Being pregnant can be overwhelming, whether you’re carrying the baby or someone offering support. You may have a friend or someone in your family who’s come to you, worried and even afraid. How can you show your support and care for both the mother and her baby?
Simply, you can love them both.
It’s natural to want to offer your opinion when someone needs help. But, loving the mother and her baby does not require your making a decision for them. Instead, it’s about listening, understanding, supporting, and ultimately, loving them both.
Assure them they are not alone, and you love them both, the mother and her baby. This can be as simple as saying you are here for them and will always love them both without judgment, no matter what comes next.
It’s also important to recognize the decisions made around an unexpected pregnancy can be very complex. Physical and mental health, financial security, access to healthcare, and personal values are all important for the mother and her baby. It is important for you to encourage your loved one to explore all options that provide compassion, love, and support for pregnant moms and their babies. The most important thing to remember is to love them both, the mother and her baby, no matter what.
RESOURCES
When times are tough, you need the best resources available to bring about positive change. Fortunately, Arkansas is blessed with many high quality, compassionate, and free resources that are available for women and their babies.
If you or someone you know needs help, we encourage you to explore these free services by starting with Arkansas’ numerous Pregnancy Help Centers. Pregnancy and Parenting Support Program by calling 1-888-LIFE-AID. You’ll receive free, confidential, and non-judgmental support.
Outside of Arkansas? No problem. We encourage you to explore the free services offered by CareNet. The friendly, trained staff at CareNet will take your call 24/7 and will help you to find the pregnancy resource center nearest you. Plus, they can answer your questions about pregnancy, abortion, and other related issues. And its available to you absolutely free.
CareNet maintains a list of Indiana resources and national resources, and can refer you to free pregnancy resources regardless of where you live. For more information, call CareNet toll free at 800-395-HELP or visit OptionLine.org.
For more resources available in Arkansas for moms and babies, visit the resource links below:
Pregnancy Help Centers in Arkansas or download list in PDF
If you or someone you know has already had an abortion and are struggling with post-abortion issues, the resources below can get you in contact with caring people:
International Helpline for Abortion Recovery – 1-866-482-LIFE