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Resources for Expectant Mothers Who Are Exploring Parenting

When Adoption May Not Be the Answer

By Carrie Craft, About.com

Expectant mothers dealing with an unexpected pregnancy are often overwhelmed with the decision on whether to parent or place their child for adoption. It's important for all expectant mothers in this situation to know that there are several resources that can help them with parenting. Here is a list of resources that can be found on-line and/or in most communities. Being informed helps parents make the best choice possible for their family and unborn child.

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 About.com Guide.

  • Single Parents – Budgeting, education, legal issues, and more offered here by About.com Guide.

  • Frugal Living – Learn to live on a shoe string budget with 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 About Guide.com Guide.
  • Baby Products – From activities, to car seats, and clothes About.com Guide has it covered.

  • Parenting Special Needs – A variety of needs are covered by 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 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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