Resources « …And Baby Makes Two

Resources

Here’s a list of books, websites and multimedia I’ve found helpful.

Single Parenting:

Books:
The Single Woman’s Guide to a Happy Pregnancy by Mari Gallion
Operating Instructions: A Journal of my Son’s First Year by Anne Lamott
The Complete Single Mother by Andrea Engber and Leah Klungness, Ph.D.
Websites:
www.singlepregnancy.com
http://singlemothers.org/cms/index.php
Support Groups:
www.womensresourcecenter.net * WRC is located in Wayne, PA, and offers a free Single Mothers program in Wayne, Overbrook or Phoenixville. The Single Mothers groups meets for ten sessions, covering a range of topics. Dinner and child care are provided (for children of appropriate age). WRC also runs a Coming Out of Marriage group, for those leaving a long-term relationship. Call for more details (610) 687-6391

Pregnancy and Childbirth:
Books:
Birthing From Within by Pam England, CNM, MA and Rob Horowitz, Ph.D.
Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy
Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful by Gurmukh

Spirituality:
Books:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Spiritual Doodles and Mental Leapfrogs by Katherine Q. Revoir
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Conversations With God by Neale Donald Walsch
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
Websites:
www.powerfulintentions.org
www.dailyom.com

Running and Fitness:
Check back soon for an updated list…

Nutrition:
Check back soon for an updated list…

Etc:
Books:
www.magazineblu.com Sourcebook for discriminating single adults.
www.magazineblu.net Social network for discriminating singles.

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Adrianna ~
I first found one of your postings a few weeks back on the baby center web site, and was completely stunned by the similarities of our situations.
A responsible, independant and creative 29 year old, I too am in the midst of my first pregnancy, and single. My relationsip with the father was all of 4 months old when I discovered I was pregnant. Though my first instincts were to make things work between us – for the sake of the pregnancy – I soon realized how unhealthy and manipulative the relationship was, and that it was in my best interest – and most certainly that of my child – to get out right away. Despite all of the difficulties, fears and uncertainties of the last few months, I am surrounded by a remarkable family, and family of friends who are proving a support I can’t begin to explain.
Having just found your blog this afternoon, I sat and read all of your entries, only to feel at times as though I was reading the words of my own journal written over the last four months (avoiding those Irish celebrations were tough!)

I would like to thank you for having the guts and honesty to put your story out to the world for someone like myself to stumble upon. It has provided me some comfort, some amazement and, tcertainly the most appreciated, some laughter.
I wish you the best of luck in the coming months, and beyond. You are doing a truly amazing thing bringing this child into the world. He’s a lucky little guy!
I look forward to reading (and possibly corresponding with) your entries from here on out.

Comment by littleone — March 23, 2008 #

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Congratulations! And thanks for reading. I will be in touch via email in the next few days. We’re in this together! Enjoy the journey.

Comment by adriannablu — March 25, 2008 #

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Hello LittleOne and Adrianna…
As the Publisher of Magazine BLU, I had to step in and say something:

I admire BOTH of you for your strength and convictions.

I took what I now refer to as “the easy way out,” by marrying the father of my son, who is now 13 years old, after we discovered our “oopsie” pregnancy.

I am so proud (if that is the right word) of both of you, as I gave a loveless marriage 7 years “for the baby” and am often saddened by my lost youth. There was so much learned through this, yet I would have been fine on my own. I just didn’t believe it, at the time.

That said, I don’t have regrets. I would simply choose a solo-with-baby path. My main fear had been lack of resources such as family to help me through all of it. But, in looking back, I did most of it by myself, anyway.

Lessons learned.

Ten years from now, both of you will look back and think, “Wow. Look how great I am! Look how strong I am! We made it!”

My son is my angel, and the best surprise ever. His father and I get along fine. But, “fine” did not ever a marriage make…and children see right through a facade.

Best wishes to both of you!

Kimberly Toms
President/Publisher
Magazine BLU
http://www.magazineblu.com

Comment by Kimberly Toms — March 25, 2008 #

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Hi Kimberly -
Thank you so much for making the effort to, as you say, “step in” and share your story. I appreciate your confidence and kind words. As with reading Adiranna’s story it is an interesting comfort that comes from hearing a similar situation, and how someone else made or is making it through.
One thing I have thought so much through all of this is the variety of ways in which families are created, and that there is no ‘right’ way to do it – even in our American society where the white dress and picket fence still seem to prevail, at least in so many minds. What matters most is a healthy, safe, loving environment for all, which can be created in so many different ways.
I imagine there is much uncertainty for any pregnant woman, no matter her situation, and thankfully (?!) we are given 9 months to ponder everything from diaper rashes to discussing world religions before we take on one of the most beautiful parts of womanhood, motherhood.
It is the situation I, Adrianna, yourself at one time, and surely thousands of other women face that feels most overwhelming to me right now; what role will the father play in this child’s life, and as such, in my own. For me, this has proven to be the most challenging and emotionally fearful of thoughts. I know that it won’t always be such an intimidating thing to ponder, because with time comes perspective and everything will eventually calm down and become clear, it is the uncertainty of the here and now that I find so difficult to face.
So again, I thank you for sharing your story, and within it, your confidence. It is graciously appreciated.

Comment by littleone — March 25, 2008 #

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A,
Your blog (and your life!) is beautiful. It made me cry, it made me laugh. It both broke my heart and inspired me. You’re a beautiful woman, and I’m proud to know you. I can’t wait to discover where this journey takes you!

Comment by Stacy — March 29, 2008 #

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have you ever checked out “the girlfriend’s guide to pregnancy” line of books? written by vicki iovine..
you have GOT to check those books out. absolutely hilarious!!! they make the jenny macarthy series seem mundane! i don’t even know how that’s possible, but it is one of the best books any pregnant woman could read! totally lifted my spirits even after my pregnancies!

Comment by avril — March 30, 2008 #

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Hey Littleone I hope all is going well for you – I am guessing your baby must be here now. It is an amazing journey and you are doing the right thing. If you ever need any encouragement and to read about how it really is, please read my blog http://www.myshitty twenties.wordpress.com There are good days and bad days but the good days far outweigh the blog: My son will be three in March and thime has flown by, but not a day passes when I am not grateful for what I have done.

Comment by myshittytwenties — November 28, 2008 #

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