Choosing to Parent

One option open to you isparenting your baby -by yourself, with the father, or with other help. Even with the support of friends and family members, this can be an overwhelming job. Talk to your parents about how their lives changed when they had their first child. Interview friends or relatives who may be raising a child alone and ask them about the difficulties and rewards of this choice.

Figure out what kind of support you will be receiving from your family or the father, and then consider how you would provide for:

Housing
Utilities
Food
Child care (if you must work to support yourself and your child)
Transportation (a vehicle, gas, repairs and insurance or public transportation)
Baby clothing and diapers
Formula and bottles
Baby furniture and other equipment
Doctor’s bills for well-baby check-ups and for illnesses
Medications

If parenting is yourchoice and you need assistance, there are local, state, and federalresources that offer help, including:

Medicaid
Click on your state to get information on eligibility and enrollment in this insurance program for you and your unborn child, if you have no other insurance.

Pregnancy Care Centers
Find a pregnancy care center near you for counseling, fetal care, and information.

WIC - Supplemental Food Program
This federally sponsored program exists in every state and provides food vouchers for pregnant women, and women with infants and young children. The goal of the program is good health through nutrition.