Important Things to Consider When Thinking About Parenting
If you’ve recently found out that you are pregnant, you may be weighing your options and deciding what to do. One of those options is parenting your child. Before you decide anything, it’s incredibly important to fully understand what the impact of your decision could be. If you are thinking about having a baby, the next step involves learning more so you can make an informed decision, and we at Life Forward are here to help you on your journey.
We have a team of medical professionals that you can talk to and ask questions. They will provide some answers but will also encourage you to consider and research the facts and information shared about each option. We also have experienced Client Educators who are trained, willing to listen, and provide a safe and neutral environment. We want you to feel heard and understood as you share intimate thoughts and feelings. Please reach out to Life Forward to get started today!
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most important things to know about having a baby and what you should consider when thinking about raising a child. This includes common questions about parenting, the different ways being a parent can affect you, and other information to help make sure you are informed and prepared.
The Pros and Cons of Having a Baby and Parenting
When someone gets pregnant and is planning on parenting their baby, it’s usually a cause for celebration. You’re bringing a new life into the world, and that is a miracle. However, it can also be a time of uncertainty and sometimes even fear of the unknown.
So, how does giving birth and parenting affect the mother, specifically? You are the one who is impacted most by the pregnancy, giving birth, and raising your child, so it’s vital to be familiar with the potential consequences parenting can have on you and your body. Here are some things to think about when considering parenting:
The Physical Impact of Being a Parent
Carrying a baby throughout the 9 months of pregnancy has physical effects on the mother, like fatigue, nausea and vomiting, bloating, breast sensitivity, and more. Childbearing can also lead to long-term health consequences that differ depending on many variables, like when you have your first child and how many total children you give birth to.
There’s not one, specific best age to have a baby. However, many medical professionals agree that the best age to have a baby biologically is sometime between your early 20s and early 30s. Your fertility naturally declines as you get older, so it could be more difficult to conceive later on and can bring greater risks for pregnancy complications.
During the first few weeks after delivering your baby, you may experience side effects such as a tender vaginal area, bloody vaginal discharge, breast engorgement, fatigue and soreness, and painful contractions.
Caring for young children is physically demanding and often leads to less sleep, irregular routines, and less time to focus on your own physical health. This can lead to a host of health issues and worsen any pre-existing conditions you might have.
Even though you must put your body through a lot physically as a parent, it is all worth it when you can play with your child, teach them how to walk, enjoy shared hobbies together, and more. You will know the love that’s shared when they fall asleep on you, want to be held, or hug you.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Being a Parent
After giving birth, you can experience emotional and psychological effects like the “baby blues” or even postpartum depression.
The “baby blues” can occur during the first few weeks after delivery and may involve feeling irritable, anxious, impatient, restless, uncertain, disappointed, as well as crying for no reason, and experiencing trouble sleeping, eating, and making decisions. These usually go away shortly after they first begin. However, if they continue or worsen, you may experience postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a more serious version of the “baby blues” and shares many of the same symptoms. It can also come with additional consequences, like hopelessness, mood swings, exhaustion, feeling guilty, low self-esteem, resentment, feelings of isolation, memory loss, overconcern for your newborn, fear of harming your baby or yourself, lower sex drive, and more. This usually requires an evaluation from a doctor and can involve medication and other treatments.
You can also experience levels of grief and feelings of loss due to your life unfolding differently than originally planned, especially if you have to give up on pursuing certain dreams for a little while. If you or anyone you know are having suicidal thoughts please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach out to us at Life Forward for help.
You can also feel levels of extreme joy, gratitude, and happiness as there is nothing like having your own child. There may be difficult times, but there will also be wonderful times full of laughter, positivity, and love. Being a parent also helps you to emotionally mature as you experience new emotions and experiences that you may not have before having a child.
The Relational Impact of Being a Parent
Raising a child can also impact your relationships with the people in your life, so it’s important to choose healthy relationships so that you and your baby receive the support and love you need. This includes relationships with your family, friends, and even the child’s father. Surrounding yourself with reliable, supportive individuals is incredibly important when planning to have a child.
Having a child can even bring you and your partner closer together as you share the job of parenting. It can strengthen your bond and lead you to plan for a life together.
If you or anyone you know are a victim of domestic abuse, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or reach out to us at Life Forward for help.
The Spiritual Impact of Being a Parent
Many women regard childbearing as a spiritual experience. This can help to enhance your overall spirituality and assist you in feeling more positive during and after your pregnancy.
The Financial and Logistical Consequences of Parenting
It’s also important to consider the cost of having a baby and raising a child. The cost of medical care during pregnancy and delivery can be a lot. The combined costs of having a baby and raising it during its first 2 years involve medical care, food, supplies, housing, transportation, childcare, and more.
Raising a child also requires a safe, stable home where they can grow and develop, so you’ll need to consider where you and your baby will live. This may involve you deciding to move or change your living arrangements in order to create a better situation for your child.
This information may seem overwhelming, but it’s essential to know exactly what giving birth to and raising a child entails. However, all of it will be worth it when you look into your baby’s eyes for the first time and feel the unconditional love between you and your child. Becoming a parent is one of the most wonderful things you can do.
Life Forward also has trained professionals who can help you explore each one of these aspects of parenting in more detail. Additionally, we can refer you to other community resources that can help you succeed as a parent. Reach out to us today to learn more!
Self-Inventory Checklist
It’s also important to reflect and take self-inventory on your specific situation. Here is a self-inventory checklist full of important questions you should ask yourself to help during your decision-making process and ensure you are choosing the option that is best for you:
Do I really want to have a baby? Do I feel like I’m being pressured or coerced to have a baby?
Do I have—or did I previously have—mental health problems?
Am I feeling very uncertain or having difficulty making the decision?
Am I a victim of past childhood sexual abuse or unresolved traumatic experiences?
Am I lacking emotional and/or social support?
How do you feel about being pregnant and becoming a parent?
Am I ready to set aside or delay certain hobbies, habits, or goals in order to put my baby first?
Will religion or spirituality be a part of my baby’s life?
Can I handle all of the parenting duties? Will there be someone else to help me?
Where will I be raising my baby?
Do I have any fears about having children?
Will I be able to support my child financially?
Who will care for my child when I can’t?
These questions are not meant to scare you. Instead, they are intended to make sure you are prepared and informed about everything that parenting involves. Depending on your answers, it may be best to talk to someone before you make a final decision regarding your pregnancy. There are many good reasons to have a baby, but it’s crucial for it to be your decision and what you really want. We at Life Forward want to help you choose the option that is best for you, and to help you be the best parent you can be if you choose to have a child.
How Life Forward Can Help
At Life Forward, we are here to help women in the Cincinnati area who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. In addition to consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds, we offer other educational and supportive services, like our Upward parenting classes, Momentum parenting education programs, and car seat safety education—as well as referrals to other community resources—at no cost to you.
Our staff of trained Client Educators and medical professionals will assist you and connect you to the resources and help you need. These resources can help you be more prepared during your pregnancy and make the best decision for yourself. Learn more about the services we offer or call or text us at 513.961.7777 to schedule an appointment today!