSTANT REPORT: Top 10 Questions Mom Like You Ask

Learn from common questions and answers from other mom's who have been right where you are and asked the same questions that you likely have. It's pretty likely that these top questions are your questions right now. Get this PDF report right now!

RETAIL VALUE: $4.97

BONUS INSTANT REPORT: I'm Too Young To Be a Grandma!

Tips for you as you face this situation and move forward. This report will help you with topics regarding the options your daughter has. It will also help you remain calm in the face of the struggles you now face. Get this PDF report right now!

RETAIL VALUE: $4.97

Click here to purchase the kit and let me help you on this journey. Our kit comes with a free shipping upgrade to priority so this vital information reaches you more quickly.

Adoption Scholarships

2009-04-22T10:04:00.000-07:00