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Although the waters may have been rough during the first trimester, many will find sailing through the second trimester to be a calm and peaceful journey. This is partially due to the slowing down of the rapidly changing river of hormones and changes to a woman’s body. But don’t be fooled, there is still an amazing journey taking place for both the baby and the woman’s body. BODY CHANGES FOR THE MOTHER The second trimester has begun, spanning from 13 weeks through 27 weeks gestation. As a woman embarks on this stage of her journey, she may notice that her belly and breast size are starting to increase. This increase can lead to some itching of the skin as it begins to stretch accommodating the growing baby and increase in amniotic fluid within the uterus. A woman may also notice a clear sticky (sugary) discharge from her nipples. This is called colostrum, and it will be an amazing first food for the baby once born. The second trimester will bring an increase of fluids flowing through her body. Along with an increase of amniotic fluid, her blood volume will also increase about 30 percent by the end of the second trimester. This is to support the needs of the growing baby within. Fun fact: Did you know that a baby requires amniotic fluid to assist in lung development? Yep, its true! This is only one important reason to stay nice and hydrated when pregnant. BODY CHANGES FOR THE BABY Over the next few weeks, this new little human will be traveling through a beautiful sea of changes. By 14 weeks, the baby has begun making urine, developing red blood cells inside its spleen, its bones are beginning to harden, and the sex organs are developing externally on the baby’s body. As the baby reaches 18 weeks, he or she has begun to experience sounds, like its mother’s heartbeat. The baby has the ability to slowly move its eyes, has a functioning digestive tract, and is developing tiny toenails. This is also around the time many women will start to feel tiny kicks or movement known as quickening. Fun fact: this tiny human is pumping 100 pints of blood through its body daily! As the journey continues through to 24 weeks, the baby has developed a layer of vernix (white cheesy substance) and lanugo (tiny hairs) all over its skin to protect the skin from the amniotic fluid. He or she is building a layer of brown fat in the neck region; this is to help provide calories to the infant after birth as they establish a feeding routine and the mother’s milk supply is established. The baby’s skin is still slightly translucent with a pink or reddish tint that is caused by the babies vascular (veins) system, and it has set the pattern for his or her unique finger/footprints. He or she has also begun the pacifying practice of thumb sucking, and hiccups can be common. By the time the baby reaches its destination of 27 weeks, it has gone through so many changes. His or her lungs are preparing themselves for birth by producing a slippery soapy like substance called surfactant. Surfactant helps to keep the alveoli (tiny air sacs) in the baby’s lungs from sticking together and allowing them to fill with air at birth. A few fun facts: Did you know that a baby will practice breathing? It’s true! He or she will do this by breathing in its amniotic fluid. The baby is now experiencing wake sleep cycles that include REM (rapid eye movements) which is associated with dreaming. The baby can hear noises outside of the women’s body. This is a great time for moms and dads to talk to and share their favorite music with their baby (aka bonding)! STAY TUNED: THE THIRD TRIMESTER This ends the second trimester journey! Join us in the coming weeks as we sail forward into the third trimester. If you missed our blog post detailing the first trimester, you can read it here. For more educational and practical information about the pregnancy journey, we encourage you to sign up for Life’s Choices’ free prenatal classes. Learn more about our free class options here: About Our Free Classes “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” –Psalms 127:3-4 #13weeks #fetusdevelopment #2ndtrimester #fetaldevelopment #fetus #humandevelopment #humanferitlization #journeyofpregnancy #babydevelopment #amazingjourneyofpregnancy #pregnancyprocess #pregnancy #secondtrimester

The possibility of pregnancy brings a wide variety of emotions, be it planned or unplanned. Despite the complicated feelings surrounding it, there’s no doubt that the process of pregnancy is a miracle. In this post, we’re exploring the amazing journey of pregnancy from conception through the 13th week (also known as the 1st trimester). Before we do, please know that if you are faced with the possibility of pregnancy and aren’t sure where to turn next, Life’s Choices is here to support you and empower you with the resources necessary to embark on your personal journey. You’re not alone. The first step in making your decisions surrounding your pregnancy is to make sure you are fully educated about the facts surrounding the pregnancy process. Here’s what to know about the first trimester: CONCEPTION A miraculous journey has begun! An egg (oocyte) is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube inside the female body. Small finger like hairs called cilis in the fallopian tube, propel the egg along in anticipation for fertilization. Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube when an egg is penetrated by a single sperm; each sperm and egg contain 23 chromosomes that when combined transform to make a unique human being with its own set of 46 chromosomes (DNA). Once this single sperm has united with the egg, a hard protective shell-like membrane, called a zona pellucida, forms around the outside of the newly formed fertilized egg (embryo). This process occurs to protect the embryo from being fertilized by multiple sperm, as one deposit (ejaculation) of sperm from a man to a woman contains 40-150 million sperm which can live inside the woman’s reproductive organs for up to five days. THE FIRST FEW WEEKS: THE EMBRYO Attribution: Ttrue12, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons The journey for this newly created human being has now begun in the form of an embryo. The embryo is a time in a human’s life that he/she will experience the most rapid development ever, and it all takes place in just eight short weeks. The embryo itself consists of three different stages: ZYGOTE: The first stage is referred to as a zygote. This stage lasts approximately four to five days. During this stage, the cells within the zygote are multiplying to created millions of other cells that are the building blocks (DNA) to each unique person and are responsible for the development of every organ system, hair color, sex, etc., that will follow him or her throughout that person’s entire life. BLASTOCYST: After those very busy four to five days, the hard protective shell, or zona pellucida begins to break down to allow for expanded growth of the embryo now referred to as a blastocyst. Let’s pause for a moment and consider how incredible that the embryo is protected and shielded for five days post fertilization; the same number of days that sperm can live within the female reproductive organs. Another unique thing that happens during the blastocyst stage, is the embryo is developing a yolk sac and yolk stem that will support all the baby’s nutritional and circulatory needs until the umbilical cord and placenta can be established. As the placenta and umbilical cord are formed, the yoke sac and yolk stem are simply absorbed into the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. It’s amazing how the yolk sac and stem mimic almost completely the look and function of the placenta and umbilical cord. The yolk sac is also responsible for producing the hormone HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin). This is the hormone used to help identify a pregnancy and can start being detected in the blood and urine of the pregnant woman as little as one week post fertilization. It is this hormone, along with rising levels of estrogen and progesterone, that helps to support the beginning stages of pregnancy and are responsible for a lot of those early signs/symptoms of pregnancy: nausea (AKA morning sickness), breast swelling/tenderness, darkening of skin pigmentation on the face(melasma), around the breast areola (nipple), fatigue, bloating, constipation, just to name a few. For most women, these annoying symptoms will tend to subside once they move into their second trimester. However, please ALWAYS consult your obstetrician prior to any medication or herbal use. GASTRULA: As the embryo continues to develop during the blastocyst stage, it is gently guided through the fallopian tubes by the cilia until about day nine post fertilization. It is at this point in the journey that the embryo enters the uterus and finds its way into a blood-filled protective lining of the uterus known as the endometrial layer. This process is also known as implantation and the embryo has now entered the stage known as “gastrula.” It is also during this stage that the majestic sound of the baby’s heart starts beating; this will happen at approximately three to four weeks post fertilization or what would also be known as five to six weeks gestation of pregnancy, as pregnancy gestation is based on the first day of your last menstrual cycle and not conception date. (The pregnancy/baby’s development is referred to as gestational weeks.) This means that one to two weeks after a woman misses her menstrual cycle — many times even before a woman knows she’s pregnant – her baby’s heart has formed and begun to beat. WEEKS 10+: THE FETUS By 10 weeks gestation, all of the baby’s major organ systems and appendages have developed: the brain, nervous system, circulatory system, digestive system, legs, arms, fingers, and toes. The sex organs, eyes, and ears are also starting to develop. The yolk sac and stem have now been absorbed into the digestive system, and the umbilical cord and placenta are now established. The placenta and umbilical cord will now be the means in which nutrients and oxygen rich blood will be delivered to the baby from the mother, and waste byproducts will be released from the baby back to the mother. Fun fact: If you take negative images of lungs, a tree route system, and the vasculature in a baby’s placenta, visually they all mimic each other. They are all incredibly interdependent upon each other delivering life-sustaining oxygen for the humans and carbon dioxide for the trees. What a masterful design! Now at 10 weeks gestation, the baby is no longer referred to as an embryo and is now referred to as a fetus measuring approximately one inch long. The fetus will continue to grow rapidly over the next few weeks measuring between three to four inches long by 13 weeks, ending the journey of the fast and furious 1st trimester yet entering the exciting adventure of what will be the second trimester. STAY TUNED: THE SECOND TRIMESTER To learn about the wonders that occur during the second trimester, keep following along! We’re excited to share later this month this second part of the amazing journey of pregnancy. For more educational and practical information about the pregnancy journey, we encourage you to sign up for Life’s Choices’ free prenatal classes. Learn more about our free class options here: About Our Free Classes “…For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depth of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days were ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be…” Psalm 139:13-16 #embryo #fetaldevelopment #1sttrimester #fetus #humandevelopment #humanferitlization #journeyofpregnancy #gastrula #firsttrimester #amazingjourneyofpregnancy #zygote #pregnancy #blastocyst

Life’s Choices has been watching with anticipation, along with the rest of our nation, to see what decision would be coming from the Supreme Court as it relates to abortion laws. Today marks that day. Our organization does not get involved in political activism or attempting to influence legislation, as is clearly stated in our bylaws. However, we do keep close watch on current events so that we always remain relevant in our services. Today’s reversal of Roe v. Wade does not make abortion illegal in the United States, but rather, gives the power back to individual states to decide. In Pennsylvania, abortion is legal until 24 weeks gestation. Other states have greater restrictions, and some may now make the decision to ban abortion completely. What does a post-Roe culture look like for Life’s Choices? PRACTICAL SUPPORT & LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS At Life’s Choices, we are well aware that any change in abortion laws will not solve the problem of unwanted pregnancies. Whether or not abortion laws become more restrictive in Pennsylvania, we are here to provide women in unintended pregnancies with practical support. We are here to help them through their immediate crisis as well as seek long-term solutions to the complex problems that drive them towards abortion. One way we are doing that is by an increased focus on follow-up care through case management services. We are committed to walking beside our client on her journey and not just sending her away with a handful of pamphlets. For needs that go beyond our ability to provide, we recently connected with an organization called LoveLine, a case management resource focusing on meeting needs of single moms. Our clients have already benefited, receiving rental assistance and professional therapy as a follow up to services received in our offices. EDUCATIONAL & MATERIAL RESOURCES We invite moms and dads to learn parenting skills by participating in over 150 classes through a program called Bright Course. These classes can be done in our office or remotely from their own home. Each time they complete a class they earn points that can be used in our Baby Boutique to supply them with diapers, wipes, formula or other baby items. Our Baby Bundle provides an expectant mom with an abundance of free resources and at the completion of classes she earns a brand-new car seat and a newborn photo shoot, a service donated by local professional photographers. CONFIRMATION ULTRASOUNDS One of our specialties is early pregnancy confirmation through ultrasound. This service becomes more relevant as at-home medical abortions are currently available through telehealth appointments. A pregnancy test alone gives very little information. Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, whether someone desperately wants to be pregnant or desperately wants to be “unpregnant,” an early confirmation ultrasound allows a woman to fully understand her current situation in order to make the best choices for her future. NO MATTER WHAT, LIFE’S CHOICES IS HERE TO SUPPORT WOMEN Today, women and men across the nation are processing this historic moment through the lens of their own belief system, their values and past experiences. Passions are ignited, and that is understandable. It is our hope that rather than turn against one another we would join together to support women and provide them with resources to make positive life decisions that lead them towards a healthy and successful future. We are grateful to be part of a caring community, and we welcome any woman or man who needs pregnancy or parenting support to come to us for help and hope. Life’s Choices does not discriminate in providing services because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, gender or orientation. Now is the time for social services, nonprofits, churches and individuals to link arms and provide women with every possible resource in their choice for life. To learn more about our completely free and confidential resources, we encourage you to take a look around our website or contact us for more information. CONTACT US #roevwade #freepregnancyservices #crisispregnancycenter #postroevwade #confirmationultrasounds #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #crisispregnancy #berkscountynonprofit #readingpennsylvania #freeultrasound #pregnancyhelp #hamburgpennsylvania #roevwadeoverturn #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #kutztown #pregnancyresourcecenter #pregnancy

Our son was a new dad for less than 24 hours when he sent me this text message: “Mom,” he wrote, “I don’t think I ever thanked you for what you went through to bring me into this world.” Witnessing the birth of his daughter gave him new appreciation for the strength of a woman and the miracle of life. A woman’s mental, emotional and physical stamina to not only survive birth, but willingly repeat the experience, is truly remarkable! And giving birth is just the beginning. The powerful instincts of a mother to protect and nurture her offspring is incredible to behold. Those instincts create a strength and resolve that enable her to overcome obstacles and beat all odds. BRAVER THAN YOU BELIEVE For a woman considering abortion because she believes that having a child will keep her from reaching her goals, at Life’s Choices we want her to know she does not have to make that difficult choice. To quote Winnie the Pooh “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A.A. Milne At Life’s Choices, we don’t think a woman has to choose between being a mom and having a successful future. She can be a mom and finish school. She can be a mom and have a career. Women are excellent multitaskers. In fact, a child is often the motivator that inspires a parent to reach greater levels of success and achievement. The world around us tells women they can’t and shouldn’t embrace motherhood or that they’re all alone should they choose to give their child life. With so many destructive messages surrounding women, we know that they need truth, support and love more than ever. LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS Sometimes it seems that darkness and death have permeated our culture. Predictions of a gloomy summer fill the news, but we have the promise from Scripture that the darkness can never extinguish the light. Rather than gloom and doom, at Life’s Choices we’re predicting a summer of LIGHT! We’re determined to break through the darkness by allowing the light of Jesus to shine through us. Life-giving words and actions brighten the atmosphere, and this noticeable difference is having an impact. One way we’re being a place of light in the community is through early pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds at our Kutztown office in Berks County, Pennsylvania. A pregnancy test alone gives very little information. Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, whether someone desperately wants to be pregnant or desperately wants to be “unpregnant,” an early confirmation ultrasound allows a woman to fully understand her current situation in order to make the best choices for her future. We’re confident that as we focus on being a place of light and life, we can trust God with the heart of each strong woman who walks through our doors. She is capable of making positive life decisions when trusted with truth and showered with love. That is what we are here to do. If you are in need of an early confirmation ultrasound, please contact us by text or phone at 610.683.8000. We offer free ultrasounds every Tuesday starting at 9 a.m. (Appointment is required.) JOIN US IN OUR SUMMER OF LIGHT CAMPAIGN We look forward to many good things happening this summer at Life’s Choices during a Summer of Light. If you would like to contribute financially to our Summer of Light Giving Campaign, you can do so here. While it is our pleasure to offer free ultrasounds, they are costly for us. Your financial gift is such an encouragement. Thank you for your support as we empower strong women and mothers to optimize their choices for a successful future. LEARN MORE GIVE HERE Joy Stutzman Life’s Choices’ Executive Director #freepregnancyservices #crisispregnancycenter #nonprofitgiving #confirmationultrasounds #nonprofitgivingcampaign #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #crisispregnancy #berkscountynonprofit #readingpennsylvania #nonprofit #freeultrasound #summeroflight #pregnancyhelp #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #kutztown #pregnancyresourcecenter #pregnancy

As we approach Father’s Day, it’s important to consider what impact a healthy father-child relationship makes and to find practical ways to encourage that kind of relationship. DO DADS MATTER? The research is clear: fathers play an important and irreplaceable role in their children’s lives. Yes, dad — YOU MATTER! The Fatherhood Project is a non-profit organization that seeks to empower fathers to engage with their kids and thus improve the overall health of children and families. Their research found that, regardless of family structure or orientation, fathers were vital in key areas including support of the mother, providing a stable “second other” for child support and attachment, introducing children to play including unpredictable and exciting activities, encouraging both secure attachment and a sense of individualism, developing gender identity and improving social competence. The project also found that fatherhood changes men in positive ways. Upon becoming fathers, men trend toward reorienting their values and behavior, which leads to improved adulthood development. The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse also notes the positive impacts for involved fathers on children. These kids do better in school, from improved verbal skills in preschool to higher academic performance in older kids. They also practice healthier behaviors, with better school attendance and an increased likelihood to finish school and earn a diploma. DAD CLASSES AT LIFE’S CHOICES But in order to have a positive impact on their family, men need to incorporate healthy and impactful ways to engage with their children. At Life’s Choices, we meet with a number of dads each week. Some attend prenatal or parenting classes with their wife or partner. Others are single dads wanting to build parenting skills. We are happy to offer a variety of classes geared just toward dads (see side bar Dad Classes at Life’s Choices) and typically suggest dads start our “Being a Father” series, which includes topics like spending intentional time with kids, being a positive role model, structuring a consistent homelife, and building positive, practical discipline policies. The series, offered through the Bright Course streaming platform, notes that first, a father must examine his own family or origin to determine how he was fathered and how he can build upon his experiences, both negative and positive. Dads are encouraged to explore their parenting style and think about things like responsiveness (giving affection and praise) and demandingness (communicating expectations and discipline). To be a good father requires objectively looking at your own life and making intentional if difficult changes. “We are going to ask you to make changes in your life,” the series’ host states, “to choose your children’s interests over your own.” THIS SUMMER: DOCTOR DAD WORKSHOPS We are also excited to announce Life’s Choices will host a series of parenting workshops this summer just for dads, titled Doctor Dad. These classes will be free of charge, open to the general public, and designed specifically for dads. In addition to learning or reviewing practical skills in handling injuries, safety and health, dads who participate will network with other fathers in their community. To make it more fun, we will provide dad-friendly snacks as well as drawings for prize baskets with dad in mind (grill stuff, anyone?). If you are interested in more information on this summer’s Doctor Dad workshops, send an email to Kolleen.LifesChoices@gmail.com or text 484.660.3526. Once dates and other details are set, we will be sure to let you know. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, DADS! Men, you do make a difference in your children’s lives. Make sure to be intentional in spending time with them, informed about ways to keep them safe, and insightful in how you structure discipline in your home. And always inspire them to dream big! Hopefully, you have positive dad experiences from your own childhood to draw upon. But if not, take heart. God promises to be a loving and faithful father to us and is the best example to all dads striving to make a difference. Just read what God said to David in the Bible: “I [the Lord] will be a father to him, and he’ll be a son to me. When he does wrong, I’ll discipline him in the usual ways, the pitfalls and obstacles of this mortal life. But I’ll never remove my gracious love from him.” -2 Samuel 7:14-15 For more information about our fatherhood-specific classes and resource, contact Life’s Choices today! Contact Us #dadsmatter #dadclasses #pennsylvania #doctordad #dadyoumatter #fatherhood #brightcourse #fatherhoodclasses #hamburgpennsylvania #fatherhoodproject #daduniversity #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #kutztownuniversity #fathersmatter #kutztown

These are historic times as the Supreme Court will soon make a decision that could reverse Roe v. Wade. Should this happen, it would not make abortion illegal, but turns abortion laws back to the states to decide. Life’s Choices intentionally does not get involved in political activism. However we keep close watch on current events so that we always remain relevant. At Life’s Choices we are making sure that we are prepared for a post-Roe culture. We are well aware that a reversal of Roe v. Wade will not solve the problem of unwanted pregnancies. Whether or not abortion laws become more restrictive, we are here to provide women in unintended pregnancies with practical support to help them through their immediate crisis as well as seek long-term solutions to the complex problems that drive them towards abortion. JOINING HANDS WITH LOVELINE In an effort to prepare for the changes ahead, Life’s Choices hosted a Case Management Workshop for area pregnancy centers to learn about a resource called LoveLine. LoveLine is a subsidiary of Abby Johnson’s ProLove Ministries and provides rent assistance, utilities payments, therapy, and more to women who feel so desperate that they are seeking an abortion as a way out. On April 1 Life’s Choices hosted four presenters from ProLove Ministries and held the workshop at Salem Church in Lenhartsville. Almost 40 people were in attendance, representing eight Pennsylvania pregnancy centers. LoveLine’s headquarters are in Texas, but services are provided remotely, so pregnancy centers all across the nation can refer clients to them. Several of our clients have benefitted already, receiving financial assistance and professional therapy as a follow-up to services received in our offices. TOGETHER WE CAN GO THE DISTANCE Life’s Choices is proud to be a part of helping PA pregnancy centers prepare for the changes ahead by providing this workshop. Someone once said, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Our sites are set beyond abortion laws, to a culture where women do not have to choose between being a mom and having a successful future. To go the distance, Life’s Choices is partnering with churches, individuals, and other organizations to surround women in difficult pregnancy situations and support them in their choice for life. To learn more about Life’s Choices free services or the schedule an appointment, contact us today! We would love to be a free resource for you as you determine your options. Contact Us #roevwade #freepregnancyservices #crisispregnancycenter #confirmationultrasounds #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #telemedabortions #crisispregnancy #unexpectedpregnancy #readingpennsylvania #freeultrasound #pregnancyhelp #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #kutztownuniversity #pregnancytesting #kutztown #unplannedpregnancy #pregnancyresourcecenter #pregnancy

“I wanted to be with someone when I took the test.” Scared and alone, a young woman explained why she came to our office for a pregnancy test instead of taking one at home. She wanted to be in the comforting presence of another person to help her face whatever was ahead. As if a pregnancy test isn’t scary enough, imagine going through an at-home abortion completely alone. IN-PERSON SERVICES FOR YOU Last December the FDA approved the use of the abortion pill, (mifepristone/misoprostol) through telehealth appointments, which allows the medication to be dispersed by prescription without an in-person doctor’s visit. This change brings even more value to the in-person services provided by Life’s Choices. Pregnancy confirmation by ultrasound, which we provide free of charge, will become more essential than ever, as not every doctor requires it with a telehealth abortion. WHY CONFIRMATION ULTRASOUNDS MATTER The practical reasons for requiring an ultrasound before an abortion are to determine the gestational age and to check that the pregnancy is viable and in the uterus. Without this confirmation, the woman could potentially undergo the cost, emotional trauma, and unnecessary procedure of an elective abortion when there was, in fact, no live fetus. Additionally, if the fertilized egg was not implanted in the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) an abortion would not remove the embryo and a potentially life-threatening condition would not be detected. No woman should have to potentially make such a life-altering decision like having an abortion completely alone, in the absence of another human being. Our goal is to offer each client an ultrasound to first confirm the pregnancy and then provide factual information about fetal development and abortion procedures so that she can make an informed decision. More importantly, she is assured the compassionate presence of another person to confide in while she considers all her options. It is our goal to be a safe place. If you’re facing an abortion decision and are looking for more information and a listening ear, we are here for you. Contact Life’s Choices today to schedule a free confirmation ultrasound or to learn more about your options: Contact Us #freepregnancyservices #abortionpill #crisispregnancycenter #confirmationultrasounds #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #athomeabortion #pregnantandscared #crisispregnancy #unexpectedpregnancy #readingpennsylvania #freeultrasound #pregnancyhelp #shouldihaveanabortion #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #kutztownuniversity #pregnancytesting #kutztown #unplannedpregnancy #pregnancyresourcecenter #pregnancy

On a chilly January day several years ago, ironically on the day that many churches celebrate the Sanctity of Life, a beautiful baby girl was born. We can only imagine the difficult circumstances this baby’s mother was facing. Was she a teenager who wasn’t ready to be a mom? Or an older woman who already had many mouths to feed? Was she in an abusive relationship? Without housing? Fearing for the safety of herself and her baby? We will never know. What we do know is that she made the most loving, courageous choice a person in her situation could make. She placed her one-day-old daughter in the hands of a hospital employee and, through Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven law, relinquished her baby so that, through adoption, another couple could give this sweet girl what she knew she could not. WHAT IS THE SAFE HAVEN LAW? Pennsylvania’s Safe Haven law, also known as the Newborn Protection Act, allows a parent to leave their newborn baby in the care of a hospital or with a police officer without being held criminally liable, as long as the baby is less than 28 days old and is not harmed. In the hospital, the baby will be examined by a doctor and given care if needed. The hospital will then contact the local Children and Youth Services who will find a loving home for the baby. ADOPTION: AN ANSWER TO SOMEONE’S PRAYER On that momentous January day, one mother left the hospital with her arms empty and, no doubt, her heart breaking. Meanwhile, another couple, with great joy and celebration, were receiving the news that a daughter would be joining their family. Today, this little girl is a lively preschooler who loves to sing and dance and talks nonstop. She is an answer to prayer in so many ways! Her parents are so grateful that another mom allowed her own heart to break so that theirs could overflow with love. Adoption is a heroic choice and should be celebrated as such. It may be the most loving, selfless thing a woman can do when she recognizes the time is not right for her to parent a child. The laws and practices surrounding adoption have changed and improved greatly in recent years. Many adoption agencies allow the birth parents to be involved in choosing an adoptive family. And Pennsylvania law allows the birth parents and adoptive parents to have ongoing communication and contact if it is agreed upon by both parties and approved by a court. CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Life’s Choices does not deal directly with parents looking to adopt a child, but we can connect birth parents and adoptive parents through an adoption agency. We have several great organizations that we can recommend. We know that when a woman is considering whether or not she can parent her unborn child, she is at a place where all her options are hard ones. It is our goal to be a safe place; a place where she can find the time and space to make a brave choice that she can live with, having no regrets. If you find yourself in this place, we are here for you! Contact Life’s Choices today for more information about your adoption options. Contact Us #freepregnancyservices #crisispregnancycenter #pasafehavenlaw #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #pennsylvaniasafehavenlaw #pregnantandscared #crisispregnancy #unexpectedpregnancy #adoption #readingpennsylvania #safehavenlaw #pregnancyhelp #shouldihaveanabortion #hamburgpennsylvania #newbornprotectionact #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #pennsylvaniadepartmentofhumanservices #kutztownuniversity #kutztown #unplannedpregnancy #adoptioninformation #pregnancyresourcecenter #pregnancy

If you’re in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy, it’s possible the thought of birthing and parenting a child initiates fear or resistance. Maybe you’re thinking, “There’s no way I can have this baby.” And in many ways your fears are valid – being a mother can be challenging. If it’s your first child especially, the transition to motherhood is quite an adjustment. But we believe that with all the difficult aspects of motherhood, the beauty of it overshadows the hard things. This might not be the journey you would have chosen for yourself, but it’s one that is completely worth your time, effort and love. It’s natural to be a bit scared about being pregnant. Maybe deep in your heart you desire to mother your child, but knowing what you don’t know scares you and you don’t think you can do it. We’re here to tell you that you can do it! Here’s why we believe you’re the best mom for your baby: 1. MOTHERING IS A GOD-GIVEN INSTINCT Whether you have cared for someone else’s child before or have never even held a baby… Whether you have read 1,000 parenting books or have read exactly zero books… Whether you have seen friends and family members parent before or know no parents at all… …There is nothing like having your own child – and that’s a good thing! God designed motherhood to be unique and instinctive. No one knows everything about motherhood, and every first-time mother (and even a seasoned mother) experiences some sort of panic about not knowing what to do at some point in their motherhood journey … and that’s normal. Every mom learns along the way, and you’ll be surprised by how much you naturally know or figure out simply by being your baby’s God-given mother! 2. AS YOUR CHILD GROWS, SO WILL YOU It’s common knowledge that babies are born… but did you know that mothers are born, too? At that moment of conception, something occurs that hasn’t before: motherhood! And when you give birth to your baby, it’s first cry releasing as he or she enters the world, something beautiful, new and natural grows inside of you. People don’t often talk about how women change a little bit (and sometimes a lot) when they become mothers, because they are now experiencing a part of themselves they’ve not yet tapped into. As the days and months and years pass, you will continue to grow into this newly birthed role of “mother.” You won’t be the mother you want to be overnight, and just as your child changes, grows and develops with each stage of life, you will, too! Give yourself room to learn and grow, and let yourself embrace the journey with joy and grace. 3. CHILDREN DON’T NEED PERFECT, THEY NEED PRESENT The reality is: no one’s perfect. No one will make the right decision or react the best way 100 percent of the time. There will be days you make mistakes and lose your patience. There will be days you feel discouraged and defeated. But there will also be days you see your child finally understand something you’ve spent countless hours teaching them. And there will be moments you see how the deep love you’ve invested in your child was worth every struggle and frustration. Even with all the hard moments and mistakes, when it comes down to it, your child needs you because you’re their mama! Children don’t need perfection … they just need your presence, both physically and emotionally. Parenting takes sacrifice of time, energy and self, but with it comes abundant blessing and growth! 4. YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU KNOW If you’re pregnant and reading this right now, you’re already doing amazing things. Here are a few unseen things taking place at this moment: Your body is growing an entire human. THAT IS AMAZING! Even though you can’t see it, and even if it’s too early to feel your baby’s movements yet, your child is developing in incredible ways. From forming a little tiny nervous system to maturing each ligament and facial feature, your baby is rapidly progressing and changing each day. If you’re researching what to do now that you’re pregnant, it means you’re thinking and learning. You’re developing opinions that will shape your decision, and that means you have the capability to REASON. So, not only are you doing incredible things physically but mentally and emotionally as well. If God has given you the baby in your womb, then you are capable of mothering this child! 5. WITH SOME SUPPORT AND EDUCATION, YOU CAN DO IT! Even if you don’t feel like you have the foundation or background to be a mother yet, you’re not entering this journey alone! Whether or not you have a “village” around you to support you, we’re here for you. Life’s Choices is staffed with a team of trained women who care about you and want to help! From free prenatal resources to one-on-one parenting classes, Life’s Choices is here to provide you the support you need at no cost to you. Though this may not be the journey you planned to be on, don’t be afraid to embrace the beauty of motherhood. Life is miraculous, and children are a blessing from God. You have been gifted with the opportunity to learn and grow within a new type of life and love. If you’re looking for help and support as you prepare to be a parent, Life’s Choices is here for you. You are the BEST mama for your baby, and we’re here to help you tap into your natural, God-given abilities to love and parent your child. Contact us today for more information about our free prenatal, parenting and relationship resources! Contact Us #whyyou039rethebestmomforyourbaby #freepregnancyservices #crisispregnancycenter #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #pregnantandscared #crisispregnancy #unexpectedpregnancy #readingpennsylvania #bestmomforbaby #pregnancyhelp #shouldihaveanabortion #hamburgpennsylvania #berkscounty #kutztownuniversity #kutztown #unplannedpregnancy #pregnancyresourcecenter #pregnancy

As an expectant mother prepares for life with a little one, finding the feeding plan that’s right for her and her child is important. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed (pumped milk or formula), what’s important is that your baby is fed, and as mom, you know what’s best for your baby. Should breastfeeding be the route you choose, we know it can be a little nerve-wracking at first. Learning the scheduling and method takes time, but you don’t have to go in unprepared! We’ve found that with a little education and practice, many women find breastfeeding to be an excellent choice for them and their child. To get you started, here are a few breastfeeding tips to help you prepare for your journey: 1. Don’t stress about milk production We find that milk production is often a key stressor for new moms. Milk could take up to five days to come in after labor and delivery. In addition, you may need some help encouraging your body to produce more milk through pumping after feedings. (Talk to your lactation consultant about whether or not you need to pump after each feeding those first couple of weeks.) If your body isn’t producing enough milk for your baby to have a full feeding, it’s perfectly ok to supplement with formula or donated milk. And if you decide in the end breastfeeding isn’t for you, that is completely fine. There’s no need for this to become a source of anxiety for you and your family. As they say: “Fed is best!” 2. Understand the breastfeeding basics Breastfeeding seems generally self explanatory, but it does require some education and practice for both mom and baby. If it’s a little tricky at first, you’re not alone! And if your baby is struggling to latch at first, that’s not unusual either. Many babies need time and practice to learn how to latch properly. Here’s a guide from WIC Breastfeeding Support on latching. For information on basic methods of breastfeeding, we found this video by Taking Cara Babies to be helpful. 3. Equip yourself with helpful nursing supplies We’ve found some nursing tools helpful, especially in those first few days and weeks of getting used to breastfeeding. Here are some helpful nursing supplies: A nipple shield – If your baby is having trouble latching at first, the nipple shield is an excellent resource to help him access the milk as well as practice opening his mouth a little wider for a better latch. A pump – Though not every breastfeeding mother chooses to use a pump, many find it helpful to increase milk production, offer relief during engorgement periods or provide another feeding option by refrigerating or freezing pumped milk. Nursing bras and tank tops – These are also not required for a successful nursing experience, but having the proper clothing can make breastfeeding a little smoother and convenient. If you will be pumping, a dual nursing-pumping bra is a great option. Nipple cream – As your body gets used to this new, incredible task, your nipples may need some time to adjust. Some women experience cracked or sore nipples, and nipple cream is an easy way to relieve pain and help through the transition. Nursing pads – Your body will go through many transitions as your baby’s feeding schedule fluctuates. As they grow and need to eat less frequently, you may experience engorgement and leak occasionally. If your baby eventually begins to sleep through the night (hopefully!) and doesn’t require a middle of the night feeding, your body will need some time to get used to that as well. Lots of water & healthy snacks – Breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day! That means your body needs a little extra hydration and nutrition. Be sure to have enough water and snacks around, especially in those early breastfeeding days when you may be extra parched. 4. Keep feeding schedules in mind In the first few weeks of your newborn’s life, he will need to nurse for about 10+ minutes every two hours (or supplement with pumped milk or formula) for proper nourishment. As he grows, the baby won’t need to nurse as frequently. The CDC provides an estimated breastfeeding schedule here, but we recommend you check in with your child’s pediatrician at his regular appointments as well. In the first year of his life, your baby grows dramatically! The Mayo Clinic shares more about baby growth here. 5. Know that it may be an adjustment If you find breastfeeding to be challenging or frustrating at first, you’re not alone! It takes a little time to get used to for many women, and it can be an adjustment to spend so much time nursing a little one. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or to give it some time to feel more natural. But whatever your choice in the end when it comes to baby feedings, remember that mama knows best. If you’re seeking more extensive education on breastfeeding, Life’s Choices offers both in-person and online breastfeeding class options (completely free of charge). We would love to be a free resource for you if breastfeeding is the feeding journey you choose. Contact us today to schedule your free breastfeeding classes, or learn more here: About Our Free Classes Disclaimer: These tips are not medical advice – simply tips from our own personal experience. If you find that breastfeeding is trickier than expected, we encourage you to connect with a lactation consultant or other medical expert. #breastfeedingeducation #newbornfeeding #nursingtips #breastfeedingjourney #nursingsupplies #breastfeed #breastfeedingsupplies #fedisbest #breastfeedingtips #feedingschedule #breastfeedingbasics #breastfeedyourbaby #milkproduction #breastfeedingclasses

There are lots of articles and many discussions on what pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) do and what they say they provide versus what they actually offer women facing a pregnancy decision. At Life’s Choices, our goal is to be transparent and honest while offering practical help and support to women and their partners in difficult situations. Here are a few of the myths some have spread or believed about pregnancy centers in contrast with the truth about what clients actually experience at Life’s Choices’ offices in Kutztown and Hamburg, Pennsylvania. MYTH: Pregnancy centers trick women into coming into their offices with false claims of medical services. TRUTH: At Life’s Choices, we clearly state our limitations of services. From our website to social media posts to answering calls, we share openly what we do offer (pregnancy tests, confirmation ultrasound, STD testing and treatment, classes, and materials) and what we do not offer (prenatal medical care, referrals for abortion, contraception, professional counseling). Our limited range of medical services are overseen by a medical doctor and our staff includes licensed medical professionals such as registered nurses and registered diagnostic medical sonographers. Representatives facilitating testing for sexually transmitted infections have completed Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other trainings provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. We can provide a list of local doctors and can assist clients needing to sign up for medical assistance by walking beside them through the application process if they so desire. Pregnant clients are advised to begin routine prenatal care with an obstetrician and we offer a list of referrals if needed. Regular clients are encouraged to make and keep medical appointments, and we always ask clients to check in with their doctor on lesson content. MYTH: Pregnancy centers spread false information about abortion. TRUTH: We are diligent in training our staff to use reputable, evidence-based sources and information when talking to clients. We provide objective information on the different types of abortion available, and use sources including information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC. We follow a client-led, permission-based model. This means we don’t impose upon clients information they do not want or need. Instead, we ask open questions and provide information with that client’s permission. We strongly believe that guilt and pressure should not be a factor in talking to a woman in a crisis pregnancy situation. MYTH: Pregnancy centers don’t care about women after they have the baby. TRUTH: This could not be further from the truth about Life’s Choices and like-minded pregnancy centers. Our client representatives build relationships with clients (and sometimes their extended family) through the course of the pregnancy. Once the baby arrives, our support does not end. Clients can continue to meet with their rep and receive any services for as long as they wish. Some clients continue to meet with us regularly for years after the birth of the baby. MYTH: Pregnancy centers require clients to be a person of faith to receive any assistance. TRUTH: We do not force religion on anyone. Life’s Choices is a faith-based organization and we are open about this, explaining to clients that our faith motivates us to provide help and hope to anyone who walks through our doors. However, we are also clear that any person — regardless of their faith, gender, race or any other factor — is welcome here and does not need to adhere to or agree with our beliefs to receive any of our services. MYTH: Pregnancy centers are politically fueled. TRUTH: Life’s Choices is not political in nature. In fact, our staff agrees to avoid political activism upon date of hire. Our focus is helping people in our community, and we believe politics divide enough as it is. We aim to take political division out of our work and discussion and instead focus on the client and her needs in the moment and days ahead. We are also not politically funded. As a non-profit, we receive funding through donations from individuals and community groups. We also raise money through fundraisers throughout the year. No political party pays our bills nor has any say in our philosophy or services. MYTH: Pregnancy centers that offer “free” services do so with many strings attached. TRUTH: No client is ever asked to pay anything for our services, and we also do not collect insurance information or funds. We do offer a selection of items clients may need. Diapers are our most popular item. Others include wipes and other toiletries, clothing and blankets, toys, and formula and food. Most of these items are donated by our community. Anyone in need can come in once a quarter (every three months) and walk away with the items they need. Those interested in taking classes can earn more items if they choose, but this is not required for quarterly assistance. Due to space restrictions, we do not stock large items (eg. furniture) and our clothing sizes only run to 2T. However, we provide referrals and/or vouchers to clients needing items we don’t stock to like-minded organizations in our communities. We also provide referrals to other services, from homeless and housing support to medical and counseling services. It truly takes a village to support pregnant woman, and we are glad to be part of this network of support for women, men and families in Berks County, Pennsylvania! HERE TO SERVE YOU If you’re seeking to know more about pregnancy centers, we encourage you to reach out and ask us! We are grateful to be able to serve our community, and we love what we do. To learn more about our organization’s purpose and mission, we share more about what “crisis pregnancy centers” are here. Whether you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or simply seeking support in your pregnancy, as a parent or in your relationship, we welcome you to contact Life’s Choices today for help and support at no cost to you. We are here to offer judgment-free, compassionate and confidential care, and we would love to be a free resource for you. CONTACT US #pregnancychoice #crisispregnancycenter #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #prowoman #hamburg #crisispregnancy #whatisapregnancycenter #relationships #pregnancydecision #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #abortion #informedchoices #pregnancycenter #kutztown #pregnancyresourcecenter

The phrase “crisis pregnancy center” may not be familiar to some. To help the local community understand our mission and purpose, here’s a little background about who we are and what we do. WHO IS LIFE’S CHOICES? Life’s Choices began in 1986 as the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Kutztown located in a small college town in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Like many like-minded centers across the nation, we were born from a desire to offer women facing pregnancy decisions solid information and practical help as they grapple with difficult, highly personal pregnancy choices. Today, we have two offices, our original site in Kutztown and a second location in nearby Hamburg, Pennsylvania. It is our desire to reach our community with the information and resources needed to make healthy, life-affirming decisions for individuals and families. By providing prenatal resources, personalized education and relational support, we hope to build a positive Berks County for future generations. We are not a political organization. While we are faith-based, we welcome anyone who comes into our doors regardless of their beliefs, gender or background. The services we provide are always free and confidential. WHAT DOES LIFE’S CHOICES OFFER? As a non-profit solely supported by donations from individuals, businesses and churches, Life’s Choices provides women and families with a variety of beneficial resources. Here is a breakdown of what we offer to clients: Pregnancy Tests Our staff is trained to offer self-administered urine pregnancy tests with clients. We talk them through the process, explain how the test works and make sure they time and read the results properly. We also share with these clients factual information on abortion, including info published by Pennsylvania Department of Health, while being transparent that we do not recommend or perform abortions. We are also not an adoption agency but can provide referrals for clients considering this option. In addition, we share information to clients considering parenting their child (more on that below). Regardless of the test results, clients leave with good information and a promise of our support whenever they need it. Confirmation Ultrasounds A professional sonographer conducts ultrasounds in our Kutztown office for clients who have a positive pregnancy test result. This is a limited obstetric scan which determines if there is a viable pregnancy in the uterus as well as the gestational age. All pregnant women need an ultrasound to medically confirm a pregnancy, including those considering abortion. Clients can take home a picture of their baby from these scans if they wish and all are encouraged to follow up with a doctor. STD/STI Testing We work with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to provide testing for two of the most common sexually-transmitted infections: chlamydia and gonorrhea. Our staff is trained to walk clients through these self-administered tests, generally urine tests for males and swab tests for females. We use fact sheets from reliable sources such as the Center for Disease Control to help clients assess their personal risks factors related to STDs and discuss with them how to reduce or eliminate their risks going forward. Test results are available within a few business days and clients return for results and, if needed, treatment for positive tests with a registered nurse. Material Assistance Our offices stock a supply of commonly needed baby items. These include diapers and wipes, baby clothing, blankets, toiletries and formula. Clients may receive items every three months as needed. Those desiring more items can earn them by participating in our individual education program, Earn While You Learn. Earn While You Learn — Free Classes Clients meet weekly with a staff representative for education topics related to their needs. We utilize evidence-based curriculum such as Bright Course and topics range from prenatal education and parenting classes to life skills and personal development. We also offer healthy relationship mentoring. Many pregnant clients utilize our free, personal childbirth classes with a registered nurse. If they choose, all clients can accumulate points from their classes to earn items needed for their family from our in-house boutique. Others earn gift cards to local stores. Baby Bundle A unique part of our Earn While You Learn program, the Baby Bundle is a special offering of prenatal resources. Often with a partner or support person, pregnant clients take twelve educational classes plus childbirth classes. They can also earn lots of extras including a new infant car seat and newborn photo shoot with a professional photographer. Community Workshops Life’s Choices offers a range of one-time events for the community from time to time. Past offerings have included early-reading readiness and healthy eating for families. On the horizon are classes on baby sign language as well as a series of classes just for dads. We want to support everyone in our community and this is another way to do that! Abortion Recovery Again, we welcome every individual who comes to our office for whatever reason. This includes any woman who has had an abortion. If she chooses to share this part of her story, she will be met with love, compassion and encouragement. For women who want to participate, we offer a small group Bible study to help women process their abortion experience and find closure alongside others with the same experience in their past. Referrals What they say is true — it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes many in our community to provide support to the men and women who walk through our doors. We have actively built connections with many other organizations both locally and nationwide to provide referrals for specific needs. From housing or financial concerns, to signing up for medical insurance or finding a doctor, to connecting with a community of faith, we are grateful for our network of friends with whom we can connect our clients. Life’s Choices is humbled and grateful to be just one of many arms supporting those in tough circumstances. WHAT IS LIFE’S CHOICES MISSION & METHOD? When a client comes to either our Hamburg or Kutztown office for the first time, it’s our goal to offer them a safe and welcoming space to talk about what brought them to Life’s Choices. For clients in a crisis pregnancy situation, our first and foremost concern is the woman in front of us. We want to offer her compassion, not judgment, and we present solid, science-backed and evidence-based information as she considers her choices. We don’t pressure her in any way. As we discuss her situation, we look for ways to see what concerns are on her mind and find ways we can address those needs. Life’s Choices is a member of Care Net, and we highly endorse this umbrella organization’s idea that we are not simply pro-life but “pro-abundant-life.” While some criticize the pro-life community as having no interest in women once we have “saved the baby,” the reality is that we are a pro-woman organization as well and offer individuals ongoing support regardless of their choices. It’s our goal to offer genuine, caring and practical support for women and men no matter where they are on their journey. To read some of the myths sometimes spread about crisis pregnancy centers, check out this blog post. HERE TO SERVE YOU If you’re seeking to know more about pregnancy centers, we encourage you to reach out and ask us! We are grateful to be able to serve our community, and we love what we do. And if you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, we welcome you to contact Life’s Choices today for help and support at no cost to you. We are here to offer judgment-free, compassionate and confidential care, and we would love to be a free resource for you. CONTACT US #pregnancychoice #crisispregnancycenter #pennsylvania #pregnancycarecenter #prowoman #hamburg #crisispregnancy #whatisapregnancycenter #relationships #pregnancydecision #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #abortion #informedchoices #pregnancycenter #kutztown