Counseling and Support for Unplanned Pregnancy in New York
This year, it can be easy to feel like you’re alone. Even more so when you’re facing your own big period of change and uncertainty in your life that you weren’t planning for. Choosing adoption has rich rewards in the knowledge you’ve done what’s best for your child, but the journey there is a difficult one. It might feel like it would be easier, especially now, to retreat within yourself and try to just figure it all out on your own. But no one can, or should, make that journey alone. Letting other people in may be difficult at first, but you’ll need support on your journey.
Here is some information on counseling and support for unplanned pregnancy.
I’m pregnant — What now?
You’re at a crossroads in your life. There are a lot of different paths you can go down, each with its own opportunities, which, in turn, have their own pros and cons. How can you possibly know which one is best? On your own, you probably won’t. But again, you don’t have to do this alone! In fact, there are plenty of resources out there. If you reach out to one of our adoption specialists, they will lay out each option you have — parenting, termination or adoption — without judgement and help you figure out which option is the best for your current circumstances. Our adoption specialists will help you learn what to expect from each of the paths you could choose, and begin to point you towards resources to assist you in making your choice.
One thing is for sure, you need support as you continue down this journey, no matter what your choice ends up being.
Benefits of Adoption Counseling and Support
Why should you reach out for counseling and support during difficult times? It’s not a weakness to need help, and seeking out help when you need it is one of the most positive things you can do.
One of the most beneficial things about reaching out is other people have different experiences and see things from a different viewpoint than you do. There are people who have already been through this or something similar. Why wouldn’t you get their advice or, at least, learn what their experience was like? Your specific situation may be different; but, by talking with others, you can get some ideas on what to expect, and prepare yourself for things you would have never thought to expect otherwise.
Listening to others talk about their experiences in a support group setting can also help you explore your own options without actually making the definitive choice yet. If you’re considering parenting your child, talk and listen to someone who made that choice. Find out how it affected their life, what good they thought came out of that decision, what they wish they’d known before making that choice. Whether you’re considering parenting, termination or adoption, talk to people who’ve made those decisions. Find out how it changed their lives and you will start to see how the decision you have before you will take shape in your life.
Sharing what you’re experiencing can also help you work through your feelings and organize your thoughts. As you talk about what you’re going through, the person (or people) on the other side of the conversation will ask questions. Thinking about those questions and answering them may provide you with clarity. If you don’t gain clarity, though, you can say that you don’t know. Admitting you are confused or don’t know what to think or what to do may feel uncomfortable, but in a counseling or support group setting, it’s nothing new. People are there because they are going through difficult situations that don’t have clear-cut answers. People will get it. People will understand. They might even be able to help you figure it out over time.
Where Can I Find Adoption Support in New York?
Since you’re already here, you can start by taking a look around our Adoption Choices of New York website. We have numerous resources we can connect you with, as well as various blog posts that can answer many questions about pregnancy and adoption. You can also reach out to one of our adoption specialists to get more personalized assistance.
Adoption Choices of New York also provides counseling services to birth mothers, through pregnancy and after the adoption, for as long as you need.
For support groups, check out Facebook groups. You can easily search for things like ‘birth mom’ or ‘new mom’ or ‘pregnant’ and find groups full of people who are in similar situations. You can also look for groups that meet locally through Meetup. There are also nationwide support groups for birth mothers post adoption like Brave Love, BirthMom Buds and On Your Feet Foundation.
Don’t forget about your own circle of family and friends as well! Though it can be hard to ask for help, let your friends and family in and allow them to give you some support. If you’re unsure how some of your family will react and are worried about that, start with a close friend you trust. Ask if they would feel comfortable helping you tell other family, or just be with you when you do for support.
Counseling and Support for Unplanned Pregnancy
Humans crave connection. Especially in times of change and uncertainty, we want to know we’re not alone. We want to know that other people have been where we’ve been and have come out of it okay, so we know we’ll be okay too. Even though it can be hard to start reaching out for help, taking that first step will lead to so much good.
You aren’t alone. We’re here for you.
Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email
Meet the Author: Darby Summers is an avid fan of fantasy and sci-fi stories in all mediums, and aspires to share a story of her own to add to the genres she has adored her entire life. Raised in a house with the rule: “You can stay up as late as you want, as long as you’re reading”, Darby’s passion for reading, literature, and language was inspired at a young age, and continued through her achievement of a Bachelor’s in English from Allegheny College in 2017.
When she isn’t absorbed in the latest series to capture her attention, Darby enjoys working on cosplays and going to cons with friends. Her perfect night consists of staying in playing games (of the video, board or card varieties), making some delicious homemade pizza, and settling in on the couch for a movie with her husband, Adam, and cat, Sylvie. (187)
