Parenting
Coming home with your baby can be exciting. It can also be stressful or unnerving if you have not had much experience with babies. Be sure to find some older, more experienced moms that you can call on for advice and encouragement! They can be a huge blessing when you are feeling unsure.
New Beginnings can give you information about free classes designed to help you get comfortable with the basics. There is a lot you will need to know before you bring home that little bundle of joy! Contact us for information on registering. There are classes that are available while you are pregnant and preparing for parenthood, as well as classes that can help you through various stages of childhood.
If you are under 25 and interested in meeting some other young moms, please contact New Beginnings for information on a young moms group.
Parenting is a learn as you go process. Just when you think you have it down, your child will enter a new stage of development and everything changes. It is important to remember that every child is different and that there is not a one size fits all parenting method. The 3 most important things you can do as a parent are: pray for wisdom in how to to parent each child most effectively, get to know your child as an individual so you can better understand what makes him/her “tick” and understand his/her gifts and challenges, and do some research on the stages of childhood development so you know what to expect from your child at each age. The links below will help you get started
Basic info on stages of development
Basic parenting tips for each age level
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful way to bond with your new baby. It is also proven to be healthier for you and for the baby, and it is definitely less expensive than formula!! Usually, the hospital will provide a lactation consultant that can help you with breastfeeding, including answering any questions and helping with the first feedings. Take advantage of this expertise!!! It can be invaluable. You can also visit these websites for more information on things related to breastfeeding… breastfeeding.com and la leche league
Housing & other Help for Single Mothers:
Real life stories from teen parents
Kelci- I was very involved in pom and cheer, and student government… I was involved in my church youth group, and really happy in my life.
Ivonne-My boyfriend was the only one working, and we barely had enough money to survive. We had no furniture and had to sleep on the floor of our apartment. There were times when we didn’t even have money for diapers.
Angelina - “At the age of 15, I became sexually active, all because I wanted love. From then on, I had no respect for myself, or anyone else. I didn’t care what other people thought about me”