Unplanned Pregnancy Counseling
|
Printer Friendly Version |
|
Email Page |
Are you pregnant? Didn't plan to be? Don't know what to do or where to turn?
The caring staff at Hillcrest Family Services can help. Let us share some information about adoption as well as parenting, and how to contact us to talk.
All our services are free and confidential. Pregnancy testing can be performed at our Hillcrest Health and Family Planning Clinic. We can provide you with medical, financial, nutritional, prenatal and school services, and connections to others who can help as well.
We serve anyone in Iowa who wishes to consider adoption or parenting. While our offices are in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids, we will travel to meet you.
Our services are available to everyone, without regard to race, color, age, national origin, handicap, creed, religious or political affiliation.
Adoption
Learning more about your options is always good before you make a decision.
Adoption might be a good choice if you don't think you're ready to be a parent at this point in your life. It does NOT mean that you don't love the baby you are carrying, or that you are looking for an easy solution to your situation. Adoption means that you are thinking about the best possible future for your baby and you.
Adoption has changed a lot over the years and is much more open today than it was in the past. Today, relationships can be formed, and are encouraged, between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. While your parental rights and responsibilities are given to another set of parents, you can still have a relationship with your child. This is called Open Adoption, and involves an ongoing, relationship between you, the adoptive parents, and your child. The level of openness in an adoption is based on your wishes and the level of comfort you have.
Deciding what to do after you find out you're pregnant isn't easy. Each possible choice is hard and has its own set of issues. But you can take charge of your situation by getting as much information as you can get about your options. Giving yourself time to consider carefully and weigh each option will help you make the right decision for you and your baby.
Parenting
If adoption isn't the choice you want to make, and abortion is not an option, then you probably have lots of questions about parenting your child and becoming a good parent.
Parenting can be a wonderful choice for you and your baby. Everyone has different feelings about becoming a parent. You may feel like you are ready to start this new part of your life and have the support network you need from family and friends. On the other hand, you may be really scared and not have the network you think you need to raise your baby. Together with a counselor, we will find the resources available to help you parent successfully.
At Hillcrest Family Services, we believe that the best decision about anything is an informed decision, and we can help you. We have lots of experience helping moms and families to prepare for a baby and all that happens after the baby comes. We have great resources and connections to other resources outside of Hillcrest, which can make your decision-making process easier and more effective. We are here and want you to be successful in the whichever decision you choose.
See Testimonials from our clients
Contact Us
Melissa Anderson, LISW, Director
Melissa.anderson@hillcrest-fs.org
Dubuque office
2005 Asbury Road
Dubuque, IA 52001
Cell: 563-542-5624
Jody Kirby, BSW, Unplanned Pregnancy Counselor
Jody.kirby@hillcrest-fs.org
Dubuque office
220 W. 7th St
Dubuque, IA 52001
Cell: 563-542-6457
Robin Shelby, LBSW, Unplanned Pregnancy Counselor
robin.shelby@hillcrest-fs.org
Cedar Rapids office
317 7th Ave SE, Ste 202C
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-362-3149
Toll free: 877-437-6333
Cell:319-560-1275
Melody Reck, Post Legal Adoption Services, Administrative Assistant
melody.reck@hillcrest-fs.org
Cedar Rapids office
317 7th Ave SE, Ste 202C
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-362-3149
Toll free: 877-437-6333
