[RavenSong]

Hi, Kaylee...

My name is Raven, and I'm a birthmom who relinquished her son 37 years ago. We reunited 19 years ago, shortly after he turned 18.

I'd like to echo Janey's advise to you: slow everything down a bit, and take your time making this monumental decision. As Cetalley pointed out, your body is surging with hormones right now - I would imagine that your moods are swinging all over the place, which is normal in your postpartum condition.

It sounds like your family is being supportive of you keeping your child. If it really is a matter of finances and employment, can you look into obtaining some type of financial assistance from your County Department of Social Services? There are a myriad of programs out there that are designed to help young single mothers. It just takes a bit of time to sit down and go through your phone book. I would start off by calling Social Services and asking for financial help, food stamps, and Medicaid. If you aren't eligible, be sure to ask the social worker for referrals to local organizations that might be able to help you.

I know here in California that single moms are provided with job training and job placement through Social Services. There's a good chance that a similar program exists where you live.

Adoption can be a good choice if you truly don't want to take on the responsibilities of motherhood right now. Only you know what your heart is telling you. It is a very hard journey, though...so be sure to get some counseling. If you don't know any qualified counselors or therapists in your area, please send a Private Message (PM) to Bromanchik. Brenda is a birthmom who is also a licensed therapist, and she can help you find the help you need.

I hope you keep posting here. We may not have all the answers, but we are listening. There's usually someone hanging out on the forums, no matter if it's day or night.