How to Handle Pregnancy As a Single Mother

If you're already a single mom and find yourself pregnant again, it can be a very overwhelming feeling. You already know what it's like to be pregnant, but now a whole new flood of questions jumps into your head. How will you possibly handle all of your current responsibilities while dealing with all of the situations a pregnancy brings? How will you afford another mouth to feed? How will you take time off of work to have another baby when you're already living paycheck to paycheck? Who will watch your new baby when you go back to work? The list goes on and on, and if you don't stop this mental questioning, you might stress out completely. Take a breath and read this guide to help yourself through this challenging time.

You're Already a Pro - You've already encountered most or all of the things that come with pregnancy. You know what to expect and know when to visit the doctor. Once your baby is born you know how many times they need to go in for shots, and what to feed them. You know how to change the diapers, and how to keep them from fussing. For your first child you had to learn all of this first hand, on the go, and as things occurred. Now you'll be ready for anything that might come up.

Help Will Find You - You're not alone, your friends and family will recognize that you are in a difficult situation and offer to help out. Don't be too proud to take people up on their offers. When you're a single mom raising more than one kid, you'll need some me time every once in a while. If your sister, mother, or a friend offers to babysit for a night, take the opportunity to go do something you enjoy and recharge your batteries. If money is tight, keep your ears open to any jobs you can do from home. If you stay alert and positive the right people will find their way to you just when you need them.

Join a Support Group - There are most likely several groups in your area that are in place for single women. Take the time to join them. It will be therapeutic for you to realize that you're not the only one in this situation. You can get tips, advice, and support from those in the group. They've probably been in your shoes before, and will be able to relate. Finding people who can relate to your situation will be hard to do outside of these groups, and you'll feel isolated and alone if you don't get out there and meet others just like you.

No matter what you do, don't panic about being pregnant as a single mom. You'll find a way to get through it, and you'll look back at these times with a smile knowing that you overcame a challenge.

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