You Could Do This. Here’s What Would Help.
Maybe you’ve always wanted children, just not now. Maybe you’re already raising a family and can’t picture adding another child. Or maybe part of you wants to parent, but you have real questions about money, housing, childcare, work, school, or support.
Those concerns deserve more than a quick reassurance that everything will work out. At The Cottage Women’s Care, you can talk honestly about what parenting would require, what resources may be available, and what kind of support could make a difference.
Start With What You Know
Before planning months ahead, start by learning more about your pregnancy.
A no-cost pregnancy test can confirm whether hCG was detected. If your result is positive and you qualify for an ultrasound, the scan can provide more information about how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and whether heartbeat activity can be detected.
From there, you can begin thinking more specifically about the future.
What Would Parenting Require Right Now?
Choosing to parent can raise practical questions that differ for every woman. Consider what concerns you most:
- Where would you and your baby live?
- How would a child affect your work or education?
- Who could you call when you need practical help?
- What baby supplies do you already have, and what would you need?
- Is the baby’s father involved?
- What financial or community resources might be available?
You don’t need to have a perfect answer to every question. Identifying your biggest concerns can help you determine what kind of support and resources you need.
Learn Practical Skills for Parenting
Questions about parenting don’t end once you decide to raise your child. You may want to learn more about pregnancy, childbirth, caring for a newborn, child development, or other parts of family life.
The Cottage offers BrightCourse, an educational program with lessons on pregnancy, parenting, relationships, and life skills. You can learn about topics that are relevant to you and build practical knowledge for the months and years ahead.
Ask an advocate about BrightCourse and the educational resources currently available through The Cottage.
What If Money Is One of My Biggest Concerns?
The cost of raising a child is a real consideration. Diapers, clothing, healthcare, childcare, and everyday expenses add up.
Before deciding that your financial circumstances make parenting impossible, it may be helpful to find out what assistance is available. The Cottage provides infant supplies and can connect you with community resources and programs that may meet additional needs.
Our advocates can also provide information about programs such as SoonerCare and WIC and direct you to resources for learning about qualifications and applying.
What If I Don’t Have Stable Housing?
Preparing for a baby can feel especially difficult when you’re uncertain about where you will live.
The provides housing and a supportive environment for pregnant women who need greater stability. If housing is one of your concerns, talk with an advocate to learn more about the program and whether it may fit your needs.
Who Would Be Part of Your Support System?
Support can come from different places. The baby’s father may be involved in your decision and your child’s life. You may have parents, siblings, friends, or other people you trust. You may also need to look beyond the people you already know for additional community resources.
Take some time to think about who could provide practical help, encouragement, childcare, transportation, or other forms of support.
If you want the baby’s father or another support person to come to your appointment, they are welcome to join you.
You Don’t Have to Have Everything Figured Out Today
Parenting is a significant decision, and practical concerns won’t disappear because someone tells you not to worry.
Start by identifying the questions that matter most to you. At The Cottage Women’s Care, you can learn more about your pregnancy, talk through your concerns with an advocate, and find out what services and resources may be available.
All services are confidential and provided at no cost.
