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Hopeful Beginnings was known as St. Mary’s. They were mostly known as an adoption agency. As most of you know, adoption numbers are decreasing. We like to spread the word that we have professional social workers to discuss the options of an unplanned pregnancy. We don’t put pressure, nor do we stress women out…
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Brain Development and what to do prior to getting pregnant There is another word for this called Preconception Health. The CDC tells us that “Preconception Health refers to the health of women and men during their reproductive years, which are the years that they can have a child. It focuses on taking steps now…
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Each member of the adoption triad (adoptee, birth mother, or adoptive parent) will have their own answer to this question. Each individual will also have their own perspective, given the trajectory of their lives and the multiple variables of the people they came in contact with as well as their past and…
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There are many voices out there, whether other adoptees, previous birth mothers, adoptive parents, or the general public. They all have their story regarding adoption and its impact on their life. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and trying to research more about adoption, you may be feeling confused and frightened by…
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Healthy Pregnancy Center for Disease Control (CDC) Learn what you can do before and during pregnancy to improve your chances of having a healthy baby. Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk for several serious birth defects and other pregnancy complications. If you are underweight, overweight,…
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How can I help? During the days following a newborn’s arrival, family members and friends might be excited to rush over to cuddle with the new little one. While this is an exciting time as a friend, aunt, godmother, etc., it is important to remember the mother and her well-being. It is easy…
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Ask any new mom or dad what they find most difficult in a child’s first year, and they will probably mention sleep deprivation. By a baby’s first birthday, most parents have tried some sort of intervention – something to help their child learn to fall asleep and stay asleep on her own so…
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The first thing that I want to address is “the fit” when choosing the adoption agency that you plan to work with. Our belief at Hopeful Beginnings is to do your due diligence in researching the different agencies out there. You will get an immediate feel by how they address certain issues such…
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With the recent news of an infant being found in a Chicago alley, we felt it important to continue to spread awareness on the life saving Safe Haven Law. It is clear that the likely terrified and desperate biological parents of that infant had no idea what to do. If only they knew…
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When there is a new baby in the house, the focus is on the baby, bringing presents, holding the baby, and sharing the joy of bringing new life into the family. No matter what the situation is, whether it is a difficulty in getting pregnant, having your fourth child, or first, this is culturally…
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