18/pregnant HELP!

[shaynababy]

I've been with my boyfriend for 4 months. Completely in love with him, but sometimes I have some trust issues with him. I just found out I was pregnant TODAY* after being a few days late for my period. We had talked about having babies before and talked about it so positively and i was excited at the idea of being a mother. But i'm in college (barley making it by money wise) just got a new job as assistant manager at a clothing store. My mom will kill me if i Tell her so I was looking for some help here.

What options are open for me if I have a child and I still want to further my education?
(i feel like this is completely impossible, having a child and going to school plus working!)

Will there be some form of financial help that I could recieve? I cannot have a baby working little above minimum wage.. :(

WHAT DO I DO!??!?!!??!

<3 shayna

[Brittny27]

Good luck at your first apt. The ladies on this board are great for support and advice.

Congrats and keep us posted.

[shaynababy]

you guys are great.
doctors app tmrw at 9AM.
with boyfirend and his mommm!


will get back.
check backkkkkk
im sure ill need advice.

[alaysha]

I got pregnant at 19 as a sophomore in college. I have scholarships and grants to attend school so that I don't have to pay any tuition. Plus, I actually get paid to be there. I get a check for $4,200 after tuition is paid each semester! On top of that I work full time so there is another source of income. I'm also a single mom so I will be getting child support sometime hopefully soon as well. Plus her father is required to pay for half of her daycare and medical. It works itself out trust me you'll be fine.

[JoyRenee]

BTW- you can also do online courses after baby comes. Remember, it will be almost a year before your baby makes an appearance so get as much school done as you can. There should be grants and financial aid at your school, too, so check into that as well.

[JoyRenee]

There's a LOT of help! First, you can contact your local Birthright (birthright.org) and they will be able to tell you all about the things available to you where you live, as each state/city is different.

Medicaid is there for your medical insurance. You can get on food stamps and WIC (Women, Infant, Children program that provides you with milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, PB, etc.).

As for your education, you do NOT have to let your education go because you're pregnant or have a child. I know so many single mothers (my own included) who went to school, finished, and made better lives for themselves.

Please let us know if you need any other help... and CONGRATULATIONS! I got pregnant with my first when I was 19. She's turning 4-yrs-old next month and is the light of my life.

[turkee23]

well congrats ... i would love to be prego ... you can do it... MANY MANY people have babies who dont even want them or dont have jobs. atleast you seem to have a good shoulder on your head and want to better yourself......you can do it ITS NOT GOING TO BE EASY, but you can do it.....good luck!

[GRose]

There is a lot of help out there for young single moms, I'm sure if you ask around you will find someone that knows what #'s for you to call. It wont be easy but you can do it. It might take you a little longer to graduate than it normally would but that's OK, just do what you can handle. Your mom isn't going to kill you, she might be a tad disappointed in the beginning but once she starts to think about the fact that she will be a grandma she will be so happy. I got pregnant with my first when I was 19 and it brought me and my parents so much closer together. That little baby will be the light of your life, everything will work out.

[shaynababy]

thanks so much.
<3 its appriciated.

[luvmy2girls]

I'm not saying that it will be easy but it is possible to make it.  I know there are programs out there to help single mothers.  I was pregnant at 16. I graduated high school a year early and then went straight into college knowing that if I didn't I probably never would.  I also worked full time. It was tough being away from my baby so much....but we made it.  She is now 10 yrs old and I wouldn't change it for anything.  It definitely made me a stronger person.   You have plenty of options.  Just do the research and get knowledgable.