In College & Pregnant: 3 A.M. Feedings and 8 A.M. Exams

Few things are more difficult than caring for a baby while trying to finish college. Taking care of a new baby is very time consuming, and raising a child on your own successfully is a full time job.

Imagine trying to get to early morning classes after being up most of the night with an irritable baby. When you are done with your class load for the day, you spend 8 more hours at a job. Once you get off work, you pick up your baby from childcare. Then you go home and start the process all over again. In this scenario, you are not really raising your child-the childcare provider is doing most of the nurturing and caring for your child. Though this daily routine may be necessary, it is not the most ideal way for a child to start out in life

Statistics show that many young women who become pregnant while attending college and choose to parent their child will quit school and often never return. Many unmarried mothers become dependent upon welfare programs to help raise their child. Without a college education her wages will likely be low and inadequate, keeping the cycle of poverty at her door.

If you are pregnant and in college, this scenario may seem extremely depressing when only a short time ago you were living a life of freedom and had your future pretty well planned.

Of course you want to do what is best for you and your baby. Is it possible to provide the best life for both your child and yourself?

You do have options that will allow you to set your world right, and, at the same time, do the most loving thing you can do for your child. If you have not given much thought to the idea of adoption, now may be a good time think about it. Your decision either to parent or to choose adoption for your child is one you want to consider carefully.

With todays popular open adoption alternative, you can actually select the parents who will raise your child. You will have opportunity to choose the type of home your child will grow up in, and you will even have choices regarding future contact and updates about your child. Some open adoptions even allow for occasional visits.

With adoption, not only can you finish your education and better your own life, but you can give your child a mother and a father who will provide a stable and loving home. You will be able to go on with your future knowing that your child is in the best possible home that you could provide for him or her. And, you can always know how your child is doing.


Mardie Caldwell, COAP is nationally recognized as an authority on adoption and including resources on the internet dedicated to excellence in adoption. Founder of Lifetime Adoption Center and Lifetime Foundation, she has been in the field of adoption since 1986. Caldwell is a speaker and award-winning author. She has appeared on CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, BBC,