Going through a pregnancy alone can be a harrowing experience, especially if you are left with no-one to turn to. You would think in today's highly connected society that situations like this cannot possibly happen, but they do and I've been there.
If you are a single-mum-to-be or know someone that is, Gingerbread - the national charity for single parent families - has just launched an email advice pack for women who are single and pregnant. The aim of the pack is to give women free, instant access to the information they need to help them get ready for their new arrival.
The pack can be sent straight to your inbox – quickly, privately and completely free – by going to www.gingerbread.org.uk/emailadvice.aspx and entering your email address.
Not all of it will be relevant in all circumstances but the information is there nevertheless and could prove invaluable to those unsure about issues such as finance, child maintenance, contact arrangements and parents’ rights.
On a more personal note, it is very possible to survive pregnancy as a single person and go on to have a wonderful relationship with your child. I've been there too.
Further advice packs and factsheets are also available covering a range of subjects from www.gingerbread.org.uk.
I have some fond memories of Gingerbread. I went on a couple of holidays with them as a youngster which my Mum would never have been able to afford without such a great charity.
Posted by: Very Bored in Catalunya | November 25, 2011 at 05:04 PM
I did it too. Mine may have been a different experience as I chose it, planned it, and was a bit older than the norm but I still went through it alone and I can say now that it was worth every exhausting minute.
Posted by: Midlife Singlemum | November 25, 2011 at 05:16 PM
I had to dash over to see if congratulations were in order! Not, apparently, except for an excellent post for a vital service.
Posted by: Ellen Arnison | November 25, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Ha! Thankfully no congratulations are in order, although I did wonder if my family would dash over thinking the same. Thanks for the positive comment! A vital service, I agree.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 26, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Ooh, I didn't know they did holidays. I'll have to see if they still do. It is definitely an organisation I need to look into more, and sadly one I didn't know about at the time I really needed it. Thanks so much for popping over.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 26, 2011 at 07:04 PM
I agree with you, Rachel. It is worth every single exhausting minute. I'm been a little tired and grumpy with my daughter today, but reading your comment again has just reminded me how dull life would be without her and how truely blessed I am to have her. Reading you blog, I know you feel exactly the same. x
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 26, 2011 at 07:06 PM