Pregnancy E-Magazine, February 2012
Pregnancy Announcements
Introducing our new Unplanned Pregnancy Community website. Find support and informative articles about unplanned pregnancy.
Blogging: Interested in Blogging? We're currently looking for volunteer bloggers for the following categories: Unplanned Pregnancy and Birth/First Parent.
Choosing a Maternity Home
The concept of a maternity home has been around for decades. Maternity homes became popular during the 50s and 60s, but they had a slightly different purpose than they do now. Back then, maternity homes were mainly an escape from judgment. Because having a pregnancy outside of marriage wasn't socially acceptable, many girls and women were sent to maternity homes so they wouldn't be seen in society and the rumors and gossip could be kept to a minimum. Usually when girls and women were sent to maternity homes in the 50s and 60s, they placed their children with adoptive families before returning home.
Today, modern maternity homes have morphed into something completely different. The main goal of any good, reputable maternity home should be all about support. Modern maternity homes give a place to live, food to eat, and clothes to wear to pregnant women who genuinely need that extra support and help. Many homes are set up like college dorms, with many rooms available for those in need of help during their pregnancies. On the smaller side of the spectrum, some maternity homes are just a family's home with a spare bedroom or two.
While the most obvious benefit of choosing a maternity home is the shelter, food, transportation, and essential clothing. But there are other benefits to be aware of, too. One great thing for any pregnancy is low stress. When the mother's stressed, the baby is stressed. The right maternity home for you should be a low-stress environment. Things should be calm and orderly. If you decide to live with a family in their home, remember that you'll most likely be a part of their family's day-to-day activities, which you can consider a positive or a negative.
The next benefit for choosing to stay at a maternity home is medical care. Proper prenatal care during pregnancy is crucial. Even so, you may not have insurance or the money to pay for routine doctor visits, prescriptions, or hospital bills. Those who run the maternity home will be able to help you with that if you decide to stay there. Depending on your exact situation, this benefit may be a determining factor for you. Keeping up on your prenatal care will enable you and your doctor to be fully aware of your health, your baby's health, and any risks or potential pregnancy or birthing issues.
Remember that not all maternity homes are the same. Some are better than others. Some are honest and want to help and others try to pressure and coerce women into making a decision they don't want to make--whatever that decision ends up being. Because of the many startling differences between maternity homes, it is up to you to research your options and make an informed decision. This decision you make will affect the rest of your life, so it's important that you take the time to really think about your options. Before deciding on a maternity home, go visit the home and the people who run it. Ask a lot of questions and take a tour. See how you feel about it and trust your instincts. If you feel unsettled, unsure, or uncomfortable, go to the next maternity home and see how you feel. Remember, a maternity home should be about supporting your decision, not pressuring you to make a specific decision. After all, this is your journey.
"We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body." -Ralph Waldo Emerson [more]
We are Lee and Julie. We are grateful for the courage and love you have shown to develop an adoption plan for your child. Your child will grow up knowing what true love and sacrifice is. We believe God will continue to do great things through you. [more]
Hi we are Jim and Connie and we want to thank you for looking at our profile. We have been waiting many years to become a family and can't wait for that dream to come true. You are a very giving and loving person by making an adoption plan for your baby [more]
We cannot imagine how difficult this decision has been for you. Our promise to you as adoptive parents is to provide stability, love, encouragement and security to your child. We will make sure they know they are special because so many people love them. [more]
The information and links displayed above relate to profile posting services provided on the ParentProfiles.com web site, which is a service of Adoption Profiles, L.L.C., who sponsors this section and is solely responsible for its content.
Pregnancy Blogs from AdoptionBlogs.com
Becoming a First Mother
This has been a subject on my heart for a long time, something I haven’t been sure about how to approach until now. My pregnancies were really difficult emotionally and physically, as I spent one preparing to parent and one to place 7 years after that. Both choices are hard, and both have long term effects on your life. [more]
The Love that Lets Love Go
No greater love could there ever be a love that encompasses sorrow, Not even the darkest night can smother its heavenly light, It holds the broken and weary, embraces the torn parts and puts them together whole [more]
Pregnancy Community, News & Events
Birth Fathers Support - Searching for James Spence!
Considering Your Options - All Birthmoms and Adoptive parents- Pls Help
I Chose Adoption - Right thing..Wrong feeling?
Birthparent Support - My Sister is Pregnant...
Each week, Adoption.com hosts a number of online chats on many different topics. To learn more about the Hosted Chats, visit the Adoption.com Events Calendar.
Add your non-marketing adoption related event at no cost. Get started today by registering for an account.
Pregnancy Tip of the Month
One of the most important things you can do for yourself and you baby is to make sure you keep yourself healthy, happy, and up-to-date on doctor visits.
In Your Words
Share Your Thoughts with Us
Have something to share in the next issue of the emag? Please use the form below to tell us about your thoughts, comments, experiences, feedback, etc. Your submission may appear in an upcoming issue of the emag.
