Crisis Pregnancy Blog

Your Pregnancy Wasn't Planned: So What?

Jenna Hatfield — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:11:58 +0000

An article talking about the pros and cons of planned and unplanned pregnancies got me thinking. I've got a secret: even parents who plan to get pregnant are shocked about various aspects of pregnancy and parenthood. I've experienced both sides of the fence and I can assure you that pregnancy and the prospect of parenthood, planned or unplanned, can make even the bravest of mothers and fathers shake in their boots.

The truth is, as the... more

Unplanned Pregnancy Tips from a Kardashian?

Jenna Hatfield — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:09:46 +0000

I have to admit: I don't know why the Kardashian family is famous. I've never seen the show(s). I only know that one of the women is pregnant because I picked up my cousin's People magazine while I was on vacation. Without having read that particular article, I might not have clicked on this one in which Kourtney gives advice on unplanned pregnancy.

People always complain that celebrities set bad examples with their partying, their issues with drugs and... more

Accidentally On Purpose

Jenna Hatfield — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

If adoption is all over my television, it seems to be quite the same for the topic of unplanned pregnancy. CBS is bringing an unplanned pregnancy to Prime Time this fall. Straying a bit from the typical knocked-up teen scenario, the expectant mother in question is a full-fledged adult. Interesting! The title made me chuckle: Accidentally on Purpose.

Jenna Elfman plays the character in question,... more

Name Your Baby

Jenna Hatfield — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

It's a topic we re-visit from time to time: naming your baby. I advise mothers considering adoption to name their child. If you aren't learning the gender of the baby until birth, go ahead and pick a name for each gender. Pick a first name. Pick a middle name. Name the baby after your grandma, your best friend or yourself. The point is: name your baby.

Why?

Some agencies will tell you that names aren't important. They will tell you that naming your baby will cause you to be too attached, making it harder for you to separate upon birth. What they're... more

Discussing Adoption With Your Healthcare Provider

Jenna Hatfield — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

As you continue to research your options between parenting and placement, you may be wondering just exactly who needs to be told and when they need to be told. You may fear the judgment that some people may pass on you as you share your plans to place your child for adoption. As such, you might not be open and ready to tell every person you come in contact with about your adoption plan.

That's okay.

The question remains: should you discuss it with your healthcare provider? It depends.

If you are working with an agency, you will likely have... more

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Pre-Term Labor

Jenna Hatfield — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

When you found out you were pregnant with this child, your main concern was most likely about handling the financial aspects. You probably didn't stop to consider, "What if something goes wrong with the pregnancy and the baby arrives early?" The truth is, you're not alone. There aren't many expectant mothers who want to consider the worst case scenario from the get-go. Usually only those mothers who have known health conditions prior to becoming pregnant familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of pre-term labor before they actually start happening.

That's... more

What to Do When You're Overdue!

Jenna Hatfield — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Your baby was due yesterday. I'm sure you're ready to throttle the next person or series of people who ask the following questions (and one statement):

How are you feeling? (Obviously, very pregnant.) Are you still pregnant? (Uh, yes?) Is that baby ever going to come out? (I hope so!) Wow, you're huge! (Shut up.)

There are others as just about every question and statement at this points to the fact that the baby was due and the baby is still in your womb. Hello, Captain Obvious! My only advice regarding the... more

Should You Ask Controversial Questions?

Jenna Hatfield — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:46:03 +0000

As you begin to talk with potential adoptive parents, you will have a slew of questions to ask of them in order to make the best possible decision. You may have been given a list of questions by your agency or printed one off of the Internet as you did your research on the topic. Know that such lists are only suggestions. You are free to ask any and every question that comes across your mind.

You may be instructed by your agency to avoid overly personal questions or anything that hints at controversy. I encourage you to throw this advice by the wayside... more

Programs and People to Avoid

Jenna Hatfield — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Yesterday I talked about some programs and places that exist to help you as you face an unplanned pregnancy. The truth is that no everyone is looking out for your best interests or even the best interest of your child. Knowing some things to avoid or some red flags to look for at places that should be beneficial to you might help you discern what is and is not a good program for you to utilize.

Red Flag #1:

They offer conditions to their... more

People Do Want to Help You!

Jenna Hatfield — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:41:43 +0000

When you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it may feel like no one cares about your well-being. You may feel alone, scared and unsure of how to proceed with the care of yourself and your child. In fact, figuring out how to care for your child while feeling alone can make it all the more difficult.

The good news is that people do want to help you! Perhaps, at this moment, that list of people doesn't include your parents but, trust me, even they might come around sooner than you think. Grandchildren have a way of doing things like that to grandparents.... more