Parenting

Labor is the process in which a woman’s uterus contracts and pushes, or delivers, the fetus from her body. The fetus may be delivered through the woman’s vagina, or by caesarean section.

A woman choosing to carry a child to full term (40 menstrual weeks, 38 weeks after fertilization) can usually expect to experience a safe and healthy process. For a woman’s best health, she should visit her physician before becoming pregnant, early in her pregnancy, and at regular intervals throughout her pregnancy.

Possible Complications

• Uterine infection – 10% may develop during or after delivery, and on rare occasions cause death
• Blood pressure problems – 1 in 20 pregnant women have during or after pregnancy, especially first pregnancies
• Blood loss – 1 in 20 women experience during delivery
• Rare events such as blood clot, stroke or anesthesia – related death
• Women with severe chronic diseases are at greater risk of developing complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
• Risk of dying as the result of a pregnancy complication is 12 per 100,000 women.

You may qualify for financial help for prenatal (pregnancy), childbirth and neonatal (newborn) care, depending on your income. For people who qualify, programs such as Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare may pay or help pay the cost of doctor, clinic, hospital and other related medical expenses to help with prenatal care, childbirth delivery services and care for newborns. You can call the Minnesota Department of Human Services at 651-431-2670 (Twin Cities metro area) or 1-800-657-3739 (out state) for more information on Medical Assistance or visit their web site at: www.dhs.state.mn.us and click on Health Care, then on Medical Assistance. You can call the Minnesota Department of Human Services at 651-297-3862 (Twin Cities metro area) or 1-800-657-3672 (out state) for more information on MinnesotaCare or visit their web site: www.dhs.state.mn.us/HealthCare/mncare.

The father of a child has a legal responsibility to provide for the support, medical and other needs of his child. In Minnesota, that responsibility includes child support payments to the child’s mother or legal guardian. Children have rights of inheritance from their father and may be eligible through him for benefits such as life insurance, Social Security, pension, veteran’s or disability benefits. Additionally, children benefit from knowing their father’s medical history and any potential health problems that can be passed genetically.

Paternity can be established in Minnesota by:

1. Recognition of Parentage: The biological parents state under oath that they are the parents of the child. This statement will assure benefits to the child. It also will establish the father’s parental rights.

2. Adjudication: A legal action can be brought in court to determine the biological and legal father of a minor child. This process, in addition to obtaining all of the benefits of a Recognition of Parentage, establishes child support orders, custody and visitation rights. An adjudication also establishes paternity when paternity is contested. It provides legal safeguards to all parties involved.

Issues of paternity affect the legal rights of both parents and of the child. You can get general information about paternity establishment, federal regulations and state statutes about child support, and related issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling:

651-431-4199
651-431-4346 (TDD Twin Cities metro area)
888-234-1208 (TDD Outside the metro area)
711 or 800-627-3529 Minnesota Relay Service

Or you can write to:

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Child Support Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 64946
St. Paul, MN 55164-0946

You and the child’s father should discuss with each other your individual rights and responsibilities. A child’s needs are best met when birthparents work together. If he has signed a notarized paternity affidavit, he has legal rights, including visitation and the right to deny or consent to medical decisions for your child. Discuss his rights and responsibilities with your counselor, attorney, or your state social services department.

If the father chooses not to be involved, how do I explain that to my child?

State laws vary about grandparents’ custody and visitation rights. By law, birthparents are the only ones who have rights and responsibilities toward the child. Grandparents, however, are important people in your child’s life and history. They can be very helpful to you and your baby. Appreciate their help as supporting you and your baby.

Look into your housing options before you deliver. Sandstone Options for Women have Client Advocates who can work with you to identify housing options.  Some possibilities include living with a friend or relative, living with your parents or the birthfather’s parents, living in a home for single mothers, or living in public, subsidized housing.  You may qualify for housing assistance; if so, you want to apply as early as possible.  Look for a safe and affordable place to live. Consider childcare options in each situation. If you are a student, ask if your school offers daycare.

Sandstone Options for Women can help with diapers, wipes, clothes, and many other baby items.

In addition, many churches and community agencies can help with needed baby items. Your client advocate can connect you with parenting classes and other resources, including information about public assistance for medical and financial needs.

If you are receiving assistance, you may be eligible for programs to help you with job training, tuition, and childcare. Our Client Advocates can help you explore your options. With determination and job training, you can earn security for yourself and your baby.

Most schools encourage you to continue your education. Some educational programs for parents offer night classes, loans, childcare, and even transportation. You may decide to take a semester off while you adjust to parenting, but your educational goals are still reachable. No one will force you to quit school.

If parenting becomes too difficult, you may consider adoption. It takes courage to realize that you cannot provide all that your child needs by yourself. But separating from a child with whom you have bonded with is difficult. It takes courage to realize that you cannot provide all that your child needs by yourself. Look for an agency that can help you make a loving adoption plan that you can feel positive about.