Childbirth Resouces
Childbirth
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Single MomsPlease send us your short story about being a single parent! There are many issues which you could write about. Don't worry about correct spelling or punctuation. We will help you with that aspect. Just send your story (could be just a paragraph or two) in email to [email protected] and we will consider publishing it here. Thank you!
God always makes a way
My name is Alycia and I am a single mother of two year. My son was born a month early on December 26th. My son's father denied being my child's father after I telling him that I did not get an abortion. He called ever now and then but it wasn't for good reasons. I was totally stressed worrying about how I was going to care for my child without his father and still trying to stay in school. I worked five days a week and went to school six days a week. It took a toll on my body and caused my have complications throughout my pregnancy and during the delivery of my son. Now that my son is here his father has been ordered to pay child support but he does not help with anything else. He lives Memphis, TN and has only seen his child twice out of my son's two years on this earth.
It is very hard. I am always tired. It
is frustrating sometimes but I would not change a thing about my life. I
love my little angel dearly and I thank God that I did not have that
abortion. I struggle with taking care of my son but God always makes a
way.
Drained
my name's christina and im 18yrs old. I am a single mother of a 7 month old baby boy. I think i'm to the point to where I can say I've struggled. not financially because of the help of my family but physically, mentally and emotionally. my babies father left me when I was 2 months pregnant. he told me he didn’t want anything to do with me or our baby. naturally I was crushed. but for the sake of my baby I kept myself busy and tried not think about him so there would be no stress on my baby. I had family and friends but still felt very alone. thoughts constantly ran through my head like how am I going to do this without him?, how am I going to explain to my son the reasons why he doesn’t have a father? during my 8th month of pregnancy my sons father called me and was telling me he wanted to be able to see my baby. I told him "no way... you should have been there from the beginning instead of running away like a little boy" he got mad and hung up on me. he wasn't there for my sons birth but found out about it from somebody and tried to call me and tell me to let him see his son. I still refused. he was telling me over the phone he was going to kill me and take my baby if I refused again. I kept my word and got a restraining order on him. he left me alone for about 6 months and started right back up again. till this day he continues. my body is exhausted. my heart hurts with guilt. I feel so bad for my son. its not his fault we cant get along. I am drained emotionally, mentally, and physically.
be thankful I am a single mother of my 4 year old daughter Delanie. I work two jobs and often feel guilty about not being able to spend more time with her. I recently bought my own home eight months ago and every day is a different struggle. She is what gets me through each of them. I would rather have this hectic life than not have her. I used to cry at night because I felt bad for her having to grow up without a "normal" family. I finally realized its not abnormal to her, she loves her life because she is loved. She is so young that the simple things in life are all she cares about so i decided to quit my crying and be thankful for what we have.
So many promises, so many heart aches
am a single mother of 4 children. 11,10,8 an 2. I am only 29yrs old. When my first baby was born in 94 I really thought I found a place in this world. My parents were horrible but I went the different route. The school I had gone to would not allow pregnant girls in school so I ran to the nearest library and got started on my GED. I have raised my children on nothing but love, GOD, encouragement, sacrifices on my part. And here I am writing? I always thought to be a good single mother I always tried my hardest at everything. I graduated the year after I was to graduate with two children and divorced. Yes two! And Yes I was to graduate in May of 94 but Nov. of 95 is my graduation year. I was on the front page of the news paper with my daughter, which was my second born in my arms with my son at my leg. I felt so proud of my self for accomplishing that. No one gave me a pat on the back. But those smiling faces made up for it. I manage to fight off three husbands who were abusive and cheaters. To where I ended up in a old station wagon breastfeeding one while the other ate bologna that I stole from the grocery store. So many sacrifices, So many promises, so many heart aches. And yet every counselor I meet always ask "why haven't you just quit?" Well the words I LOVE YOU MOM is the only reason I'm still fighting. I know I have a long way to go still. But three boys and one girl deserve so much to have a father but here I am alone! Everyday I am fighting a battle with someone. Right now I am fighting to keep my third child who is 8 an no one to hear me cry or to support me but the Lord an my older two. I have a family! It might be without a father but I made what I have now, unfortunitely one father wants to tear that down like he did our hearts when he left. I never thought I would ever end up like this. Now Sept. will only tell how long I get
to keep my family I built with no Man beside me. An the last of my
fighting strength I shall not give up still!!! I feel children should
have everything to keep their love tanks filled even without a father!
Although it would be nice to at least have a male role modle around.
But then maybe I have raised or raising the new generation of fathers
and a generation of a woman who will not turn to any undesirable men
just to feel loved. Being beat hurts but when your children see the
after affects that kills an never does those lil faces ever look at me
wrong but only with love an loyalty, an guidance. My last husband is
in jail for almost killing me. I look at my 2yr old an wonder
why? why? He would have been a good father. But then I hear the
Lord say "No one can raise them like you can with the love you
have for them". So again I go on. My son may not have his father
nor my other three but they have me which the Lord kept alive to
be their mother and to finish guiding them an takeing care of
them........ Still believes in love It is now 36 years since I embarked on being a single mother, with all the hope I have read about in previous stories. I felt my love for my son would make up for the lack of money, the lack of time. I am still waiting for that to prove out. My son and I are somewhat estranged now. He is struggling through a life without a father. He didn't find out what that was like, to bond with a daddy and God knows I tried to find one for him. As in the animal kingdom, male animals do not want another males offspring. So my son was fatherless, grasping on a flimsy memory of a dead beat father who had a violent and criminal background. A father who didn't get to know my son, who really didn't want to know him. I wish I could have at least provided a better caliber" missing dad " for him. One day he went on the internet looking for
his "dad" and found out he was dead. "It is funny
how I had always hoped that one day he would come back and want to know
about me" my son said.
My son led an unusual life, he worked as a
bartender in San Francisco, used some drugs and drank al ot. He
was interested in many things,, Art, Music, Architecture,
Acting.......but so far he hasn't really focused on anything. I
have been a rather controlling person in his life, trying to fix every
mistake he has made and it isn't working. He asked me to let
him fall down and try to get back up on his own and I am doing that. It
is hard.
He is off drugs and alcohol. I am still
hopeful. I still believe in love.
keeping my hopes alive I am a single mother my daughter was born
last year. but sadly was not even around to see the birth he doesn't even
know if she is a girl or boy or if she is alive, but I tried to keep my
head up until i got my self caught into a situation and abusive situation.
It started off with her dad who I thought we
were in love and wanted to marry me until i got pregnant which was our
idea in the first place then he suggested and abortion, so he left when i
was five months pregnant.
After that depression got the best of me and I
made a stupid decision. I place her in the hands of a angry man with lots
of issues and I regretted even since.
but thankful I am in college and I am keeping my
hopes alive. we are struggling never knowing when a meal will come along
or where we will live the next day but we make it some how some way. I
love her and i never allow her to end up like me.
And i am so glad I cam upon this website I
thought i was alone until i read all these testimonies from all ages thank
you all.
Love a single mom in pain too.
My heart was broken
Hi I'm
24 and have a 3 and a half year old daughter Lauren, I met her father when
I was 16 I first fell pregnant 6 months later but didn't keep the baby, I
loved him more than anything but je treated me very badly
I
was never allowed out If I had a day sick or holiday from work he's have
to be off as well. I lost all my friends and nearly my family he used to
push me about and get abusive towards me and I couldn't take it anymore we
stayed together for 4 years and I finally made him leave when our daughter
was 6 weeks old. He harassed me for months after wanting me back calling
me constantly we tried again when Lauren was 2 but he wasn't any different
so he left again.
I now
have counseling every week just because my heart was so broken we were so
happy for the first year then he turned into an animal and took my life
from me.
Emma
Oxfordshire
single mum from Coventry in England I am a single mum from Coventry in England,
which is in the middle of England. On reading all these letters from
U.S.A., I am thinking how lucky I am to be in England!!! I have
three boys ages 6, 8 and 9. My middle son is Autistic and attends a
mainstream school. He has one to one support at this school, which
is no extra cost to me. MY LIFE WILL NEVER GET ANY BETTER Dependency Issues One thing I am struggling with and is deeply hurting my heart is that I am a single mother, so far dependent on my mother, and I need to find work soon to get my 13.5 month old daughter Meghan Jolie and I out on our own, so I am self sufficient. I have always struggled with dependency issues...dependency on my mother...dependency on ex boyfriends...well now here I am and I am not willing to be with any man just to have my "physical"/financial needs met (and then be expected to meet theirs-which seem to have different meanings! I'm talkin' roof over our heads, food on table, transportation...etc.), and I seem to keep winding up with men who want a family (round 2 or 3 or whatever...), or who want childcare for their daughter, or whatever... Anyway, I am dreading working because I am a very private kinda to myself woman to begin with, and I love living out in rural Oregon because of that. I also nurse my daughter on demand as she and I both need it (I look at it as a 2 way street...), and I could not bear to leave my baby alone with someone else. People say oh! Just leave her with a bottle of your milk...oh ok, that will solve it. Jeesh, they don't get it. It isn't just about milk! It doesn't feel right and so I am bound and determined to make it work somehow, someway. The bio father isn't in the picture...he isn't on the birth certificate...anyway, being a single parent so far isn't too much of a financial challenge. I am on food assistance and live with my mom and she carries the weight money-wise. But I really don't like that she supports us...so I guess this is a share and also a cry out for help cuz I don't know what kind of work to do being that I'm kind of a hermit type woman, who struggles with sensitivity to the way the world is now and social anxst...depression...probably because of how it is out there, and how I am. Hope I make sense. I have everything I have always dreamed of, my daughter...so now I just need to figure out how to provide for us and be satisified while doing it, WITH baby on hip! My baby is healthy, beautiful and oh so smart. She amazes me moment to moment. Any ideas, support, advice...feel free to email me at [email protected] Thank you. I am so thankful for like-minded mama's out there... -Lisbeth UPDATE from Lisbeth 5/4/05 i have come so far since that initial posting, and i still continue to get emails from other moms about it...my daughter is now 2.5 years old and i have been working from home and have been self sufficient for a while now. I am a state registered child care provider and have child care and preschool in my home! i can do what i love to do which is be a mama to my baby girl and be with kids...she loves it too. i highly recommend doing in home childcare for moms who can't bear to be away from their little ones and who love kids and supporting families who work. i am so thrilled, i just traded in my '91 ford escort wagon today that my mom bought me in sept or so for a '95 isuzu trooper...its bigger and i feel more secure with my daughter riding inside that tha n that small little car we had...and she doesn't have to watch out so she doesn't hit her head anymore...its so spacious and high up...love it! beautiful shade of dark blue...love it! and...i did this on my own! i'm sure i'll hear criticism from my mom as she worries i am overboard but i needed to do this for ourselves. Our car payment is $200. a month starting in a month and that is decent to me for what i got...wow what a pretty suv! also i have rented a very cute 3 br/2 ba 15 yr old home since july and i love it, has an apple tree in back yard...we are moving out into a larger home 4 br/2 ba 5 yr old home on 3 acres on a very well traveled road between 2 major towns and it will be so good for us both professionally and personally cuz we can now separate our biz from our home as the other 3 bedrooms and bathroom are on the other half of the house...there are 2 big living room areas so we can really keep our 'home' separate now, where in this house we are still at until we move, our space is infringed upon by the daycare. sooo we are 'movin on up' and doing great, being self sufficient... i dont' need my mom nor any man to rely on
for money...i CAN do this, i AM doing this and i will continue to do this
for my baby and i. we co sleep and nurse still and we love it.
she is the love of my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lisbeth
21 yr old mother Well, just to start I am a single 21 yr old mother of on beautiful little girl. I was so scared and afraid but I was lucky to have a great deal of help from family and some really close friends, most of all emotionally. My daughter is now 15 months old her father has yet to pay for his child support, and no they haven't even met... I get sad for her.
My Daughter Lila has a half brother 16
days younger than her, not from me. Me and my ex- boyfriend, my
daughters father moved to Alaska, crazy I know. Well in short no
family no friends makes life a little dull, by the way the -40
weather... I moved back home to find that I was 2 months pregnant, at
nineteen not fun. I made the best of all the things that happen to me
and my daughter, I would never had been able to finish or complete
myself, not to mentions repairing my life style. I can now say I am
feeling pretty good, even though I drive a old 88 licolon, I can't
just take Lila out to do things when ever because we don't have that
kind of money. One thing I do have is that I get to see my
daughter all the time and that is great in its own. M. Whetstone
Texas
Battered woman speaks
My name is Christina I'm 19yrs. old
with a boy that's about to be 1 & a half. His father and me meet in
high school in the beginning everything started off well he's was
charming, will get calls every 10 minutes from him and everything. Time
went by and I got pregnant I was so terrified of being a mother I was
only 17yrs.old but with my boyfriend by my side I thought everything
would be fine I would care I didn't know how to tell my parents but he
would always tell me don't worry about it I'll always be here for you
we'll pull through this
together he went around bragging about how he was going to be a father
his parents thought we wouldn't be ready to raise a child so they
suggested that I have an abortion I don't believe in it at all my
boyfriend refused before them even finishing their sentence about it he
would argue with the whole family that our child will be born.
A month passed it was Valentine's Day we got our first sonogram of our child we were so excited then so time went by things started changing soon enough I was attending all the appointments on my own turned out he was cheating on me not with one girl with several of them and then would try to deny them I wasn't stupid I knew what was going on but I still should by his side I Loved him and I thought maybe he would change summer came we were you can say living together an argument came up it was about some girl he was trying to get with and I guess he got upset that I had found out we was arguing I went upstairs to get my stuff when he locked in the room and just started hitting me and hitting me until I just fell to the floor I was eight months pregnant I don't remember anything all I remember was waking up him crying saying his sorry I look at myself in the mirror to see my face all with bruises once again I was stupid and forgive him. September 11 came and our son was born everything was going perfectly I was living at home he was living at his house he would come everyday to see the baby all was well. so I thought then I found out that every time he was using his father car he would use the excuse that he needed to see his son but what is really was, was to see some other girl before he swung by for an hour time went by we were still together there was actually 3 months I can say he actually went without cheating on me until one day I don't know what happened we broke up and next day he started seeing one of his ex's then that's when he forgot he had a child he wouldn't call or even look for him my son adored him 6 months went by out of those 6 months he probably saw my son the most 8 times he would only call when he needed something but wouldn't even bother to ask for his son then I started seeing someone else that's when he came back into our lives crying and begging for forgiveness saying he loves us misses us and everything I was naive I believed him once again everything was well for 2 months until he started with his games again he started seeing other girls and once again he forgot he has a child what hurts the most about isn't that we aren't together but the fact that one son adores him he actually sits in the staircase in my house it's in front of the door crying out DA DA. I can't believe how guys so quickly over a girl financially he doesn't help out either when I call him for diapers or something he comes up with excuses that he's broke but then again he has money to go hang out he hasn't seen his son for a month & it's like it doesn't bother him he doesn't call to ask for him or anything so I refuse to ever ask him for anything and if he does call ever I refuse to answer the phone. How do I explain to a 1 1/2 yr.old that he's father doesn't want to see him when he's crying out for him?? What explanation I'm I going to give him when he grows up why his father isn't around????
Everything is going to be alright
I am 23 years old with a 4 year old son, that
I love very much and am very proud to be his mother. I can not thank God
enough for blessing me, with such a handsome son. There are so many
things that I could be mad about, but I have learned within the past 4
years, that I have to stop taking the little things for granted and
start spending time doing what needs to be done to make life better for
me and my son.
I can honestly say, that the relationship with
my son's father was not the best, better yet it wasn't even a
relationship. It was just something that happened. So I don't know why I
expected anything from him. People tell me all the time that he should
be taking care of his son, and I agree with them, but I am not going to
force a grown man to do anything that he does not want to do. I was
raised to believe that we all reap what we sow, and guess what he is no
exception to the rule!
There were times that I didn't know where I
was going to get money to buy formula, or pampers, because when I called
him, he had twenty million excuses, ("oh, I don't have any
money", "I'm on my way" and never shows up). Believe me
when I say I heard it all. I had to struggle to make ends meet. That's
why I thank the Lord everyday, for blessing me with wonderful family
that wanted nothing but the best for me and my son, and made sure we had
enough. If I didn't have my mother and sister, I don't know where I
would be right now.
While I was pregnant with my son, I was
enrolled in college, and thought that I would be able to finish, but I
decided to take some time off so that I would be able to better support
us (my son and myself). I worked plenty of dead end jobs, and I've also
had times when I wasn't employed at all, and his father was on know
help to me. Until last year, when I decided to enroll in trade school.
That happened to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. After I
finished school, I quickly found employment, in the field that I studied
in, and the pay is good.
I can honestly say that 2005 is going to be a
good year for me and my son. I am glad that I have had family and
friends that have never turned their backs on me. There are so many
things that I am grateful for, and being a single mother (oddly) is one
of them. I say this, because when my son grows up, he will be able to
respect and understand a womans worth. Also because, I have learned how
to be stronger. I used to believe that a woman could not raise a boy
into a man, but I think that it is worth trying, because if his father
doesn't want to be a daddy, I have no other choice than to be a mother
and father to the love of my life.
A good friend told me that anything worth
living for was worth dying for, and I believe it now, be-cause my son
has brought nothing but joy to my life and I love him more than words
can say, and I will go to the ends of the world for him.
And as for his father, he's not even worth the
stress, I don't talk bad about him around my son, and never will. I will
let my son make his mind up about his father and if he wants to continue
a relationship with him more power to him.
THE
SUN WILL COME AFTER THE RAIN!!!!!!!!1
It's your time to shine!
I am a 29 year old single mom of two
boys age 6 and 5. We have been on our own for two years now, and
it has been the most tiresome and difficult experience that I have ever
had to deal with. Yet, it was the best decision I have ever made. I was
with the father of my children for ten years, never married..high school
sweethearts. Over time love faded into hatred as he was never able to
keep a job or be a responsible father. Seeing him as a poor role model
to my boys, he was ordered to leave. To this day, I have not had a cent
given to me. He is no longer a part of our lives, my boys miss him and
think the world of him, but will grow into strong successful men knowing
the hand that has fed them.
Dealing with a very stressful career,
and making ends meet, and suffering with diabetes, my days starts at
5:30 everyday and ends around 11:00p.m with me passing out on my bed
fully dressed.
I have many roles in my life in
raising these boys, I am a janitor, a cook, a teacher, a doctor, and
nutritionalist, a laundrymat, a sole provider, a hockey coach and a
role model. It is almost suffocating. My needs are put last, I work in a
career that is emotionally and mentally exhausting, and still walk
around with two cents in my pocket once the bills, field trips, pizza
days and activities have been paid.
But we have to do what we have to do.
I love being an independent woman, and I know where I am going in
life, and will never let a useless man bring me down again. They are not
needed, and when someone tells you...That you can make all your dreams
come true...Listen...and follow...every single word is true.
My dream is to be a pediatric nurse,
this is a four year University course of intense studying, studying like
I have never done before. When fall arrives that is what I will be
doing. I am quitting my career, and I am going to be graduated by the
time I am 34, with a job that I will love, and will pay very nicely..so
I can put my boys through college, and give them everything they need to
be successful in this difficult world.
I wish the best for all of
you...women have come along way in this world over time..it is now your
time to shine!!!!
Good Luck
xoxoxo
My Single Parent - My Savior Hold your head high I am a 24 yr old single Mom of soon to be 3. My story is one of ups and downs you would not believe. I meet my ex husband when I was 15. He was everything I dreamed of and more. At least that is what I thought at the time. 3 yrs later he was using drugs and I was pregnant with our first son. He spent most of my pregnancy in jail while I picked up the pieces and got everything ready for the baby to be born. He was released 3 weeks before DJ was born. He swore up and down that he would never use again and that he would take care of us no matter what. We bought ourselves a condo just over a year later and finally moved in together. It was going to be so nice to finally be a normal family. 2 mos after we moved into the condo he was using again (I am sure he had been using for a while before that but it became apparent at that point) He just left one day I had no Idea where is was but I knew that he was using. I changed all the locks pulled all the money out of my bank accounts so that he couldn't get to it. He finally called a week later to come pick up some clothes. He lived on the streets for 5 months. I did everything on my own I took care of my son worked 2 jobs and just moved on with my life. (or at least tried to) After 5 months of him living on the streets my ex-husband had warrants out for his arrest. There were articles in the newspaper calling him a fugitive and I had police officers knocking on my door all the time asking about him. He called all the time and I just told him he would need to turn him self in. Finally one night he called me and told me he had had enough and that he wanted to turn himself in. I picked him up and took him to the police station. He was released 2 weeks later and came to live with us until he had to go back to court. During that time I became pregnant again. So the story continues. Again he spent most of my pregnancy in jail. This time we both found God through the traumatic experience. He got out and about 3 months later our 2nd son Logen was born. He pushed to get marred but I was not ready yet. Finally I gave in and we got married just after Logen's 1st birthday. Little did I know that he had been slipping for months before that. 6 weeks after the wedding I found out that he was using again. I tried to make things right. I tried to get him help but it just got worse and worse until I had to tell him to leave. I filed for divorce and custody of my boys and started to move on with my life. He ended up in jail again. Of corse in his mind none of it is his fault. A few months after we split up I had a short fling with this guy. I am pregnant yet again and he would rather have me have an abortion than have the baby. I do not believe in abortion and told him that I have decided to keep the baby. At this point he has turned on me telling me that having this baby will ruin his life. I am fully prepared for being a single mom for the rest of my life. I love my children more than anything on this earth. I know that God will see me through the hard times in my life and help to make them right. But that I need to believe in myself and not let the bad things that have happened in my life get me down. For all you single moms out there. Life is a battle. Hold your head high and remember that you can do anything that you put your mind to. If you get knocked down pick your self up and keep moving. Not only will this attitude make you feel better but you will also see it reflected in you children they will grow up to be stronger people because they have you as a role model. For all of you with stories like mine. I wish you all the best of luck. Proud Single Mom
Sad Single Mom hi there, my name is Sue I'm a 21yr old single mom. My daughter turned 1 in September, her dad didn't even send a card. i've been on my own since i found out i was pregnant. my ex was and still is a drug user and i was an alcoholic. I was living in a bed sit when i feel pregnant, my ex said he would help me with a place and he would always be there for me, 6 months down the line i had to move town to a mother and baby hostel, when i was at the hostel the staff help me over come my drinking problem and help me get into a training group, working with computers. When my little girl turned 9 months i got offered a flat, i was over the moon, a fresh start. to this day, i haven't drunk, i'm still on my course and I'm starting a new course in march! i've had to really sort myself out for the sake of my little girl, being a single parent isn't the end of the world, if anything it was a new leaf for me and if my ex and i had stayed together i wouldn't be where i am today!! good luck to all single parents, if your feel down just think, you've got someone there with you who's gonna love you, need you and want you for the rest of their lives, what man can promise you that!!!
Angry Mother
I'm 20 years old and I have an
almost 7 month old son. My boyfriend is a wonderful father even though my
son is not biologically his. He was there for me throughout my pregnancy.
When we first started sleeping together we were not exactly in a
relationship. I ended up getting pregnant right away. I was not sure who
the father of my son was.
Well I had my son with me( ofcourse
since I'm breastfeeding and he refuses a bottle, he's always with me) so
when he saw me all he said was "he looks just like my other son"
then he said he had to go. He wouldn't answer any questions that I had. I
called him later and he told me he wanted to come see my son. He never
showed up, not that time or any other time he promised to come.
I don't want anything from him. My son has a dad. I had just hoped that when my son is older and asks about him real father I'd be able to say more than I had a one night stand with a man and don't even know his real name. His father has refused to tell me his real name or any info that I might be able to use for child support. I don't even want child support. I want my son to know where he came from. I asked him if he would sign away his rights to my son so that my bf could adopt him and he told me to give him my son. So I asked him what my son's name was ( this was like our 3rd time talking) and he didn't even know my son's name. I hung up and haven't talked to him since. I've never hated anyone as much in my life. I just hope my son won't hate me. From an Angry Mother
I
am a eighteen year old single mother of a beautiful 4 month old baby
girl and this is my story. I met my ex-boyfriend my junior year in
high school. He started off to be the sweetest guy you could ever
imagine. I was so happy but of course with time that all changed
around Christmas that year he started to change. He isolated me from
my friends, I wasn't even allowed to have them or talk to anyone
except him and my family. He started to become very abusive even
in public places. I would always forgive him because he made me
believe that it was always me that caused, so i begged for
forgiveness.
It started out mildly but the next thing I know I am wearing clothing make up my hair down and everything else to cover it up. I even made up excuses to how my bruises appeared. i protected him to the end. I never told anyone what was really happening. I got where at school I would stare at the floor and go straight to my classes and not look or talk to anyone. Finally he tried to commit suicide which luckily the cops stopped him. After that he started seeing a shrink but that didn't help because he would blame everything on me but believe me i tried to do everything for him. He never paid for anything during our relationship. He didn't even have a job- I did. We went through several more abusive times mentally and physically. If i told this story detailed it would take forever. Finally in may 2003 i got pregnant. boy was that a mistake but he knew i wasn't on anything but forced me to sleep with him without protection. He made me keep it a secret until I was five months. He even made me go to an abortion clinic and set me up an appointment to have it done. Finally the truth came out but
the appt. was still set until he realized our baby had its own
heartbeat. I had some complications during my pregnancy and I decided
no matter how miserable I was I was going to stick it out for my
daughter so she can have a family, but when the abuse kept up during
my pregnancy for her and my health I left him in January and that has
been the best decision of my life. During my labor which lasted from
6:00 am to 6:37 pm. We fought and it threw me into an anxiety attack
and i was not able to deliver without the help of a suction cup which
has done mild damage to my daughter. He didn't even come to see us at
the hospital and began to fill out the papers, but now we hardly talk
and he'll come see her every once in awhile. He gives me a little bit
of money but we struggle everyday and now i just graduated and I had
to miss half of my senior year. I am planning on going to
college but I know if I can't find financial aid that there is no way.
I barely meet ends now and i am in a desperate need of help. Well
that is my story made short. All I know is that the real me has been
long gone and I never got to enjoy life as a kid.
Hopeful
i am a single mother born to a single
welfare mother and raised by my grandmother.
Well now I have 2 children of my own i recently moved to Florida because i found i had no place to live and could not keep living in my car with two kids i found a job but it takes more than half my paycheck to pay for daycare although my second child's farther who lives in New York help me with half the rent I am finding it very hard. I have no friends or family to help me but I am in school and in my third year of earning a bachelor of science my dream is to go to medical school and become a doctor. i try to look to god for faith,
hope, love and wisdom but my children still need a roof over their
heads and food to live.
well that's my story.............
Abusive relationship I am a divorced 33 yr. old mother of three children ages 10-14. I am in my 30 week of pregnancy and am alone now. I have been divorced for almost 2 yrs. now and made the mistake of starting a relationship right after my divorce. This relationship started out good but would soon turn bad. There was drinking involved and this made things worse and resulted in me being physically abused more than once. The forgiving heart I have I forgave my abuser/boyfriend and tried working things out several times. I had some problems and had to change my method of birth control and ended up getting pregnant. I did want another child but, not with my boyfriend due to the problems we had already experienced. Well, we were still trying up until about a few weeks ago. He can't quit drinking so I told him that I would rather be alone. He can't see that drinking can hurt us and our baby. I shouldn't have EVER felt afraid of him and shouldn't have to in this condition but, he can't stop so I had to make the choice to be alone and be a single parent. It's funny how we get the blame for not wanting to cooperate with the father. We can't see the stress they are going through. Please, I told him. I am the one who is stressing. I am the one who is hurting yet, You have stress? I had to make the choice to be alone and be safe for me and my unborn child. I shouldn't have to worry am I going to be okay with him? is he going to come home drunk? or get angry at me and hurt me? I have been on my knees a lot here lately, and I know God will let me be comforted in time knowing I made the right choice. My mother made the following statement to me and made my eyes open wide, she said, " I hope that you and the baby can be safe with him, you know he has a history. I hope you make the right decision and aren't sorry later." It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was like "She's right, you know!" If he truly loved me he would make the effort to quit drinking and take care of me. It's going to be hard but, my three children and family and friends will help me. I plan on going back to work after the baby comes too. I plan on going on with my life, completing college, I only lack a year for my bachelors degree and making a home for My children and our newest member to be born June 29th, we don't want to know if it's a boy/girl we want to be surprised. Thanks for all your stories, it helps to know I am not the only one going through hard times right now. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts. If you would like to email me please do. ~Wendy
I will make it! His excuse was he has one already on the way due in June 04 from his supposedly ex-fiancee' and me delivering mine 4-5 months after hers would be too much of a financial strain on him. It's funny he wasn't think much when we were in the mix. He, of course, blamed me solely for purposely getting pregnant. It's funny, we weren't using anything and he knew I wasn't on anything and I thought God has that ability and choice to create life regardless of me and him having sex. He stated I wanted him for his money, which he barely has due to this being his fifth child by 4 moms. But he names, claims and takes care of 1 child that is not at all his. Which would total to six kids. I have his two (one here and the other on the way) and the other 3 has his one. To make a long drawn out 6 1/2 year mess shorter, I told him to LEAVE US ALONE and go about his business. I told him to take care of the kids he feels that are not burdens. I have not had so much peace since I gave his voicemail a mouth full of how I felt. At the time I needed him most, he wasn't there but God is always there. I always say Baby Faith (my name for her if she's a girl) has a reason to be here. Even though me and her father had sex, God created her and I chose to keep her. I have supportive family and friends and I will continue to lean on God. I don't know how I will make it but I know I will. I have my own apartment, my own car, my own job, and a peace of mind. Life is what happens when you least expect it. My kids and my baby are a another reason why I live. I got blessed thru my mess and as far as I am concerned my burden is far gone. Thanks for reading!
Tiese
Back to School! I am soon to be 25
years old and now have a very beautiful 9 month old daughter. Her father
was not in her life since the day that I told him that I was expecting
her. I found out that I was pregnant when I was 14 and a half weeks
along. I have had many complications along the way with her till I had
her and have struggled at the same time. ~ Denise I am 21 years old and 14 weeks and 1 day pregnant. Although people like to think of me as a soon to be single parent I consider myself a parent now. Being a parent starts long before the baby gets here, but some people don’t understand. I have known that I have been pregnant since the very beginning. I let the guy know whom I had been in a so called relationship with that I was late. Like most useless guys he says oh boy it can’t get any worse.
Well for him I guess it did. A couple of days later I found out for sure indeed I was. We had only been talking for about 3months before I found out I was pregnant. I am a very understanding person so I knew he was scared and didn’t know what to say and what he wanted to do. But being understanding has to come to and end. I asked him if he wanted to be with me and all he could say was I like the fact that we just chill. Of course who wouldn’t like eating, sleeping, bathing, and fu#king. He wanted everything from a relationship but the commitment.
Well I can’t settle for that anymore I have a baby on the way. He never asked when my doctors appointments are or how they been, he don’t even have a clue when the baby is due. But I don’t if he cares. Well someone should care, RIGHT… Yeah only God in these situations and a hell of a good family and friends.
But sometimes it feels like I need more I feel that he should care that soon there will be a little boy/girl coming into this world with half his genes. Of course I know I don’t need anyone like him who only calls when he wants something and pays the role like I'm not even carrying his child but that’s easier said then done. I want to be able to share the sound of my baby’s heartbeat with the father and have him be by my side when the baby starts moving but instead I experience all of these things alone. I know I said I have my family which I really do but with me being in another state since I am in my 3rd year of college its hard for them to know I am lonely. I always put on a role so my mom won’t worry about me and ask me to move back there. Deep down inside I know that I probably could do this with out a father but it will nice to know if there is a guy out there like my step dad who will find me someday and sweep me off my feet.
Sincerely
Najma Wilkerson and baby
boy/girl June 5, 2004 I am a single 21 year old who is 4 months pregnant with my first child. The baby's father was very abusive, controlling and cheated all the time. At first he kept telling me that he wanted a child and how much he wanted one with me. Well, right after moving into our new apartment I got pregnant. I was still on the pill but had been on antibiotics because of my being sick. I just found out about the pregnancy July 30, 2003. I left my ex-boyfriend before I knew I was pregnant. When he found out about it, he said that he could care less and that the baby's not his. Well, I am very lucky to have my mama and daddy hear to help me. I have since moved out of my own apartment and moved back in with my parents. I am having some complications with this pregnancy but my mama is has been by my side from day one. My ex also gave me an infection because of his cheating on me. I know that it is better for myself and this baby not to have this father in our lives. I have enough support from my family and my friends that I do not need him. This pregnancy was very unplanned but I love this child more than anything in this world. I am due February 21, 2004 and can't wait until I can finally see this child's face. I know that one day I will meet someone who will love me and will love this child and will want to raise this child as his own. I'm not worried about any of that right now. All I am worried about is my child being happy and healthy. I met my husband while we were in H. S. It all felt like a sweet dream. High school sweethearts, getting married. I married him when I turned 18-two years after we met. I wanted a child so badly, it hurt. My husband, at first, was a sweet, romantic and loving man. I never thought that I could live without him. Never thought our marriage was going to end. About a year and a half into our marriage, we finally conceived. Was great-everything I have ever thought it would be. At the time, we thought it would be a good idea to move in with his mother. During my pregnancy, I realized the man I had loved for all these years, was revealing his true colors. His mother and him would make comments such as, "It better be a boy, or we'll give her up for adoption." Being pregnant, and not knowing the sex of my child, this would often get me upset. My supportive husband was no longer there. Instead, a man stood before me with an evil grin. Call this mental abuse, psychological abuse, whatever. I knew one thing. I was no longer happy with him. Once my son was born (oh, they were happy about that!) things got even worse. He would criticize every aspect of motherhood, starting with breastfeeding, CO-sleeping, and every other decision I made concerning my newborn son. On the other hand, he would never spend any time alone with our boy, and when he did, it would be for 10 minutes-not even long enough for me to shower without worrying. When my son turned 9 months, my mother-in-law wanted to take my son on a "vacation" to another country, but said I could not join then (my husband was also going). When I refused-fearing I would never see my child again-they made threats at me saying they would get custody of my son. At this point I knew that if I wanted my son to be happy and safe, I had to leave. Ten months later, and here I am. Motherhood has blessed me. I am stronger than I ever thought I would be, happier than ever before, and safer. I often felt guilty for my son is going to grow up without a father. His father has lost his supervised visitation rights, has not paid any of the court-ordered child support, and has been trying to play games with me ever since we separated. When my son turned a year, I was sad. I kept thinking to myself- "This isn't the way it's supposed to be. This celebration is supposed to be mommy, daddy, baby, and other members of our family and friends. I know my son is too young to understand that our family is different from two-parent families, but I can see now, how much he needs male role model in his life. Unfortunately, I do not have a dad, brother, or other good male friends that are around for him. On play dates, he sees his friends climbing up to daddy's lap, and he gets sad... jealous...confused.... I see that, although my son is only 19 months. He is very bright, and he understands more than I think sometimes. When I left his father, and went to court to get custody for my son, the judge asked me what do I do. It felt like the whole scene has frozen and I was thinking, "What do you mean what do I do? I am a Mom! believe it or not, that's more than any full time position. You don't even get a lunch break," then I hear her ask, "do you work? do you go to school?" And I sadly thought, "no. I do not go to school, although I wish that I had." But I heard myself say "yes.I'm starting school this September," and my head was yelling at me "what are you doing? you don't go to school," but I answered right back, "I guess now I am!" so before I knew it, September came around and I was indeed enrolled into school. My first semester had just ended. I am majoring in paralegal (always good to know the laws!) and have been loving it. I am getting excellent grades, and it is comforting to know that my son is close by- on campus day care. I know that he is safe, happy, and interacting with other children. I am left with one wish-that my son continues to grow to become a happy, healthy, and good person. I want to wish all of you single mommies out there-be good to yourselves and your children. You have one another, and that's the greatest gift anyone could ever ask for. Don't be too hard on yourselves and love yourselves. Love your little ones endlessly. I found my son to be an amazing source of strength. Good luck to you.
Everything you need for a happy baby! Poem of
Love and Rage ~Kogiqueen I am a divorced single parent. My ex was
verbally and mentally abusive.
hi
my husband was a very abusive man he beat me
and when i got pregnant it got worse. my pregnancy included broken
fingers, dislocated jaw, numerous bruises, a hernia, muscle damage to my
leg as well as hyperemesis, and kidney stones and a venereal disease
because he cheated on me. finally i had a beautiful baby girl and he
promised to quit hurting me. he didn't so i left him.
at first i left so my daughter would be safe but after several victims counseling sessions i decided it was for me too. my child, lily, is the light of my life and i want her to have a good life and i would like for us to have a place to live. I am raising her by myself. we lived in a shelter for battered women until things cooled off a lot and then we moved in with my mom. i love my mom and am grateful for her help but i know we have been a tremendous burden on her. i have a good job and work six days a week but i also have a mountain of debt due entirely to medical bills and student loans. we have been completely healthy and happy this last year away from him and the divorce will be final january 28th 2003. apparently not soon enough for him because he has gotten two more women pregnant since i left. he was ordered to pay child support by the judge during the restraining order but it has been a year and he has not paid a cent and the child support enforcement agency won't go after him until the divorce is final. it has been a messy divorce with him making false allegations and trying for custody but court ordered psychological evaluations have shown me to be completely sane with stress coming only from him and his shows that he is bipolar and has so much hostility they do not recommend visitation with any children. god saved our lives and has gotten us this far i have faith he will see us through but if anyone can help that to happen sooner i would be eternally grateful. Also if anyone can help me to get published i have written a book about what happened to me from a religious point of view as well as one straightforward and nondenominational. Staying in the shelter has also influenced me to write books for the children of domestic violence homes. If you can help or know someone who can, please get in touch with me.
thank you and god bless you!
kimberly van scoit
This fall, my daughters and I both start
school- I in I am a single mother, of 2 boys ages 5 and 10. My husband left me for the first time when I was 7 months pregnant with my youngest child. Needless to say I was devastated. He did however, come back and leave again 5 more times. Boy those were hard times. I never thought I'd live through it, but here I am. Feeling more self sufficient, beautiful, and powerful than ever. I have a job as a nanny which allows me much time with my children, and have plans (god willing) to attend nursing school In March of 2003. I just cant seem to find financial aid information on the internet. There are lots of sites most of which want you to buy a subscription to get info. Can anyone help me find a site in which I can apply on line for grant money for school??? Your help will be greatly appreciated. Oh, and by the way, school would never have been an option if that he was still in my life. Making it on my own is the most wonderful gift I have ever been blessed with. Hold your head high and love your kids. Your pride and strength cannot be taken. If you no longer possess them, you have given them away. Put on your boots, go kick somebody in the ass and take them back Lori Miller
I am single mum to 2 lovely lads now age 11 and 17, and am planning to have another baby very soon, the only problem being that although not lesbian i do not want a partner. I enjoy being a mum, i have my own life , and i unschool , and work from home. I don't consider childcare 2work" as in hard work and a chore although i do consider it the most important "job" int he world!
I live in the N.E of England, and am a
member of NNN, and the local natural parenting radical unschooling network
which a few like minded families set up because EO was not for us!
I am always happy to "chat"
to or even meet other like minded attached mums and unschooler families.
If you want info about baby slings (new
ones from Beginnings,made in Holland, mail order, or second hand barter or
exchange) or velcro fastening cotton nappies, breastfeeeding products etc
get in touch at [email protected]
Lots of love to everyone you do a great
job and remember your kids are all wonderful!
Cal cassidy
I got a divorce when my first born
turned 3 months old. We had a terrible abusive marriage and I knew it.
But I had already invested 7 years into it and well time is valuable damn
it! I was just sitting outside between midnight feedings, thinking about
what I really wanted for my daughter. I wanted her to love her extended
family, to have a few real life long friends, and to know and love God.
Hum . . . 3 things I sure didn't have. How could I give her these gifts
if I didn't have them myself to give?
So I believe that my daughter saved my life.
What I couldn't do for myself I could most certainly do for my baby.
Leaving my abusive marriage has allowed me to grow and flourish into the
person I was meant to be.
There was only one problem. I really wanted to
have a bigger family. Only without the man in the house part. I guess it
was going to take a few extra years to shake off that miserable
experience, and to trust myself again in making wise decisions with my
choice in male companions. I mean hell! I'll take the blame! Obviously
there must have been something fiercely wrong with me to live like that
for so long!
Now this dream of wanting another child was for
the long term goal of having the dynamics of that 3rd relationship for my
daughter's sake as well as my own. And I felt like I was doing a great
job in the motherhood department, even if I do say so myself. Of course,
I had an exceptional child to start with. She was a cake walk! (And still
is) Finally someone I could love unconditionally without any resentments
attached.
So here I was 34 and thinking how am I ever
going to get over loving my freedom enough, drop down into feeling
desperately lonely enough, that I would be even "willing" to give up my
time to get to know some guy long enough, that I trust he would be worth
compromising all this for??? Seemed too clear the odds were high. But I
became obsessed.
So obsessed that I kept every outfit my daughter
outgrew, giant zipper bags of toddler toys, the infant seat, the toddler
seat, the booster seat, the toilet training seat, the baby swing, the . .
. well you get the picture. And I would still buy things at garage sales
and second hand shops for the someday-baby. I just couldn't bear the
thought that my family life would be limited to just my daughter and I.
So I saved up some $ again and went in for intro
uterus inseminations (IUIs). And did you know the chances are actually
slimmer when you use frozen sperm even when it's placed right on you
cervix, because they don't live as long? I didn't know that! And $2800
and 5 lost nests later I was devastated. Do I keep going?? Are they even
doing what they are being paid to do down there??? It had taken me 2 years
to conceive my daughter. I was hoping this would take by the 2nd or 3rd
try. It was miserable. I was buying maternity clothes and crying in the
parking lots whenever a pregnant woman floated by.
But an odd thing happened. As I was fairly
confident in my decision to raise a child single handedly, I began to more
and more feel confronted with the fact that I didn't want the child to
feel that he may be one of many more born from the same donor sperm. For
me that issue was prevailing. He/she also could never confront the father
and that "permanent fact" was so conclusive. So I opted to call a halt on
the whole thing and try to carry on with the dream unanswered. It was
still painful but I felt I made the right decision.
The next thing I knew I was having sex. Wow!
Hadn't done that with a new partner for the past 9 years!! He was just a
sexy friend. Kind of a friend - more of an acquaintance I had known for
several years on and off through my work. I called him up one day and
told him my whole story and just came right out and asked him if he would
like to help me get pregnant. He said "sure, why not". Okay. Good
enough.
So a week later I was ovulating (by this point I
had peed on many an ovulation and pregnancy stick) It was my life. It
was what I did!
Guess what!? About 12 days later my stick had a
line!!! And at 36 I gave birth to a baby boy, only 4 years after my
daughter. We are all so happy. My friend is not in my son's life. I am
the sole provider of both of my children, and I like it this way. I hope
some day they develop a relationship, but that is between them. Meanwhile
I know that I am giving my son (and daughter) a good loving, healthy home
life.
Email List Letters I have three children 15, 13, 3, and one on the way. Fortunately, I have the full support of my family and friends. This is important. As a single mom, your job is tougher. By continuing your education you will not only be putting yourself in a position to financially provide for your family but you will also be setting an example to them about the importance of college and careers. Explain this to them. Tell them that there will be some sacrifices now but that will change in the future (as opposed to doing without for the rest of their lives because you're stuck in a "would you "Mom, I feel snacky-I want a snack. Sit down,
I need milk...."
See "The Adventures of Swami-Mommy" in
the
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