Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Nurturing Network?
The Nurturing Network is an international charitable organization whose members are doctors, nurses, employers, educators, counselors, and friends. We share a commitment to serve pregnant women, regardless of age, race or creed, who have chosen life for their unborn child.
Our Network offers many kinds of assistance as extensive and varied as your individual needs. We are ready to work with you to plan the best program for you and your child.
Nurturing Network invites all caring people to offer their gifts of support during one of the most vulnerable and challenging time of a woman’s life.
Who can I turn to?
Right now, perhaps more than ever before, you need someone you can trust, someone whose advice you can count on. You need a friend who is always there, and the assurance that no matter what you say, it will go no further.
Someone once said that a stranger was a friend you hadn't met yet. That's what the Nurturing Network is - a group of friends you have not needed until now.
The support they offer might come from one of our caring volunteers members who chooses to say, “Yes, I’m going to open my home to a woman who this day does not have a place to lay her head.” Or a compassionate doctor who has a full schedule may say, “It would be my honor to serve in this particular way.” A professional counselor may offer her services and say, “I want to spend that hour after my day is done, talking to someone who has no one.” An employer may offer a job and say, “I’m looking for someone I can do more for than write a paycheck.”
Our Client Services Staff have the information and experience to offer you guidance with compassion and a plan of action that will empower you in ways that you can only imagine while in the midst of crisis.
I don't want to disappoint my family, but I have to do what I believe is right.
It is hard to have courage and conviction when your self-confidence has been shaken; now more than ever, you need someone to understand you, respect your decisions and help you accomplish your plans.
No one can do this better than a family that stands by you. Our Counselors are prepared to work with you to encourage understanding and strengthen relationships within your family. When this is not possible, we would like to be there for you - to listen without judging and advise with your best interests at heart.
How can I continue my education?
A healthy pregnancy does not have to limit educational achievements or lower academic goals in any way. The Nurturing Network is committed to giving you the support you may need at this time to maintain the quality of your education. Whether this means working out a more convenient curriculum with your school administrators or helping to arrange a temporary transfer, we are ready to assist you.
Knowing the importance many women place upon confidentiality and privacy at this time, we have established a unique consortium of Colleges and Universities throughout the country to which you may be eligible to transfer during your pregnancy. Each of the participating Colleges and Universities is of excellent academic quality and has shown through its administration a special sensitivity to your needs.
How can I continue my job and career plans?
Usually pregnancy does not mean that a woman must abandon her career path or occupational goals. If your employer is supportive and the benefits of remaining in your current position are convincing, we encourage you to do so. However, the need for confidentiality and special understanding at this time often suggests that a temporary leave of absence might be helpful.
To make this option available, The Nurturing Network has established a unique network of participating employers across the country who are interested in offering you temporary employment. These positions can provide continuity in your career plans. Each senior professional joining our Network has demonstrated support for your choice and in interest in maintaining your career.
I can't stay where I'm living now, but where?
Whether you remain where you are now living, or decide to relocate temporarily through our educational or Employer Network, the Nurturing Network can provide more than just another place to live. We can offer you one of our Nurturing Homes where a family who is committed to giving you the love and support you need at this time, will warmly welcome you.
Our Nurturing Families have demonstrated a special understanding of the challenges you face. Each is ready to help you benefit from the many services that we can provide through our Network. If the available resources in your own community are already being utilized, alternative locations or referral to organizations with whom the network in your community are provided.
Can I afford this choice?
We are dedicated to making this choice possible because we believe that the financial cost of supporting you and your baby is small when compared to the emotional price of your not having this choice.
Although our financial resources are not unlimited, many generous friends of our Network have made it possible for us to reduce financial worries for many of our Clients. We will work with you to explore the variety of financial programs available to meet your needs. We will also assist you in locating any funding for which you may now be eligible.
What can I do to make sure my child is healthy?
To start with, make sure that you are healthy. Take time to eat well, get plenty of rest and enjoy reasonable exercise.
You will also need to regularly visit a good doctor who can anticipate and treat your medical needs. We will help you find competent and compassionate medical care to protect your health and that of your baby.
I wonder - should I raise my child, or would someone else be a better parent?
Only you can answer this question and no one, no matter how much they care, can decide for you. Your ability to make a thoughtful choice will make the difference between a future of regret and one of growth.
There are times when a mother's own financial, emotional and social circumstances make parenting very difficult. And sometimes, the greatest act of parenthood is allowing someone else to raise your child.
Whatever your situation may be, our Network of Professional and Inspirational Counselors are available to offer emotional encouragement and practical advice.
What about adoption? It's an alternative I know so little about.
If you need adoption services, our Client Services Staff will offer information to help you explore the various options available. Whatever degree of participation you may wish to have in your child's adoption and future, the Network's priority will continue to be helping you find what is right for you and your child.
I want to raise my child, but first a few things will have to change. Can you help me?
If you are planning to raise your child, you will need to start preparing now. The Nurturing Network can introduce you to classes and workshops in parenting and child care which offer helpful information on the responsibilities of raising a child.
We will help you plan ahead for housing, employment, day care and other practical concerns which you may need to consider if you are planning to raise your child.
Where do I go from here?
There are both immediate and long term answers for you to consider. We hope that you will turn to us now and in the months ahead as you look for comfort and guidance.