17 & need advice

[lulubooxoxo]

I am 17 years old and im 34 weeks pregnant. I keep having thoughts of adoption but im afraid if I go through with it i will regret it or not no how to cope with myself. im just so confused as the due date gets closer and closer...

[Treksy]

I had my first child at 17. I honestly dont know what all the fuss is about. I managed just fine! I wouldn't change the path I chose for anything!
You're young by society's standards but you're still a woman.  We women are amazing!
I had a job at burger king when I was 17. They let me work everyday aftrr school. I worked very hard and I graduated early..in January rather than june. I saved my money by living at home with mom until I was ready to go. I had a csection so recovery was easier at home. I used that time to keep saving my bfs checks and be looking for a place. When my daughter was 2or 3 mths old I moved into my own place. Looking back now that place was a dive lol but it was MINE. I gradually settled into motherhood and learning how to take care of a home and family.

Point Im making here is... Nobody is prepared for mother hood wether they're 17 or 37 their first time around. Dont let anyone tell you that your age disqualies you from being a good mom. Its all about personal maturity and dedication. Theres no manual.  We all make mistakes.
I know women who had kids at the "ideal age" and their kids are now in state custody. Meanwhile I had my first at 17 and never once have I lost custody of my kids. Ive never been homeless. My kids are happy,healthy and loved. Thats all we can do. Im turning 26 tomorrow. Having my 3rd in March, happily married and living life. I made it.

I really wish you luck in your birth and decision making.  Feel free to message me I'd be more than happy to share insight.

Sorry for the novel lol <3

[ford122109]

If you have doubts I would wait to decide till you know for sure what you want. There are groups and people you can talk to. Idk where you ate from but I would call around to see if you can talk to someone who can help you make a choice.
I know a buch of teen moms who wasn't sure when they were pregnant but they made keeping their child work and while there was struggles they are a happy family and they do everything they can to care for their child.

[Onecagertiger]

A very close friend of mine was adopted.  We celebrate every year the day her adopted parents had her officially,!  They had an open adoption and the north mom was able to see. Her grow. She has never struggled for anything and had lived a very blessed life. E

[AnnieBrooke]

Sorry, the "I would" crept in there somehow and I don't even know what sentence it was supposed to lead into.

[AnnieBrooke]

You don't need to decide before the baby is born, though I am sure that a person who knows from the get-go that her child is going up for adoption has an easier time than someone who decides later that rearing a child is too hard and subsequently puts the child up for adoption.

Adoption is such an incredibly selfless act, women who are infertile really have few places to turn because so few girls are putting babies up for adoption.  It can be set up as an open adoption, in which you still have a routine contact of whatever type you want, or a closed adoption, however you prefer.  But it is your choice, to put a child up for adoption or not to.  Nobody else can make that call for you.

If it is confusing you and causing you stress, call your ob department at your hospital and ask if they have a social worker there who specializes in counseling women around issues of childbirth and fertility.  That's where I found my grief counseling help when I didn't have the hoped-for pregnancy, and it was worth its weight in gold for the values clarification.

Good luck, sweetheart.

I would

[annat33]

I was 17 when I had my first baby I was scared and not really sure what to do. But I had family support and I new I had to be respossible for myslef I never thought about giving her up or abortion or any of that. I got a job and worked and also went to an alternitive high school to finish after she was born. My mom helped a lot but it was still very hard cuz I was alone cuz her sperm donner took off on me and haven't heard from him sense. But it all turned out great I have no regrets no matter how much I struggled. I met a great man when she was 11/2 and she knows only him as dad and we are married and I'm pregnant with our 3rd and last baby. I can't tell you what to do but if u have some doubt even just a little at giving the baby up you probably shouldn't because it does sound like u will regret it. But if you come to be completely sure you can't handle it and the baby is better off and your COMPLETLY sure then you should.