Has a positive pregnancy test rocked your world? You may feel a wide variety of emotions right now, as well as pressure to make a decision about your pregnancy quickly. You might wonder, How can I finish my degree? How can I afford prenatal care without health insurance? How can I parent alone?
As you process this news, the list of what you can’t do or accomplish may seem long. But the truth is, you are capable of conquering even the biggest challenges. When equipped with resources and a tribe of support, you are unstoppable.
Below are 5 empowering truths you should know about pregnancy and parenthood. No matter what you feel the world may be telling you, you can earn your degree. You can get prenatal care. You are not alone.
1. You can still finish school if you're pregnant or parenting.
The two pink lines of a positive pregnancy test may feel like a major roadblock to graduating, but many women complete their degrees while pregnant or parenting. Genine came to The Pregnancy Network and found the support she needed to reach her goals:
“I did it! I graduated, and not only graduated, I graduated with honors. I did exactly what you said I could do.”
You don’t have to choose between being a great student and being a great mom. Just ask Royal, who came to The Pregnancy Network in 2020. At first, she believed abortion was her only option. But after receiving a free ultrasound and building a relationship with her nurse, Lauren, everything changed. Royal resolved that she would not only choose life for her daughter, but also work hard to reach her goals.
And that’s exactly what she did. Royal graduated from NC A&T in August 2021, and is the first in her family to do so. Today she runs her own makeup studio in downtown Durham in addition to attending graduate school.
“They told me I could do it,” Royal said. “They told me it was possible. They told me there was hope. And they were right.”
Title IX provides legal protection for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The law requires schools to provide services and accommodations to meet your needs, as well as excuse absences for pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
At The Pregnancy Network, we can help you make a plan to ensure you have the support and resources you need to meet your educational goals during your pregnancy.
2. You can get prenatal care without health insurance.
One of the most common questions we get at The Pregnancy Network is “how can I afford prenatal care if I don’t have health insurance?”
Pregnancy Medicaid is available for women without health insurance, and will cover the costs of your prenatal care and delivery. At your appointment, we can walk you through how to enroll in Pregnancy Medicaid. If you are not eligible to enroll in Pregnancy Medicaid, you may be eligible to receive low cost medical care through Guilford county’s Adopt-A-Mom program.
3. Single parenting doesn't mean parenting alone.
They say “it takes a village to raise a child.” We agree if you’re pregnant or parenting you deserve a village. This village may or may not include the baby’s father – but that doesn’t mean you have to parent alone. We will help you. The Connect Mentorship program was designed to offer you ongoing support. Our Pregnancy 101 and Parenting 101 classes are also great ways to build a support network of women in your community. Here’s what women had to say about classes at The Pregnancy Network:
“It was nice to feel less alone.” – Laura
“I’m incredibly thankful for the women I met and the things that I learned.” – Mariah
“I truly enjoyed meeting the staff and other expecting parents. The classes are very informative and the staff are very friendly and loving.” – Cynthia
4. You don't need to be "financially stable" to raise a child.
Our staff and volunteers understand firsthand what it’s like to be pregnant before you have an established career or the home you’d hoped for. While well-intentioned, the goal of feeling “financially stable” before starting a family can often be an elusive goal and an ever-moving target. The truth is, you don’t need the most expensive baby gear for your son or daughter to be loved and well cared for.
When you attend our Pregnancy 101 and Parenting 101 classes, you will receive many of the essential baby items you’ll need. There are also a wide variety of organizations in the Triad and surrounding areas that offer affordable options for the necessities.
5. You have options.
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, many women report feeling as if they have no choice other than abortion. But true empowerment is knowing that you always have a choice. You deserve to be fully informed prior to making a decision. You can do this, and we are here to help.
If you think you may be pregnant, we’re here to talk with you about your options and help you create a plan for success. Make an appointment today for our free services.