Single parent
Today an increasing number of women are facing the challenges of pregnancy, birth and parenthood alone. This may be through personal choice or circumstantial.
The enormous responsibilities and adjustments needed for parenthood, when there are two parents, can be overwhelming. So coping with these as a single mother can be extremely stressful, although many women manage well. A single parent needs extra help and support during this stressful period. Support groups and contact with other single parents can be invaluable.
You need to consider the financial implications as well as the emotional problems of having a baby. Plan ahead for after the birth. Accept all the help you are offered. Consider choosing a friend or a family member to attend childbirth education classes with you. Your support person can accompany you to hospital for the labour and birth.
Make your relationship with your child a priority in your life and you will gain a great deal of joy, happiness and companionship. When returning to work, select a childcare facility carefully. As long as your child has your love and feels wanted by you, he has a good chance of being a healthy, happy child.
Remember: To investigate support groups in your community, create a financial plan and look into career adjustments and options.
Look for single parent groups in your area for additional support or click here for useful resources.
Related articles
Checklist - maternity ward suitcase
*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.
Items for hospital stay
5 mins to read
The last few weeks of pregnancy
The uterus
5 mins to read
Tips to budget for baby
There are many factors to consider before dedicating yourself to raising and budgeting a child for the next 18 years or more.
5 mins to read
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
-
5 mins to read
First visit
A detailed medical history, of you and your partner, will be recorded at your first prenatal visit.
2 mins to read
Checklist - preparing to bring baby home
Clothing
5 mins to read
Labour
As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.
5 mins to read
Pregnancy concerns and diet solutions
-
4 mins to read
Multiple births
Regular prenatal care is most important if you are carrying more than one baby, as the risk to you and your babies is higher.
1 min to read
Prenatal Care
Discuss questions or concerns you or your partner may have with your caregiver at any stage of your pregnancy.
5 mins to read
Preparation for childbirth and parenthood
The experience of childbirth and parenthood is an unknown adventure, which results in major changes to your life.
1 min to read
Signs of labour
The following signs of labour may occur in any order.
1. Progressive contractions
5 mins to read
The First Month of Pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very visible… or not at all.
2 mins to read
Subsequent prenatal visits
Your health, and the growth and development of your baby, must be closely monitored.
1 min to read
Birth plans
A birth plan or wish list is not a set of commands and demands, and certainly not a contract.
5 mins to read
The first stage of labour
During the first stage, also known as the dilation stage, your cervix will dilate and efface from 0–10 cm.
5 mins to read
Prenatal Checklist
Preparing for your prenatal appointments is important. Find out our prenatal checklist, so you can ask the right questions to your healthcare provider.
1 min to read
Father’s role
Sharing the adventure of pregnancy, birth and parenting can make this one of life’s most rewarding experiences.
5 mins to read
