Freaking out, need some advice!

[patrice90]

Hello everyone,

My name is Lauren and I'm 22 years old. I recently found out that I am about 8 weeks pregnant. This information blindsided me, I was not prepared for this at all. I work as a waitress, live at home with my parents and have been putting off going back to school. I am still in the process of deciding whether or not to keep this baby. I'm still considering abortion. My heart is telling me to keep it, and do the best I can. However, I am just so confused and scared!!

I need some advice from some other young mothers in my situation, or perhaps mothers who were at one time in my situation. I have so many goals as far as school and a career, is it possible to be a young successful single mother?? The father is in the picture, but we are not married and actually just started dating about two months ago. I want to have this child and be the best mother I can be, but I want to be successful as well. I don't want to struggle for my entire life.

[KKSmithFL]

Have you ever thought about adoption? Sometimes being a good mother means giving your child up in order to give him or her the best life possible. That's what happened to me. My adoptive parents were honest with me about my adoption from the time they carried me home, so I never thought of it other than, it just was. My birth mom wanted a better life for me than she could provide, and my adoptive family just plain wanted me. No regrets.

[Lendar]

Hmm, I disagree that giving the child to adoption is a good solution. Sometimes the child wants to be with its real parents even if they cant provide them a great life. And I guarantee you that you will think on the child every single day.
I would try to raise it by myself. Is your mother going to help with raising your child ?

[PhayMarie]

i am a young mom 22 years old with 2 boys. i had them at 16 years old. it was a very scary situation but i decided i wanted to keep my babies. my mom was my supposrt system and def has helped me through the years. i am now pregnant again and scared out of my mind...3 kids i dont know if i can handle that. dont worry your not alone but if u have the support you can do it. believe in urself and in your baby and in the end you will see. im happy i kept my boys i dont know what life would be like with out them. they are my loves :)

[Elizabeth Dennis]

I am also a young mother. I became pregnant right after I graduated. I was unemployed, my father just had stroke when I found out that I was pregnant. We were on the hospital then with my siblings discussing how will we be able to pay my father's hospital bills. I am so scared but I never thought of abortion. I talked to my sister first as I know she will always understand me. And she did. and she helped me through it. Now, my baby is my inspiration to work really hard so I could give him a bright future.

[pollack]

I think, In such situations if a mother really want to keep it and lead a successful life, first of all need to talk about with your family and the spouse, as if none of them have any problem or concern with it, otherwise it might lead to some serious problems among relations.

[sitters]

That is a really tough decision to make. I think you should go for counseling. But there are a lot of stories about successful single mom. Its all about strategizing your personal and professional work.

With modern society you can have a lot of option to work as well as look after baby. So, I suggest to go with baby.