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I Am Pregnant and Need Resources to Explore Parenting

When Adoption May Not Be the Answer

By , About.com Guide

There are parenting options for those interested in choosing to parent over adoption.

There are several resources that can help with parenting options.

Photo © Carrie Craft, licensed to About.com, Inc.

It's important for all who are working with a woman who recently discovered that she is pregnant, to realize that there are several resources that can help with parenting options. Here is a list of resources that can be found on-line and/or in most communities. Being informed helps woman make the best choice possible for her family and unborn child, after hearing the often shocking words, "You're pregnant."

Local, State, and Federal Help:

  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) - Information on the programs offered and application process.
  • Medicaid - All the information you need to learn about the medical services covered, who is eligible, and how to apply.
  • Parents as Teachers - “Parent educators share age-appropriate child development information with parents, help them learn to observe their own child, address their parenting concerns, and engage the family in activities that provide meaningful parent/child interaction.”
  • Crittenton Centers: - Located throughout the United States offering a variety of programs. Find programs dealing with pregnancy, teens as parents, emancipation, and education.

Online Help:

  • Pregnancy & Birth – Everything you need to know about pregnancy and delivery by an About.com Guide.
  • Single Parents – Budgeting, education, legal issues, and more offered here by an About.com Guide.
  • Frugal Living – Learn to live on a shoe string budget with an About.com Guide.
  • Fatherhood – Everything Dad, from working dads, to discipline, to stay-at-home dads, our About.com Guide has it covered.
  • Child Care – Learn your options for child care for your work days from an About.com Guide.
  • Baby Products – From activities, to car seats, and clothes an About.com Guide has it covered.
  • Parenting Special Needs – A variety of needs are covered by an About.com Guide, as well as how to parent these special kids.
  • Parenting: Babies and Toddlers – Learn development, parenting, and other needed information on caring for new little ones.
  • Parenting Multiples – Deals and discounts, family issues, and other twin/multiple issues brought to you by an About.com Guide.
  • Singlemom.com - Lots of different resources available here.
  • Zero to Three - “ZERO TO THREE's mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation's infants and toddlers by supporting and strengthening families, communities, and those who work on their behalf. We are dedicated to advancing current knowledge; promoting beneficial policies and practices; communicating research and best practices to a wide variety of audiences; and providing training, technical assistance and leadership development. ZERO TO THREE is a national non-profit organization.”

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