What Are My Options

Parenting

Parenting the baby, whether alone or with help, is a life-altering decision. In considering this option, you must first assess the level and kind of support you can count on from your family or your child‘s father and his family. Whatever they don‘t provide in terms of financial and emotional assistance for you and your baby, you will have to provide yourself.

Your child‘s basic needs will include shelter, food, clothing and baby equipment, as well as medical attention for both well-baby care and illness. If you must work to support the two of you, you will also need to consider child care.

If you ultimately choose to parent your child, there are local, state and federal agencies that offer help, including Medicaid, which can provide health insurance if you are eligible and WIC, which provides food vouchers for pregnant women and women with infants and small children. FFTA can help you identify the medical, financial and emotional assistance you may need.