Author: ADPress

What Do I Need to Know if I am Pregnant in College?

Post author By ADPress
Post date January 16, 2023
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If you are a college student and have gotten a positive result from an at-home pregnancy test, or even think that you may be pregnant, you may be wondering what happens next. You may be overwhelmed and fearful about what your future holds–can you still attend college while you are pregnant, and is abortion your only option? You may not be near any family or friend support while at college also. The good news is you’re not alone: there are answers to your questions and people who want to help you.

Is Abortion My Only Option?

Abortion is one of the options you have when facing an unplanned pregnancy, but it’s not the only option. First, it’s possible to continue your college education while you are pregnant, and not only is it possible but you have legal rights as a pregnant student.

Title IX, is a law that protects pregnant and parenting students from discrimination, whether they are in high school or college. Also, your college, and many others in your community, are committed to seeing young women succeed, and even have programs to help you reach your goals.

What Are My Options?

The first step in the process is to confirm that you are pregnant. You may have already taken an at-home pregnancy test, but those can sometimes provide inaccurate results, especially if they are not used in the proper way. You can contact us for referrals to medical clinics in your area that will provide free, medical-grade pregnancy tests for you.

Some of these clinics will also provide a follow-up ultrasound at no cost to you. This ultrasound can provide key facts for you, like the age of your pregnancy, if it is viable, as well as the location of your pregnancy.

All of these details are an important part of making the best decision for your health.

Where Do I Start?

Finding the resources you need to confirm your pregnancy and get the answers you need can feel overwhelming. But the staff at A Friend For You is here to help. Our team is made up of women who know the stress and confusion of an unplanned pregnancy and are prepared to give you the help you need–on your terms. By being a listening ear, connecting you to resources and medical services in the community, we will empower you to make the best decision for your health and future.

Remember, no one should pressure you to make a decision about your pregnancy before you are ready, and you won’t jeopardize your education by being pregnant. Not only do you have legal protections against any discrimination, but there are also many programs and resources in your community to help you as a college student facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Pregnancy

What Are Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

Post author By ADPress
Post date December 20, 2022
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Think you might be pregnant? At-home pregnancy tests are very accurate, but only when taken the day after your missed period. While waiting on your period, here are some symptoms of early pregnancy to be on the lookout for.

What To Watch For

Every woman’s body will react differently to a pregnancy. Some women report very few symptoms, while others are extremely sick for months. Having your radar up for those early pregnancy signs will simply lead you to take a pregnancy test to confirm or dispel your inklings.

Tender Breasts

Tender or swollen breasts is one of the first physical signs of early pregnancy. Not every woman will experience tender breasts, but if your bra is feeling a bit uncomfortable these days, you may want to take notice.

Frequent Urination

Another early symptom of pregnancy is increased urination. When a woman conceives, her body begins producing a lot more blood than usual which pushes extra fluid into the kidneys.

Nausea Without Vomiting

One of the most stereotypical signs of pregnancy is vomiting. We’ve all seen movies where expectant moms smells something unpleasant , and it sends them running to the bathroom. While vomiting itself isn’t common in early pregnancy, nausea is. If you’ve found yourself sick to your stomach more frequently, you may be pregnant.

Plan Ahead

If pregnancy isn’t something you planned on, waiting to get your period can be nerve-racking. Know that you have time to make any decisions about your future and pregnancy.

Taking The Right Next Steps

The heartbeat of A Friend For You is to provide genuine friendship, tangible services and connections to the community for anyone who is pregnant.

If, after all, you do find yourself pregnant, A Friend For You is here to support you. You don’t have to take this journey alone. Text our office anytime at (970) 481-4787, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you choose to say yes to our support, you’ll receive a welcome gift just for joining.

We believe in your future.

Client Story

Mandy and Marty Talk About Their Friendship

Post author By ADPress
Post date December 2, 2022
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Mandy’s Story

Q. How did you hear about A Friend for You?

A. I was looking for a non-profit organization that would help pregnant women. I made some research online through google and that is how I found A Friend for you.

Q. What about A Friend for You sounded interesting that you wanted to join?

A. I found interesting and appealing that I could talk privately to someone about the difficulties of being pregnant. Privacy and having someone to listen to me were the keys’ elements in joining A Friend for You.

Q. Who was your Friend, and how did your relationship with your friend develop? What would you like to share about her?

A. My friend was Marty. She is an amazing woman with a beautiful soul. She has a very positive attitude and she is very patient. She would always find the time to listen to me.

Q. Did Marty connect you with any other resources/opportunities in the community?

A. I did use some resources or opportunities in the community.

Q. What kinds of things do you and Marty do together and how often do you meet?

A. At first, Marty and I met at a coffee shop and later at my home. We met every week or sometimes every two weeks. It varied depending of the month.

Q. This has been an interesting time being pregnant during COVID. How has having Marty during this time helped you?

A. Marty is an angel. She was always there for me and always asked how she could help. It was also great to talk to her about the different stages of the pregnancy. She would always listen without judging.

Q. What did you think about the gifts A Friend for You sent during your pregnancy? What did you think about the post-pregnancy meals and gift package you expect to receive?

A. It was amazing to receive those gifts throughout the pregnancy. It was great not to worry about cooking for the first few weeks after having the baby because I received a lot of meal from A Friend for You. Having cooking off the list is a great help once you have a baby to take care of.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to share? (this can be about A Friend for You or Marty)

A. A Friend for You is a great organization that helps pregnant women. Having a baby during Covid is hard. To the other pregnant women out there, please don’t be shy. Pick up the phone and call. It is private (they do not share the information that you give). In addition, you decide how often you would like to meet. On top of that, you receive amazing gifts. I got many different things including a crib and I met a lovely woman Marty.

Q.Would you recommend someone who is pregnant to get connected with A Friend for You?

A. Absolutely

“I found interesting and appealing that I could talk privately to someone about the difficulties of being pregnant. Privacy and having someone to listen to me were the keys’ elements in joining A Friend for you.”

Marty’s Story (Mandy’s matched Friend)

Q. How long have you been involved with A Friend for You?

A. 5 years

Q. What drew you to get involved with A Friend for You?

A. I wanted to serve in some capacity and saw this opportunity at our church. Pregnancy can be a special time but also scary for some. I wanted to be a support for those wanting a friend during this time.

Q. What things have you and Mandy done together?

A. We would either meet at a coffee shop or later I would just go to her house. We are hoping to go to the park this summer so her older one can play. He has a lot of energy!

Q. Have you connected Mandy to any community resources?

A. Yes, she has received a crib as well as some clothing, food and diapers.

Q. What would you like to share about Mandy?

A. She is a lovely gracious lady and always appreciative. She is a great mom. She shares a lot about her family and the country that she came from which has helped me learn more about other cultures and places.

Q. What kind of growth have you seen in Mandy?

A. She was a bit concerned about the changes that two kids would bring, but once the baby came it wasn’t as overwhelming as she thought it would be. Mandy is a very intelligent, bright and educated person.

Q. What do you specifically enjoy about being a Volunteer?

A. I joined to bless others and I feel Mandy has been a blessing to me. You always feel good when you give to another.

“Pregnancy can be a special time but also scary for some. I wanted to be a support for those wanting a friend during this time.”

Are you pregnant or know someone who is that could use some extra support and encouragement?

Just contact A Friend for You to learn more.

Client Story

Jessica and Kathryn Talk About Their Friendship

Post author By ADPress
Post date December 2, 2022
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Jessica’s Story

Q. How did you hear about A Friend for You?

A. I was referred by Birthline in Loveland.

Q. What sounded most interesting about our services that led you to join?

A. I was really interested in having the opportunity to connect with someone in a meaningful, personal way without all the formalities and structures of most programs or groups.

Q. Who was your matched Friend, and how did your relationship with your Friend grow? What would you like to share about her?

A. My friend is Kathryn, and she has been such a great friend not just to me but to my whole family. I am not much of a people person and I was really nervous at first going to meet someone new but she has been such a great friend. I feel like we have really been able to connect and we even share a lot of the same interests! I am so grateful to have met her.

Q. Did Kathryn connect you with any other resources/opportunities in the community and was that helpful?

A. Absolutely! She was able to help me with a lot of great resources and she was always willing to look around for anything we needed and really was such an incredible advocate for us and even brought us fresh veggies at a time when we were struggling with food.

Q. What kinds of things have you and Kathryn done together?

A. We have gone to the parks, farmers market, coffee shop, and such. It’s so nice to have another adult to sit and have a conversation with.

Q. How has having Kathryn during this time helped you? Do you plan on staying friends with her?

A. Oh, she has helped in so many ways I can’t even begin to describe. I may be a pain to get a hold of sometimes but she has always been so kind and so helpful and so great to talk to. I absolutely plan to stay friends with her!

Q. What did you think about the gifts A Friend for You mailed to you during your pregnancy?

A. The gifts were nice little pick me ups! It’s always fun to receive unexpected goodies in the mail.

Q. What did you think about the post-pregnancy meals and gift package?

A. Oh, the meals were so nice to have! I always forget how HUNGRY you get when freshly postpartum.

Q. Why are you sharing your experience?

A. I’m sharing because I believe that what A Friend for You is doing is such a great thing and needed by so many. I was hesitant at first to contact them because I’m not much of a social butterfly or anything but having a friend like Kathryn especially in a year that has turned out to be so hard on my family has been such a huge blessing.

Q. What do you want to say to someone who is pregnant and feeling like she could use some extra support?

A. Absolutely give A Friend for You a call. Or have someone else dial the number and hand you the phone if you need the extra nudge.

“ I was really interested in having the opportunity to connect with someone in a meaningful, personal way without all the formalities and structures of most programs or groups.”

Kathryn’s Story (Jessica’s matched Friend)

Q. How long have you been involved with A Friend for You?

A. I’ve been volunteering at A Friend for You for approximately one year.

Q. What drew you to get involved with A Friend for You?

A. I like people, babies, and kids. God says to show His love for others and I enjoy helping others.

Q. What things have you and Jessica done together?

A. We have met primarily at parks. She has other children and they enjoy being outside and so do I. We’ve also met a few other times at coffee shops, farmers’ markets and shopping. I’ve also been at her home a few times.

Q. Have you connected Jessica to any community resources?

A. Yes, with the help of A Friend for You’s resource list, churches, House of Neighborly Service, and Birthline, I was able to suggest she contact them for help. I was also able to help her find some furniture which she needed that was leftover at an estate sale.

Q. What would you like to share about Jessica?

A. Jessica is a very good mom! She is educated about healthy living and eating. She loves books and I am a teacher/librarian so we have this in common. We enjoy sharing book ideas in healthy living, parenting, belief about God, and other areas. What a good matched friendship!

Q. What do you most enjoy about being friends with Jessica?

A. Jessica is a researcher and reader about health, parenting, and living a purposeful life. She has taught me about eating healthy, essential oils, and parenting. Her calm demeanor, love for her children, and learning about God have been helpful to remind me to be patient, positive, and keep searching in the chaos!

Q. What do you specifically enjoy about being a Volunteer?

A. I like to help where there is a need and willingness to receive. I like learning about areas in the community that are offering services. I am impressed with the variety of services and material help offered in the Loveland/Fort Collins area. The people offering the services genuinely care for others.

I also enjoy meeting new people in different areas where I don’t usually participate. Volunteering offers an opportunity to meet people in different areas of my community. A Friend for You leaders are helpful in guiding me in volunteering in areas that I have not had previous experiences.

Q. Is there anything else you want to add?

A. I have enjoyed the leadership and friends I have met and worked with in A Friend for You. I like how all the local organizations work together to assist and find resources for those looking for help during pregnancy.

“What a good matched friendship [with Jessica]!”

Are you pregnant or know someone who is that could use some extra support and encouragement?

Just contact A Friend for You to learn more.

Pregnancy

10 Things to Do in Your First Trimester

Post author By ADPress
Post date August 5, 2022
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Whether this pregnancy was planned or is unplanned, there are certain things you should know. When you first find out you’re pregnant, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Know that A Friend for You is here to offer friendship, support during your pregnancy, practical help, community resources, and even some gifts to encourage you along the way. If you need assistance, keep reading for more information on how A Friend 4 You can support you!

Tips to Navigate Your First Trimester:

1. Investigate health insurance.

You’ll need to know what your health insurance plan covers regarding prenatal care, delivery costs, and care for your baby. By calling your health insurance company and asking for the benefits department, you’ll be able to know your coverage. If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for Medicaid to help with anticipated expenses

2. Find an OBGYN or Mid-wife.

If you have an insurance provider, you can check out their preferred providers.

3. Schedule a prenatal appointment.

Your first prenatal appointment usually occurs in the second month, between six and eight weeks of pregnancy. Some healthcare providers won’t see you until you’re at least eight weeks pregnant. However, you’ll want to get on their calendar well before eight weeks.

Before your appointment, make a note of the first day of your last period. This will help your provider. Also, write down any questions you might have for your provider.

4. Take your prenatal vitamin.

If you haven’t started taking a prenatal vitamin yet, now’s the time to start. It’s a good idea to get enough folic acid while trying to conceive and during your first trimester. This will help your baby grow healthy and strong.

5. Consult your provider about medications you’re taking.

There are several drugs – even some over-the-counter ones – that aren’t safe during pregnancy. However, talk with your provider before you stop taking your medications. In addition, you should ask your provider what medications, supplements, and vitamins are safe to take.

6. Be aware of certain activities which could be harmful.

Some activities, jobs, and hobbies can be dangerous to you and your developing baby. For example, certain cleaning products, pesticides, solvents, and lead in drinking water from old pipes should be avoided.

If you’re routinely exposed to chemicals, heavy metals (like lead or mercury), certain biologic agents, or radiation – which are common at some research and medical jobs – you’ll need to make changes as quickly as possible.

7. Stock your kitchen with healthy stuff.

Stock your pantry, fridge, and freezer with pregnancy-friendly foods. In addition to this, you should cut out cigarettes, cigars, alcohol and limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg per day (that’s about one 11-ounce cup of coffee).

8. Get relief from morning sickness.

Unfortunately, “morning sickness” isn’t limited to mornings. Nearly 75% of pregnant women experience morning sickness during the first trimester. For mild cases, try eating small, frequent meals and snacks and sticking to bland, room-temperature foods. Ginger and acupressure bands have also worked for some women. If these things don’t help, talk with your provider about taking vitamin B6 or an anti-nausea medication.

9. Get enough sleep

With early pregnancy, exhaustion is more prominent than you think. So getting more rest by turning in early – even if it makes you feel like a grandma— will help tremendously.

10. Treat yourself!

Remember being pregnant is challenging. Find something to do to treat yourself. Perhaps it’s watching an episode of your favorite show, or going to your favorite store, taking a walk around your local park for some fresh air. It doesn’t have to cost much or anything, just something that fills you. A lot of change happens to your body during pregnancy, so you need to give yourself some grace.

Know that A Friend for You can help with anything on this list. For support, resources, and connection during this challenging season, why not reach out to us? Contact us! We are happy to help in any way we can!

Tags first trimester

Support

6 Practical Ways to Support & Help Your Friend Who Is Pregnant

Post author By ADPress
Post date August 5, 2022
No Comments on 6 Practical Ways to Support & Help Your Friend Who Is Pregnant

It’s common to want great friends. Friends who care about you, spend time making sure you’re doing well, and who genuinely want you to succeed. Friendship is a wonderful thing, and we all strive to have great ones. However, sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to practically show you care when someone you value is facing challenges.

Here are practical ways to help you show someone who is pregnant some unconditional love and support. We want to help you be that resource they reach out to when they are in need, and that friend they KNOW they can count on:

Take her for a cup of coffee. Small acts of kindness go a very long way. Extend the offer to take a friend out to her favorite coffee shop and buy her favorite drink. It’s a small little gesture, affordable and won’t break the bank, and the friend will really appreciate the time and effort you’re pouring into the friendship. It also gives her an opportunity for her to share her feelings, fears and emotions she’s going through while pregnant. Dropping by with an inexpensive flowers or an offer to take a walk helps to support your pregnant friend.

Babysit older children so she can take a nap. Small acts, we will keep repeating it. Even the smallest of offers like going to your exhausted friend’s house for a couple hours to keep the older kids busy while she naps will make her day.

Maybe practically help her with those chores that everyone despises and dreads doing? The laundry, the dishwasher, offering to grab some milk at the grocery store on your way over to her house… the list goes on. Being specific in what you are offering helps her be more comfortable to say yes to your help.

Remember her on holidays and her birthday – she may have no one in her life to say she is valued and loved. Small things… sound familiar? Just make a note on your planner or work calendar to reach out to her on these important days. To her, she needs to know she is remembered, valued, and thought of.

Ask her about her practical needs and support system. Who is there to help her if there was an emergency besides you? If she doesn’t have a lot of family or friend support, there are many nonprofits that stand ready and waiting to help provide material and professional resources and practical help to help her.

If you don’t live immediately near her, a phone call or text to say you’re thinking of her may mean more than you know. We’ve all heard from a friend at just the right moment and it feels life-giving.

No matter the situation, whether your friend is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, looking for support during pregnancy, or in general resources during your pregnancy – our community is here for you!

These practical suggestions may seem so simple, but they’ll add up to those around you and make all of the difference for someone who is pregnant to feel seen, heard, valued and understood. A Friend for You is available to provide your friend emotional support, connection to community resources and encouraging gifts along the way.

Volunteers

Meet Rhoman Johnson

Favorite coffee drink?

Iced coffee is my go-to coffee drink in any season! I’m most satisfied with an iced caramel coffee with cold foam!

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given was the encouragement to follow Jesus by my grandparents. Their unconditional love has been a true testimony to me all my life, and without their roots and commitment to me I surely wouldn’t be who I am. Another strong piece of advice I’ve been given was from my aunt who told me..”Make sure you marry someone funny, because looks fade and it’s better to be laughing for the rest of your life..”.

If you could instantly become and expert in something, what would it be and why?

I would love to be able to understand math and technology at a higher level! It’s never been my best subject, and I always joke that my brother who’s an engineer, got all the quality smart genes and I was stuck with the leftovers. We are of course gifted in different ways, but most times I wish my calculator wasn’t my most-used app on my phone!

About me:

I am currently a full-time Nursing student in Northern Colorado. I spend a lot of time reading, studying, and caring for my beloved pets. I have always planned on using my degree in the Mission field and have recently experienced a new interest in pediatrics/OB/NICU! I look forward to using my career to serve others in need and make connections with people. Becoming a part of the team at A Friend For You will give me the opportunity to explore these interests and will allow me to learn more about how to make a difference.

Why are you passionate about a friend for You?

I am passionate about A Friend For You because of the strong focus this organization has on making purposeful connections with women and aiding them through their experiences with pregnancy. I look forward to giving my heart to serving those who are pregnant with a team that prioritizes love and finding ways to provide resources to those who we can reach.

Volunteers

Meet Shannon Janzen

Favorite coffee drink?

Half caff with cream and sugar, please!

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

“Being listened to is so close to being loved most people can’t tell the difference.”

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why?

A professional pianist… that would be incredible!

About me:

My husband David and I loved raising our two (now adult) daughters and are thankful to have added a son-in-law and, more recently, a grandson to our family! In the past I have worked with organizations that provide mediation services, as well as restorative processes for those in the criminal justice system. In my free time I enjoy reading, cheering for our family’s favorite sports teams, and traveling to see family and friends.

Why are you passionate about A Friend for You?

I am all about relationships, so when I was introduced to A Friend for You, it was an easy decision to become involved with the ministry. I believe we are all in the middle of our story and I enjoy working with organizations and churches who come along side others and assist them on their journey. I am thankful for an opportunity to serve with A Friend for You as they help clients find their way through the chapter of life they are in. Plus, both my husband and I have family members who have experienced unexpected pregnancies, so this ministry is near to my heart!

Volunteers

Meet Debbie Calistro

Favorite coffee drink?

Hot black coffee in colder temperature and Ice tea with lemon when its nice out

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Quick to listen and slow to speak. When you are trying to get to know someone ask open ended questions.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why?

I would love to become a horticulturist/botanist. Flowers and plants are beautiful and they don’t talk back 🙂

About me:

We are a blended family of 11 and I think we have navigated it pretty successfully! Being a retired grandparent is an absolute blast and to see our kids become responsible adults is wonderful

Why are you passionate about A Friend for You?

Looking back, I could have used a friend/mentor that offered unconditional friendship at different points in my life but especially when I was pregnant and had small children. Being a part of A Friend 4 U has increased my compassion for the struggles of our current generation and so thankful there are resources to help our clients with options, connecting the need with the solution is very rewarding.

Volunteers

Meet Heather Anderson

Favorite coffee drink? A 160z mug of freshly ground and brewed Pete’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend^® with ¼ cup of caramel macchiato creamer. Very specific? Yes. Inexpensive? Also, yes.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given? “…Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry….” (Ephesians 4:26) I have tried to live by this verse and a reciprocal one “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

I find, if I don’t go to bed angry at someone, I won’t lay awake at night worrying and stressing about how I will deal with things tomorrow. Addressing problems right away makes for a better night of rest and a better following day.

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why? A mnemonist, better known as “someone with the ability to remember and recall unusually long lists of data.” Since I do not have this skill, I have lists for my lists, reminders galore on my phone, and I am terrible at games that require you to spout facts.

A Little Bit about Myself: I am the wife of a wonderful husband and have two teenage girls. I own my own business working as a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor Bookkeeper. For fun, I like running, hiking, biking, rollerblading, and snowboarding. When I am not enjoying the outdoors, I like a good historical fiction novel.

Why are you passionate about a Friend for You? In the words of famous writer, C.S. Lewis, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”

No person is the “only one”, even if you feel like it at the time. Growing up, my four siblings and I had the best environment my single-mom could provide on her own. This did not mean we had everything, but she made sure we had what we needed. Even if she stayed up all night to make it, or worked that extra shift to provide it for us, we were taken care of. I want to be a friend to other moms who may be going through what my mom did. I want to let them know they are not the “only one” and come alongside them to provide guidance to resources and a friend to call when the days get tough.