Are You Ready to Be a Parent?

Read on to learn more about some of the questions you can ask yourself to determine if you’re ready for a child, as well as the free, confidential services offered by Avail NYC that can help you during this life-changing time.

Will you be able to provide for your baby’s needs?

In today’s consumption-focused society, it can be easy to assume you need a carload of baby gear before you can even check into the hospital. However, a baby’s needs are very simple: food, clothing, shelter, and affection. As long as your baby has a safe place to sleep, a car seat or stroller, a couple of outfits and a blanket or two, a way to eat (whether bottles and formula, breastfeeding, or a breast pump), and close contact with a loving caregiver, he or she should have all needs met.

Are you ready for a full-time commitment to parenting?

Having a child, while incredibly rewarding, can be like having a job with no sick time, no vacation days, and no overtime pay. If you’re not sure you can commit your full-time attention to your child or share the load of responsibility between a significant other or strong support system, there are resources available.

Do you have enough financial support?

While kids can be as expensive as you make them, some costs that are all but impossible to avoid, from food to diapers to childcare. If you’re already struggling to support only yourself, adding another mouth to feed may not make much sense. On the other hand, New York, among other states, offers many financial resources just for single mothers like tax credits, SNAP benefits, and subsidized child care.

Fortunately, even if you do some soul-searching and find you’re not yet ready to be a parent, Avail NYC can help. Our confidential pregnancy support services can help line you up with available assistance programs or even help you pursue adoption as an option. Avail is a safe place to make a confident pregnancy decision.

How can Avail NYC help?

Avail NYC is here to help men and women making decisions about an unexpected pregnancy. We offer holistic care and practical resources for all facets of pregnancy, from taking your first pregnancy test and attending pregnancy classes to buying baby clothes and supplies, or even lining up childcare. We are not a medical provider.