Category: Pregnancy

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can leave you feeling scared and overwhelmed. It can also feel lonely and isolating as you are unsure who is safe to talk to about your pregnancy.

That’s where A Friend for You helps out.

What is a Friend for You?  

Sometimes just being able to talk out loud to someone is helpful in processing your thoughts and feelings. 

And it’s that much easier to do that when you can talk freely with a friend who won’t judge you, get upset, or share your conversation with your other friends.

That’s what it means to be ‘A Friend’ and what you’ll find at A Friend for You.

Our team knows what it’s like to experience an unplanned pregnancy and is here for you, listening to all your questions and concerns and being there for you as you decide the best option for your future.

How it Works?

When you contact us, we match you with ‘A Friend’ to journey with you.

This friend is there as a listening ear, letting you share your fears and talk through your thoughts and emotions about your pregnancy.

Even more than that, thanks to our network in the community, she can also connect you with the valuable resources you’ll need to make the best decision for your health and future. 

Everything from knowing the best health clinics in your area that provide free pregnancy test confirmation and ultrasound scans to what resources and programs are available to you at your school and in your community.

Get the Support You Deserve  

You are not alone. 

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and unsure who to talk to, contact our team at A Friend for You. 

We will be the friend who is there to help and support you, walking alongside you and empowering you to make the best decision about your pregnancy. 

Contact us today to find the friend you deserve for this journey.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be scary, overwhelming, and make you feel alone.

These feelings of fear and loneliness may be because your partner left when they discovered your pregnancy or because you worry they will leave when they find out.

But the underlying source of that fear is that you won’t be able to raise a child alone without support.

The good news is that this situation doesn’t have to be the case. There are many resources available and people who will support you—all within your community.

What Kind of Support is Available to Me?

Many programs and resources are in place nationwide to empower those who are pregnant and those with children to finish school, pursue their careers, and continue with their lives and dreams.

Some of these programs and resources include: 

• Government Assistance: this can range from programs to pay for medical care to programs that assist with proper nutrition and basic necessities for your pregnancy and beyond.
• Nonprofits: Many nonprofits help pregnant women thrive with programs aiding in life skills and career building as well as material resources you may be looking for. More than that, they provide a strong support network of other women committed to seeing you succeed.
• Schools: Many schools understand the changing needs of their students and have specific resources to allow pregnant women or young moms the ability to continue their education and career goals. 

Getting Support from A Friend for You 

With all the options and opportunities available, it can be challenging to know where to start. The good news is we can help and connect you to material and professional  resources you need.  

The team at A Friend for You knows what it’s like to be facing an unplanned pregnancy and can match you with a friend to support you throughout your pregnancy.

Wondering what having a matched friend might be like during this time? Read a few of our client stories.

You’re not in this alone. Contact us today to learn more about our program.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you likely feel scared and confused. It can be overwhelming trying to understand what options are available and what choice is best.

Your decision will impact your future and your health, but there are steps you can take that can help you make the best choice. Read on to learn more about these steps. Or, if you’re looking for pregnancy support, contact A Friend for You to receive free pregnancy support and encouragement.

Get the Facts You Need

Gathering all the facts you can about your pregnancy is one of the first steps toward taking control of the decisions around your unplanned pregnancy.

Pregnancy Testing and/or Ultrasound

The first fact to gather is whether you’re, in fact, pregnant. Confirming your pregnancy with a medical-quality pregnancy test from a women’s health clinic is important. Many clinics offer these tests free of charge at their offices, ensuring the result is 99.9% accurate.  

Once you confirm your pregnancy, a follow-up ultrasound scan is recommended. This scan can provide valuable information about your pregnancy that will determine what options are available to you.  

Get the Support You Need  

Finding out you are facing an unplanned pregnancy can make you feel isolated and alone, unsure of who to talk to—but that doesn’t have to be the case.

If you are uncomfortable with talking to your partner or family and friends about your pregnancy, the team at A Friend for You is here to help.

Not only can we direct you to health clinics in your area that will provide free pregnancy testing and ultrasound scans, but we are here to provide you one-on-one support and listen to your concerns.  You’ll have a friend, regardless of what you choose for your future. 

We can also direct you to resources and community programs that are specifically designed for women facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Remember, you are not alone, and you do not need to feel rushed into a decision by your partner or others. It’s your future, so the decision of how to handle an unplanned pregnancy is your choice to make. 

Contact A Friend for You today and get the answers and support you need to be empowered to make the best decision for you.

Finding out you are pregnant with an unplanned pregnancy can feel very scary and overwhelming. You can also feel alone and isolated, unsure about whom to talk to or where to go to find help and answers.

The good news is that you are not alone, and there are a multitude of resources and programs to help you navigate an unplanned pregnancy.

Getting the Help and Answers You Need

In today’s modern America, women facing an unplanned pregnancy can not only get support, but can be empowered to continue their life, education, or career thanks to a large network of organizations—from government programs to nonprofits to women’s medical clinics.

Some of these programs and resources include:

• Government Assistance: this can range from programs to pay for medical care to programs that assist in providing proper nutrition and basic necessities for your pregnancy.
• Women’s Pregnancy Care Clinics: Many of these clinics have specific resources dedicated to women facing an unplanned pregnancy and can provide things like pregnancy testing and ultrasound scans free of charge.
• Nonprofits: Many nonprofits are dedicated to empowering pregnant women to succeed and have programs that can assist you in everything from resources for your pregnancy to parenting classes to career-building skills. More than that, they provide a strong support network of other women committed to seeing you succeed.
• Schools: Many schools understand the changing needs of their students and have specific resources to allow pregnant women or young moms the ability to continue their education and career goals.

Getting Started

As you can see, the good news is that there is an abundance of resources and support  available if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, but it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s where the staff at A Friend for You can help. Our team is composed of women who know what it’s like to face an unplanned pregnancy, and they know all the resources and programs available to you. 

Not only can we direct you to the organizations and programs best suited for your specific journey, we can also be a listening ear as you decide what the best decision is for your health and future.

You’re not alone—contact us today to start getting the answers and help you need.

Telling your parents you’re pregnant can be scary and intimidating. Not knowing how they will react can make you much more uneasy—will they cry, be upset, or both? 

Just as you felt overwhelmed and confused when you first discovered you were pregnant, your parents will also feel those same emotions. Their minds will start racing with what your pregnancy means for you, your future, and ultimately, the family. 

The Best Way to Tell Your Parents

First, don’t wait too long. Some pregnancies face complications, and if there is a situation where your pregnancy needs medical attention, you’ll want to make sure your parents are aware so they can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Also, the longer you wait, the higher the risk they will find out about your pregnancy from someone else, which can hurt them and complicate an already complicated situation.

When telling your parents, try to find a time when they are in a suitable environment physically and emotionally. Find a quiet, private place rather than a public setting with others around. 

You’ll also want to talk to them when they are calm, not upset about something else, or distracted by another situation.

One important note: Your safety is the top priority—if you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel like you are in physical danger, then call 911 right away and attempt to get to a safe place.

Have the Facts

One of the best ways to address your parent’s fears—and your own—is to know the facts about your pregnancy and options.

Knowing important details like how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable, and what options you have can answer some of their immediate questions and concerns.

Sharing these details and ways your parents can support you can help reassure them about how your family will handle your pregnancy.

We’re Here to Help

The team at A Friend for You knows how overwhelming it can feel to face an unplanned pregnancy and the fear of how loved ones will react. That’s why we are here to help you get the answers and support you need. 

Our staff can connect you with trusted health clinics that can provide free pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans to confirm your pregnancy and give you the crucial details to find what options are available.

We can also guide you to local programs and resources that can help both you and your family as you navigate this decision. 

Through it all, we are here for you, listening and helping you process all the feelings and concerns of an unplanned pregnancy. 

Schedule an appointment today, or text or call us at 970.481.4787 and start getting the help and answers you need.

 

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed with all the unknowns and questions you have. One of those unknowns is being afraid of how your partner will react to the news that you are pregnant.

You may be worried they will panic and be angry at you and the situation. The first thing to remember is that your personal safety is the most important thing. If you are ever in a situation where you feel like you are in physical danger then call 911 right away and attempt to get to a safe place.

It’s also important to remember you have the legal protection to make decisions for the health of your body, and no one else–not even your partner–has the right to force you into a decision about what option is best for handling your unplanned pregnancy

Get the Facts

When you tell your partner you are pregnant they will likely feel overwhelmed with the same concerns and fears you felt when you first discovered you were pregnant. 

At-home pregnancy tests can sometimes give a false positive, and some pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Confirming your pregnancy with a medical-grade pregnancy test and an ultrasound scan can help rule out these types of issues.

Get the Help You Need

Visiting a local healthcare provider will be an important step in getting the facts and details you need in preparation for talking with your partner, but it can be hard to know where to start or who to call.

That’s where A Friend for You can help. Our team is made up of women who know the fear and confusion of an unplanned pregnancy and are prepared to give you the help you need.

We can connect you with health providers in the community–including local clinics that provide free pregnancy test confirmation and free ultrasound scans–to help give you the info you need about your pregnancy. 

Our team can also guide you to local programs and resources that can assist both you and your partner as you navigate this decision. Through it all we are here for you, being a listening ear and helping you process all the feelings and concerns of an unplanned pregnancy.  

Contact us today,  text or call us at 970.481.4787 and start getting the help and answers you need.

 

If you have recently found out that you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant, you may be wondering what impact it might have on your mental health.

What is Mental Health?

You’ve probably heard the term mental health used quite a bit recently, but do you know what it means? 

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. 

Put another way, your mental health has a big impact on your life–from your physical health to the decisions you make.

Mental Health During Pregnancy

As your body changes during pregnancy you might also see changes to your emotions and mental health. The good news is what you experience will likely be very typical. 

In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, it’s normal to feel delighted, anxious, exhilarated, and exhausted–sometimes all at once. It’s also not unusual to experience depression during your pregnancy. This is due to both your body changing and producing hormones, as well as your mind adjusting to a new reality. 

But if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy these feelings can sometimes feel even more overwhelming, as you try to consider your options for your future and your health. 

Mental Health and Abortion

If you’re considering an abortion you have probably already seen and are familiar with the potential risk and side effects to your physical health. But did you know that research is now finding a link between abortion and mental health risks?

Psychotherapist Vincent Rue was one of the first medical experts to conduct a study that explored the negative mental health impact of abortion on women. The study found that women who have had an abortion experience increased feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. Additionally, the study found that women who had abortions were at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

Another study connecting abortion and negative mental health impacts was done by David Fergusson, a renowned researcher who has conducted extensive research on the negative impact of abortion on women’s mental health. His research found that women who have had abortions are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, and that these mental health problems often persist for years after the abortion. Additionally, Fergusson’s research showed that women who have had abortions are also at a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems, such as alcoholism and drug addiction.

We Care About You. 

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, the staff at A Friend For You is here for you. Our team is made up of women who know the fear and confusion of an unplanned pregnancy and are prepared to give you the help you need–from providing important information for you to being a listening ear. We also can connect you with resources in the community, from free pregnancy testing to free ultrasound scans, all the things that can empower you to make the best decision for your future and your health. 

It’s your health and future, so you deserve to get the information and support you need. 

Contact us today 

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.  

Contact us today to start getting the answers you deserve about your pregnancy, your health, and your future.

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.