[katielynne]

I am 18 and having another baby! I had my first when I was only 15. Here name is Baily and she is three. When I had her I knew I wanted to keep her. I love her more than anyhing in this world, she turned my life around. Before her I was into drugs and would do anything right. But after I had her I have always worked as much as needed and have never had to ask my parents for help. I got into college at 17 I am now in a private college and only have six months left of school. But I don't know if i can have another baby right now. And I always tried to be safe when having sex I have never once not ben on birth control since my daughter was born. I keep telling myself it happened for a reason. Maybe God wants me to have this baby but I am very un sure. I need some one to help. If there is any one out there who has gone through something like this please tell me your story.

[Karenanna]

Dear Katielynn,

You sound exceptional! What incredible accomplishments you've made! I've never been pregnant, but when I imagine myself at your age and facing the challenges you've faced, I know I could never have succeeded on my own to the degree that you've succeeded.

That said, I have faith that you'll find your way and make the best possible decisions for you and your children. In the meantime, please feel free to bounce ideas off of me. Unlike the first pregnancy, you now know what parenthood requires, so you're in the best position to make an informed decision. However, now that you know the love of a child, it may also be that much more difficult to make a decision.

Karen

[cynthia900]

Katielynn,

Sorry you are faced with such a tough dilemna but congrats on turning your life around - quite an accomplishment. I have not been where you have but I can tell you that many women, including my daughter's birthmother, have been. My advice would be to get some counselling, making sure it is not biased (like an adoption agency might be for example). Perhaps your college health center?? It might help you sort through your choices and to help you understand what help their is in your community for each of them.

Hope it helps to know you have our support, whatever path you follow.

Cynthia

[katielynne]

I just want to say thank you to everybody. I am still not sure what to do but I know it will come to me. Thank you for your support.

[ellemeth]

katielynne-

It's wonderful that you've turned your life around. You'll figure out what is best for you and Baily and the possible baby. I'm a bit older (21) but I know what it's like to have a 3-year-old and try to attend college classes. I just wanted to point out that it is possible to be pregnant and still attend classes. Last Semester, I delivered on a friday, 4 weeks before the end of the semester, was out of the hospital 20 hours later, and back in classes on Monday. That might be hard if you choose to keep the infant but if you have someone you trust to watch the baby while you're in classes, it's still possible.

For me, adoption was the best choice when after the first, other birthcontrol methods proved to be unreliable. But it is a decision for you and the baby's father to discuss, possibly with a counselor. Whatever your decision, good luck, and remember not to let anyone pressure you one way or the other. It's your body that might have to go through pregnancy and will be hormonally confused if there's no baby.

For future reference, you should see the huge list of things that can negate birthcontrol. And none of my doctors ever bothered to warn me about possible birth control failure. My pharmacist finally printed me out a list that's almost two full pages long and most of the things on it, I never would have guessed were a problem. Some are even over-the-counter medications.

[Karenanna]

Hi Katielynn,

I just wondered how you're doing. I sent you a private message last week, but I'm not sure if you read it.

Hope you're okay.

Karenanna

[SadieAnn]

I am amazed at what you've accomplished. You should be proud of yourself. You sound like you've got a good head on your shoulders and I think the right decision will come to you. I wish you well.

[issiahbmom]

my heart goes out to you. i was pregnant when i was 15 too but i placed that child for adoption and things have been good since. i graduated high school went on to school and now here i am givin advice to someone who needs it. i believe you get pregnant for a reason and if your reason is to parent youll know because youll feel it. good luck in what ever you choose to do!!