Postpartum anxiety, devastating prenatal diagnosis: What to expect when parenthood isn’t what you expected
The thing is, no one really knows what you should expect, when you’re expecting. More often than not, the things you experience as a parent are not what you expected. Sometimes they’re beautiful. Sometimes things are not so wonderful — Postpartum Anxiety. A devastating prenatal diagnosis. An abortion… So, what do you do when pregnancy or parenthood isn’t what you expected?
My friend just had an abortion — how do I tell her I’m pregnant without re-opening fresh wounds?
Last month, one of my best friends shared with our group of friends that she had an abortion. I was one of the few who supported her choice outright and stood up for her. During this same time, my husband and I started trying to conceive. We’ve just found out that we are already pregnant! How do I tell my best friend I’m pregnant, while still affirming that I support her and her decision to end her pregnancy?
I had less than 24 hours to decide if I wanted to be a parent
On Tuesday, August 14th, at 1:00 p.m., I went into my OBGYN’s clinic to get myself checked out, and walked away two-and-a-half hours later with the biggest shock I have ever known: I was pregnant, and half of my pregnancy had already gone by. I had no symptoms, continued having a period every month, and never experienced any weight gain. But none the less, I was going to be a mother. And I had one night to decide if I was ready to change my life, forever.
To parent, or not to parent: my job as an options counsellor
We all come about our decision to parent in different ways. For some, it’s an instantaneous lightbulb moment. For others, it’s a slower process that meanders crazily, randomly, tumultuously as you explore your options, and I’m the person who can help you do so.
Mommy had an abortion
“Don’t look at the screen,” the doctor said as she turned it away. But I already had. I saw a little blob with leg and arm buds. And a flickering heartbeat.