Abortion

At Birthright, we understand that having a baby is a life-changing decision and one that requires careful consideration. A quick decision based on emotions like fear, panic and anxiety may lead to heartache. Our volunteers and staff are trained to help you consider the options: abortion, adoption, and keeping your baby in your family. No matter what choice you make, it’s going to be tough. We want to help you make an informed decision. Come in and let’s talk!

Birthright’s volunteers will never try to pressure you into a choice. We are here with information to help you make the best decision for you. We care about you and want to help you feel the hope for your future and the love of your community! We will work with you and help with your goals and needs in life.

Make an appointment to talk today.

Adoption

Inviting another family to raise your baby is always an option. While it may be difficult, many mothers are able to make this choice because of the loving families that eagerly wait to accept a child into their home. If you do choose to make adoption, you can choose from three possible plans:

Open Adoption: In open adoptions, all the information about you is shared with the adoptive parents and the adoptive parents’ information is shared with you as well. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses and more. Oftentimes, there are regular visits to the adoptive home, and birth parents are able to play an active role in the lives of their biological child. It is normal to want some contact with a child and this plan allows mothers who want that to make it happen.

Semi-open Adoption: In semi-open adoption, identifying information is not shared between biological and adoptive parents. Communication like letters, texts, and pictures go through a 3rd party, either an agency or a lawyer. Sometimes visits can be arranged and they are usually once per year. The biological mother may meet with parents during pregnancy or after birth depending on the agreements.

Closed Adoption: In a closed adoption, no identifying information is exchanged, and there are no visits or correspondence between the biological parents and the adoptive parents. For some biological mothers, this is a valid preference and it is OK to not want to be in contact.

There are many agencies that help mothers to make adoption plans that fit their desires and their future plans. There are no wrong or right ways to make an adoption plan.

Make an appointment to talk today.

Parenting

Raising your child yourself is always a choice, regardless of your age, education or income. So much of parenting is just being yourself and caring for your child. The most important thing – don’t stress out! You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. There are so many things to do starting with the first positive pregnancy test: make an appointment for prenatal care and get an ultrasound, begin taking prenatal vitamins, make a plan for where to live when the baby comes, and much more. At every stage there are new challenges and new things to learn. And you will able to do it!

Birthright is here to help. We are an organization run by real people, many of us are mothers, and we are here to help you learn the things you need to know. And if we don’t know an answer, our network of friendly organizations will help. We are here as trusted confidants to help you through the pregnancy and into parenting. Call us to set up an appointment today!

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care visits with a doctor or midwife are vital for you and for your baby. It’s important to see a doctor at least four times before the baby is born to make sure you and the baby stay healthy.

What you can do starting now:

  • Check with your doctor before taking any medicines, even the ones available at the drug store. And tell your doctor if you do take medicines.
  • Do not consume drugs or alcohol as these can have serious health consequences for your baby
  • Take a prenatal vitamin with 400 – 800 mcg of folic acid every day
  • Avoid getting x-rays (Tell your doctor or dentist that you are pregnant)
  • Drink plenty of water every day
  • Limit caffeinated drinks like coffee, energy drinks, and sodas.
  • Eat as healthy as you can including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Do not eat lunch meats or undercooked meat, fish or eggs (No sushi!)
  • Wash your hands often to avoid illness
  • Avoid hot tubs and saunas

If you have questions about safe foods during pregnancy, check with your doctor.

If you need help finding a doctor, call and we will help you find one.

Childbirth

At your prenatal care visits with the doctor or midwife, ask questions about the delivery so that you can understand the options available. In the majority of cases, delivering mothers are able to make several decisions. You can choose to do a natural birth or one with pain medication called an epidural. You can decide who comes with you to the delivery. You can decide to give your baby his first bath or to let the nurse give it to him while you rest. There are many decisions that are yours to make. Speak with your doctor or a counselor to ensure that you know all the choices you have.

A Few Resources on Pregnancy & Childbirth:

American Pregnancy Association

Nurses For Newborns

March of Dimes

Show Me Healthy Babies

Parental Skills & Child Care

Whether you are a first-time parent or even if you already have little ones at home, it can be difficult to know what your children need from you. It is OK – in fact, it’s encouraged, to seek help and ask questions. Parenting is all about loving, helping, and supporting your child.

You might feel overwhelmed by the thought of raising a child. It is expensive and time-consuming. Those feelings are valid. Parenting might delay plans for education or career achievement. And yet, it doesn’t mean that you are the wrong person to raise your child. And you are still capable of achieving the things you want to do in life. Ultimately, you are the one who decides what type of parent you’re going to be. We’ll be here to help you throughout your pregnancy and provide you with helpful resources on parenting skills.

Helpful Links:

Parenting.com

Newborn Care for New Parents

OASH- Newborn Care and Beyond

Visit us and talk to us about your concerns and we will answer your questions!

Make an appointment.

*These links are provided for your reference only. Birthright has found these resources to be credible, but does not necessarily recommend or endorse all information they provide.