Thread by @StupidRock

#pregnancyhelpline slightly more optimistic version

An 18 yr old calls, she's 17 weeks pregnant. Her bf is very supportive, has gone with her to her 3 appointments so far and is saving for baby stuff. She is about to graduate highschool. She lives with her grandparents.

1/

She is certainly not considering abortion, but she just needs to talk about how to tell her parents and grandparents the news. His family knows about them and the baby. Her family does not know about either. She's hidden her state so far.
She is afraid of disappointment.

2/

She wants her grandparents, who have raised her, to be proud of her. She wants them to see she has succeeded in her studies while pregnant. She wants them to see how supportive her bf is. But she's scared.
Her mom knows. She thinks her mom only knows about her bf,

3/

but I'm 99% sure mama knows what's up.

We chat, do a little small talk, then I try to help her think through the possibilities: timing, situation, etc.

She already has a plan.
She really just needs someone to tell her "yes, you can do it. You've gotten this far."

4/

So that's what I do. Her plan is good. I remind her she knows her family better than me, so she knows if her plan is good or not.
I help her consider the possibility her grandparents already know.
I help her consider the possibility it may not turn out as bad as she thinks.

5/

She sounds good, relieved, confident, when we say goodbye. She is about to call her bf to let him know what she's decided.

Women are strong. Sometimes all we need is just someone to tell us how far we've come and that yes, we can keep going.

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