If you are pregnant as a single parent, ask for help and support when you need it. You may find that other single parents are a good source of support.
Every year thousands of women experience pregnancy alone. There are more than 200,000 one-parent families in Ireland today.
Sharing the news of your pregnancy
You are in control of how you share your news and who you share it with.
When you feel comfortable, you could start with people you trust. For example, a friend or two.
You could get support from other people in a similar situation. For example, if you are single, in your teens or pregnant earlier than you planned.
Develop a support system
Ask your family and friends to support you.
They can help by:
- bringing you nutritious meals that you can heat up
- doing household chores
- minding your other children for a few hours
- encouraging you to continue activities outside your home
- meeting up with you
- giving you space to talk and share your feelings
Groups and classes
Support groups can help you talk to other people in a similar situation. They can help if you find it difficult to talk to friends and family or they do not live nearby.
Ask a medical social worker or public health nuse (PHN) if your local hospital offers support groups for lone parents.
One-parent family payments
You might be eligible for the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) from Social Welfare.
One-Parent family payments - citizensinformation.ie
Find out more about parenting alone - citizensinformation.ie