I am pregnant and seriously contemplating single parenting. I am twenty years old. I am just trying to figure out the basics, what is REALLY involved when it comes to single parenting. What are good jobs to have? How much time do you actually get with your child? (I wouldn't have much family help) How much did it cost you month to month from the delivery? Did you breastfeed? Pump? or use formula? Or any other things you think I might like to know to help me make an informed decision. I am trying to figure it all out, I thought who better to ask than people that are actually doing it? Thank you so much! :-)

Hi!

I am in your situation too..except I already have a 7 month old son and I'm 3 months pregnant. It can and probably will be hard financially..but you should file for child support, it will help with the basic needs. As far as formula or breastmilk, either option is great! Breastmilk is healthy, there's no prep time, and it's FREE! On the other hand, if you choose to use formula, you should apply for WIC (Women, infant, children). They provide you with all of your formula, as well as other foods like cheese,milk, eggs, baby cereal, etc. It's an awesome program. I never did breastfeed since I like to see how much my son is eating, plus I went back to work right after and formula is easier and convenient.

It's hard when you don't have family help, but it's still possible to be a great mommy. We all have to make sacrafices. ANY (legal lol) job is a good one, even minimum wage..it's better than nothing at all. The hard part is affording child care and actually finding a sitter that you trust. The state has programs that can help you with everything from foodstamps to childcare. I know what it's like to be embarrassed about using welfare, but I say if you need it then go for it. Theres a ton of situations that will come your way when you're a single parent..but your child will bring you so much joy =) You might struggle for now, but keep working hard and it'll pay off in the end. I'm here if you need to talk..good luck!!

Expenses are the hardest part. Paying for infant childcare..........[choke, choke]. Way expensive. I still don't know what I would have done had I not been in a job that paid for my childcare. But those jobs are thin on the ground, let me tell you. I know some single moms who have gotten jobs in the day care industry because no child care costs, minimum wage, but liveable if need be. And they get to spend time with their children......

Me, I say GO BOLD. If you have not gone to college yet, do it now. Financial aid will give you living expenses, tuition, books, and childcare. Your only job will be to get your degree. yes, you may have to get student loans, but by the time that you have to pay the student loans, you will be in a good paying job and can afford it, and your child care costs would be much less! Also, while you are in school and have a child, you can qualify for food stamps and maybe housing, if you are a full-time student.

Just an idea. You would invest in not only your child's future, but yours as well.