I Don't Need a Man

I am sure a lot of you want to know what it’s like to be single and pregnant. I have a different situation than most pregnant women you may know, so what is it like for me? Honestly, it doesn’t feel any different for me. I can’t really compare having a partner and not having a partner because this is my first pregnancy, but I do have the most amazing friends and family who have stepped up and are willing to replace the partner I once had.

Let’s start with my parents. Both of my parents are already so supportive in anything that I do, that being single and pregnant was just another thing they were going to support me in. And I don’t mean financially. Although I am sure they will help out if I really need it, but I like to do things on my own (another thing that gets me into trouble sometimes), and supporting this child is my responsibility and not theirs.

My mom has come with me to pick out nursery paint colors, has helped me create a baby registry for my baby shower, and also planned a last-minute Gender Reveal party that the dance moms (soon to be grandmas) requested. She tries accompanying me to the majority of my Ultrasound appointments and has offered to take birthing classes with me; which I am not sure yet if I want to do.

My dad’s support is more for comical reasons that benefit him (and everyone around who can hear him picking on me). He makes me laugh, and it has really helped since my ex left. He likes to make comments on how huge I am going to get, and when I am walking some where he adds “BEEP BEEP BEEP” as much as he can. He finds it hilarious; I find it hilarious when I’m not in a crabby mood. My dad is not the emotional kind, although I am sure he will be emotional when his first grandbaby is born, he doesn’t express emotion as much as my mom does. Which I am forever grateful for.

My friends are the best and truest friends you could ever have. They all have such different qualities that make us the most unbreakable group you will ever meet. When they found out I was expecting they were all so excited about becoming an aunt or an uncle, and when they found out I was going to be a single mother, each and every one of them stepped up in their own way. If I needed a Chilis date, T and her man C were there for me. If I needed an ice cream date, M and E were there. If I needed a good laugh and some “wesbian wovers” time A was there for me. If I need reassurance that I was enough for someone they were all there for me. If I ever doubted myself as a person, or as a soon to be mother, everyone was there for me. My dance friends always had reassuring words that made me feel better about myself, and also some strong colorful words when I was upset about my break up. No matter what I need, no matter when I need it, they are always there for me no matter what. Not only am I lucky to have the group of friends that I do, but so is my little peanut.

So is it different for me than it would be for someone else? Heck yes. In a perfect world I would have a loving husband there for me and the baby day and night, but in my case I have myself, and my friends and family. I am positive I am not the only single and pregnant woman out there, and it's reassuring to know that if someone else can do it, then so can I.