ABORTIVE CARE
Abortion is the medical term for eliminating a pregnancy. There are multiple ways of doing this depending on which trimester of development the baby is in. The two main categories are medical and surgical abortion. Please see our pages on Abortive Healthcare and Contraceptives for more information.
ADOPTION
Adoption is choosing another individual or family besides yourself to raise your child. The first thing to investigate when considering adoption is the state adoption laws.
Adoption is categorized in 3 ways:
Closed: The adopted child has no contact with the birth parents.
Semi-Open: There is limited contact, as agreed upon in a contract.
Open: The biological & adoptive parents have some personal information about each other and there is an option for the birthparent/s to reach out.
The reality of adoption relationships usually fall on a spectrum and are based on clearly defined agreements between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. The key is to understand what you want out of the relationship with your child and then finding the right adoptive parents. The selection of adoptive parents is a thorough process that gives you the opportunity to look through candidate profiles to ensure that you make the best decision for your baby.
See our Adoption Resources page for more information
PARENTING
Parenting is a full time job with a commitment of at least 18 years. Parenting promotes and supports the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Things to plan for when becoming a parent:
- Managing Childcare
- Living Arrangements
- Financial Impact
- Other Children
Please see our Parenting page for additional resources.
Resources From Pregnancy to Parenthood
BEFORE/BETWEEN PREGNANCY
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, the best thing you and your partner can do for your baby is to plan ahead. Having a healthy baby begins well before you get pregnant, so start making healthy choices now!
There are ways you can improve your chances of getting pregnant. And if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you’re not alone. Learn about fertility treatment options.
If you’re not ready for a baby just yet, use birth control until the time is right. And if you already have a baby and are planning for more children, learn why it’s best to wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again.
PREGNANCY NUTRITION
PREGNANCY DIET: FOCUS ON THESE ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
A healthy pregnancy diet will promote your baby’s growth and development. Understand which nutrients you need most and where to find them. Please see their extensive resource below
POSTPARTUM CARE
Per the CDC, approximately 1 in 8 of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. Up to 10% will experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. When the mental health of the mother is compromised, it impacts the entire family.
Postpartum Support International is a leading organization for finding Postpartum care. The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. They are dedicated to helping families suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety and distress, providing Online Support Groups and Loss and Grief Resources
CALL OR TEXT THEIR HELPLINE:
1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
Text in English: 800-944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Laying TRACKS is proud to be working with the Alcohol Rehab Guide. Alcohol addiction and postpartum depression have a dangerous relationship, with each often making the symptoms of the other more severe, but Alcohol Rehab guide has resources and live chat agents to help!
PRENATAL CARE
Please check out the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: resource on Prenatal Care.
FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For more information about prenatal care, call womenshealth.gov at 800-994-9662 (TDD: 888-220-5446) or contact the following organizations:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Phone: 202-638-5577 - American Pregnancy Association
Phone: 972-550-0140 - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, HHS
Phone: 800-370-2943 (TDD: 888-320-6942) - March of Dimes
Phone: 914-997-4488 - National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, HHS
Phone: 800-232-4636 (TDD: 888-232-6348)
LABOR & BIRTH
This is a list from The Birth Hour of recommended resources from an expert for childbirth. They are provided by her Podcast guests and her own personal experience with giving birth. One of the most important aspects of pregnancy is preparing for the birth of your baby. She recommends listening to birth stories and investing time in reading books that prepare you for childbirth. Check out her pregnancy resources as well as breastfeeding, postpartum and motherhood resources.
You can also check out Evidence Based Birth for factual information about all things birth, including: Pitocin, Induction/Due Dates, Pregnancies during Advanced Maternal Age, Big Babies, Circumcision and a lot more!