First of all, I don't want the beginning of this message to sound harsh, but I do want you to face reality. Many men do not take responsibility for children they helped create, and while it is a tough fact to face, that leaves single mothers to carry the burden. You are going to have to face up to the fact that even if and when you file for child support, around 70% of men get away without consistently paying court ordered support for their minor children. You're going to have to carry most of this load by yourself.
Now, the first thing you need to do, as mean as it sounds, is get a job. You're only 4 months pregnant, and as long as the baby is healthy, you are healthy, and you are careful, you can work straight up to your due date, and the delivery of your child. Working can even help reduce the need for medical intervention during delivery because it keeps women active, rather than them just sitting at home. Even if your job pays only minimum wage (Federally mandated not to be less than $5.15 per hour), in the next 5 months, you can earn over $3000. It may not seem like much, but that is AFTER TAXES, and $3000 will undoubtably buy all the baby supplies you need!
Next, make a visit to your local Department of Human Services office. Here you can apply for Food Stamps, Medical Insurance, and an AFDC type program. The food stamps can only be used for purchasing food items, but this includes baby food and formula, as well as Nursery Water or bottled water, with which to mix the baby's formula. The medical insurance will assure that you get the best possible medical care, and it will carry over so that the baby is covered as well. AFDC styled programs provide cash for mothers and children who have an absentee parent. Because the father refuses to help with the child, you can get money payments each month from now until they force him to pay child support. It is not a lot of money, as little as $100 per month in some states, but it is enough to buy diapers and wipes each month for your baby.
Now, if you don't have a place to live, the next visit you'll need to make would be to your local Housing Authority. This is the organization that handles Rental Assistance (A payment each month to help pay your rent), and Public Housing (A group or groups of apartments or houses that are cheap or free to low income families). They will let you fill out an application, tell you what information you need to provide to them, and find you housing as soon as possible. The wait may be longer from county to county, but usually averages around 2-6 weeks. They can also help you find temporary housing during that waiting period. Again, it is important that you find a job soon, because you will likely have to pay a small deposit for the apartment, and have money to get utilities, such as Electricity, Gas, and Water, turned on.
Also, do depend on your family if you can, not just for financial support, but for emotional support. The services mentioned above are NOT shameful! They are to help people like you get back on their feet! Many states will also offer you day care assistance, so that you can return to work once your child is a couple of months old. While it is fine to depend on these services during hard times, you do need to know that they have a limitation, and that you do need to work. This is not a short term problem you have, it is a lifelong committment.
Also, There is a Child Support Enforcement Agency in your state, in every state. The Department of Human Services will help you contact them. They will provide a paternity test, free of charge to you, when the baby is born, and will then help you fight for child support, by providing lawyers and paying legal fees to the court.
Do have a baby shower, as someone else suggested, remembering that every little thing helps. Every bag of diapers or sleeper or pacifier that someone buys your baby as a gift is one that you don't have to buy later. Just a tip though, leave the tags on clothes, and diapers in the package, as your baby may outgrow them before he/she has a chance to use them. In this case, as long as the tags are still there, and the packages still closed, you can exchange them for larger or smaller sized items at the store where they were purchased.
Lastly, remember to hit up consignment and resale shops. These stores often have used baby items in great condition, for a much lower price than they would cost new. You can buy strollers, cribs, bassinets, clothes, shoes, toys, etc, at these places, as well as highchairs, bibs, and things like that. Just be sure to thoroughly inspect the item before purchasing it, making sure there are no broken parts or pieces, and that it is generally in good shape. Also, make sure that the deal you're getting is worth it. After all, why pay $5 for a stained baby sleeper, when you could purchase a new one for $7 at Wal-mart?
Good Luck!
2007-02-26 01:23:04
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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first of all how old are you? do you have a support system? parents, family? there are services out there for you , make sure you get child support, and if you need help, go to dcs, adn they will help you, please email me, let me talk to you, tzumom06@yahoo.com. I will try to help you throught this!
2007-02-26 01:07:19
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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