Search Results

Relationships can be difficult, but with a little nurture and love, they can be wonderful! That’s why here at Life’s Choices, we are passionate about providing resources and support to help you invest in your relationship. Valentine’s Day is approaching next week, and while you should love your partner all year round, we’re sharing a few practical tips in honor of Love Day. Although loving your partner well isn’t accomplished by going through the motions of checking off a list, we think it might be helpful to begin with four common courtesies that are essential to any loving relationship. We recognize these are not the only essential components of a loving relationship, but we hope they help to provide a strong foundation. COMMITMENT One beautiful example of commitment is the story of John and Nellie Wooden. Blogger Justin Taylor calls the John and Nellie Wooden story “the greatest love story never told.” After the death of his wife Nellie, John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, would write her a letter every year until the day that he died. After his wife died, John could have been free to look for another relationship — free of any responsibility to Nellie. Yet, his love for and commitment to Nellie continued until his final days. Read more about their story here. What is your definition of commitment? How does your level of commitment affect how you love your partner? When the going gets tough do you get going? Or like John Wooden do you persevere to go above and beyond so that not even in death do you part? COMMUNICATION If you want to love your partner well, it’s important to learn how to communicate well in the midst of conflict. One helpful communication model is nonviolent communication (NVC) developed by psychologist Marshall B. Rosenberg. The four steps of NVC: Observation – Observe what we hear or see without blaming, judging or evaluating. Express your feelings –  Often we are taught to express our thoughts rather than our feelings. As a result, we may not even be aware of what we are truly feeling. The Feeling Wheel is one helpful way to match words to feelings. Express your needs – If we can get in touch with our needs and express them both to ourselves and others then our needs can be fulfilled. Here are a few needs one might have: Certainty: to feel comfortable, feel safe, and feel stable; to be able to predict outcomes and feel protected. Uncertainty/Variety: to have variety and unpredictability as well. It challenges us emotionally and physically and helps us learn to work through fear, conflict, and crisis. Significance: to feel valued, appreciated, needed, special, and important; to know that we have purpose. Love and Connection: to feel included and connected. Human beings aren’t meant to be alone, but rather to be loved and cared for. Growth: to grow emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Contribution: to contribute in a positive way to those around us; to help others meet their needs. Clearly explain what it is you do desire vs. what you don’t – This fourth component is one that often gets omitted in so many conversations. We tend to expect both ourselves and others to know exactly what it is that would satisfy or underlying need. The clearer our request can be, the easier it is to carry it out. Dr. Rosenberg formulated a helpful dialogue example: “When I see that __________ I feel _________________ Because my need for ________________ is/is not met. Would you be willing to _______________?“ Reminder: sometimes it’s what you don’t say that matters the most. For example, our team member Charlene shared that in 43 years of marriage, her husband never made even a comment to her of how bad she looks or smells in the morning. CONFESSION Confession can be good for your soul. It is also a good skill to have when working to love your partner well. When you know you’ve made a mistake, be quick to confess. Here are a few things to consider when confessing your mistakes to your partner: Do it in a private space Be humble Ask for forgiveness Ask what should be done next Don’t make the same mistake twice Explain if needed Accept the consequences Confession can be a key factor in reconciliation if you and your significant other are having trouble. When you’re at fault, admitting and apologizing are the first steps to making things right and showing your partner you love them. CREATIVITY Finally, loving your partner well takes creativity! You must be in tune to their likes and dislikes. What makes them laugh? What makes them cry? What angers them? Do they prefer a physical activity or a sedentary activity? What makes them feel loved? Become a sleuth of your partner, observing them in every way. In doing so, it will be easier to come up with creative ways to show your partner you love them. Creative Idea: Take $20 a see what fun and thoughtful purchases you can make for your partner at a thrift shop! What items would mean something to them? Are there any finds that help trigger fun memories you have together? Is there any item you could enjoy using together? Relationships take time and work to build. Did you know Life’s Choices offers free relationship classes as well as a variety of other life skills classes? If you’re seeking to grow in your relationship and find ways to be the best partner you can be, contact us today to learn more about our free classes. About Our Free Classes #communication #relationshiptips #lovingyourpartner #loveyourpartner #confession #creativity #commitment #relationships #healthyrelationships #lovingyourpartnerwell #relationshiphelp #relationshipclasses #relationshipcommunication

“I just felt put at ease realizing I’m not in this alone. I can’t express how much relief I felt to finally have it out in the open.” – Phyllis, Surrendering the Secret participant If you’ve ever suffered from abortion regret, you’re not alone. Many women have experienced pain or regret after choosing to have an abortion. But there is healing and redemption available. PHYLLIS’ STORY One participant of Surrendering the Secret, an abortion healing Bible study, shares her story of grieving her unborn child and finding healing. After carrying the weight of her abortion with her for many years, Phyllis connected with Life’s Choices and began the Bible study along with other women also walking through abortion regret. “50 years is a long time to carry guilt,” Phyllis told Life’s Choices’ Executive Director Joy Stutzman. “I would push it down and forget about it for a while. Then it would pop up again, and I’d push it down again. Finally, I decided I’ve got to talk to somebody about this. That’s when I talked to my pastor and got in contact with Life’s Choices.” The grieving and healing process is different for everyone, but Surrendering the Secret is a great place to start. Phyllis found the Bible study to be a safe place to process her experience and move forward. She has found healing and redemption in knowing that she will one day be reunited with her unborn child. Yet, Phyllis continues to mourn the part of her family tree that is now missing because of her abortion. “I realized although my family was at that time about 17 or 18 strong, I was missing a whole branch that I foolishly got rid of. There would have been another child, another spouse, more grandchildren,” Phyllis said. Watch her whole story here: If you’re struggling with regret over an abortion — whether recent or one you had years ago — we welcome you to join us for Surrendering the Secret, an eight-week Bible study designed to help post-abortive women find restoration and hope through God’s forgiveness, grace and love. The first class will begin Monday, March 7th. To sign up or learn more about the abortion healing Bible study, visit our event page here, or reach out in confidence to Life’s Choices at 610.683.8000 or Katie.lifeschoices@gmail.com. Call Us Today Email Us Today #surrenderingthesecret #abortionhealingbiblestudy #abortionregretresources #biblestudy #abortionpain #abortionregret #abortion #abortionhealing #pregnancycenter

At Life’s Choices, we are often asked where we, as a pregnancy center, stand on the pro-life/pro-choice issue. To help you understand Life’s Choices heart and mission a little bit better, here are answers to a few common questions. Is Life’s Choices pro-life or pro-choice? While we are very clearly a life-affirming organization, we are not political activists. In fact, we have many things in common with people of all political persuasions in that we want women to be empowered, to have choices, to have reliable information in order to make a decision about her pregnancy, and to have a successful future. Our supporters come from both political parties. The reality is that every woman has a choice when it comes to her pregnancy. She can choose to carry her baby to term, or she can choose to abort her baby. Only she can make that choice. It is our desire to offer her a safe, judgment-free zone to make a pregnancy decision that she will be able to live with, having no regrets. We are able to help by providing all the information she needs to make an informed decision, including what to expect with an abortion (we use a booklet provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health), information about adoption, and the support that is available if she chooses to parent her child. We understand that she may be at a place where all her options are hard ones. It is our hope that she will find us to be a place of safety and compassion. Does Life’s Choices pressure a woman to change her mind if she is seeking an abortion? It is our goal to relieve pressure when talking with a woman about her pregnancy, not add pressure. She may feel pressured to terminate quickly before the pregnancy progresses. She may be feeling pressure from the baby’s father, her parents, or friends to make the decision that they think is best for her. Our mission is to help her to think clearly, without panic or pressure. Making decisions under pressure is never a good practice especially when the decision is irreversible. We believe women are capable of making their own decisions when given accurate information and weighing the risks and consequences of each option. The resources we use are medically credible, often provided from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, citing research, and approved by our medical director. In addition to medical information, we are able to share a different perspective: that of the woman who has been in her situation and is now looking back. While every woman’s experience will be unique, we believe it is helpful to see things from the perspective of others who have travelled that road before. At Life’s Choices we have the advantage of hearing the stories of many women who found themselves in an unexpected, untimely pregnancy. Their experience regarding the decision they made can be helpful to someone else. Is Life’s Choices pro-woman or pro-baby? Since an unborn baby is completely dependent upon his or her mother, the best way we can care about the baby is to care for the mother. We are passionate about helping women be successful. We want every woman to know that she can enjoy the rewards of parenting without sacrificing a great future. We want her to know it’s possible to have a baby and continue her education. We want her to know she can have a baby and a successful career. Women are incredibly strong, and it is our passion to tap into that strength when providing her with information and resources. Our experience is that women respond positively to the care and compassion they receive at Life’s Choices, regardless of her pro-life or pro-choice position. As in many things, what one believes in theory is often very different than the choice one makes when it becomes personal, and that goes both ways in regards to abortion. For those who go on to terminate their pregnancy, we welcome them to continue a relationship with us since they may experience many conflicting emotions. It is common to feel some immediate relief along with grief and loss. Our post abortion Bible study has been helpful for many women to process their abortion experience. Here With Open Arms We are here with open arms to welcome any woman who finds herself in need of pregnancy support, parenting resources, or post abortion recovery. 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 offer a variety of free resources including confirmation ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, prenatal and parenting classes, relationship classes, baby bundles, STD/STI testing and more. CONTACT US Disclaimer: Life’s Choices does not provide abortion referrals. #pregnancychoice #probaby #pennsylvania #prowoman #hamburg #prolife #prochoice #relationships #pregnancydecision #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #abortion #informedchoices #abortionissue #pregnancycenter #kutztown

The Life’s Choices team loves the Christmas season! From joyful jingles to seasonal Berks County, Pennsylvania activities, it’s lots of fun. One of our favorite parts of the holidays are all the tasty treats! Here are a few of our favorite Christmas recipes for you to try with your loved ones — enjoy! PECAN DELIGHTS From Katie Bailey, Director of Client Services in Kutztown, Pennsylvania: “This recipe has been a family favorite for generations. They are butter, delicate and melt in your mouth. These cookies are usually the first to be eaten up!” Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened) 1/2 cup Sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 Tbsp water 2 cups flour 2 cups finely chopped pecans Extra sugar for coating Directions: Preheat oven to 350°. Mix together the butter, sugar, vanilla and water. Add the flour and pecans and stir until dough forms (this will be slightly sticky). Roll small amount in hands to make 1 1/2 inch rounded logs. Slightly flatten the tops. Bake 25 min until slightly golden on edges. Put some sugar in a shallow bowl. Remove from oven and roll them in sugar. Cool on rack and enjoy. ROASTED SWEET POTATO SALAD From Heidi Young, Education Director: “This has been made as a side at our Christmas Eve gathering!” prep time: 15 MINUTES cook time: 45 MINUTES total time: 1 HOUR Salad Ingredients/Directions: About 1 1/4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 jumbo), washed, peeled, and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed 3 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced (use the white and green) 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced small 1 cup corn (I use frozen that I allowed to thaw) 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, minced (about half of 1 bunch) Honey Dijon Dressing Ingredients: 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons dijon mustard 2 tablespoons lemon juice (lime juice may be substituted) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste Pinch cayenne pepper, optional and to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or spray with cooking spray and add the sweet potatoes in an even, flat layer. Evenly drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for about 45 minutes, or until fork-tender and done. Halfway through baking flip potatoes to ensure even cooking. Baking time will vary based on size of potatoes, oven and climate variances, and I recommend starting to check at 30 minutes for doneness. While potatoes bake, prep and chop the remaining ingredients. To a large bowl, add the black beans, green onions, red pepper, corn, cilantro; set aside. To a large measuring cup or medium bowl, add the honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, optional cayenne pepper, and whisk to combine; set aside. After potatoes are cooked, add them to the bowl with the beans and vegetables, add the sauce, and toss to combine. Taste, check for seasoning balance (add more salt, pepper, touch of honey, lemon juice, etc.), make any necessary tweaks, and serve. Potato salad can be served warm, at room temp, or chilled and will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. HOT WASSAIL From Joy Stutzman, Executive Director: “Our family enjoys a nice cup of hot wassail at Christmas!” Wassail Recipe Available Here CRANBERRY SAUCE From Kolleen Long, Director of Client Services in Hamburg, Pennsylvania: “We were happily surprised to learn a few years back how easy it is to make cranberry sauce, and it’s so delicious! You can easily adapt the recipe – use all water instead of OJ, for example, or substitute lemon zest for orange zest. Stir in a dash or two of cinnamon when you start cooking, or a few handfuls of walnuts! Best to make a day ahead so it can set up properly, but we’ve been known to eat it while still warm. Can’t time everything in life, so you might as well enjoy it.” Ingredients: 12 oz bag cranberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup OJ Zest from one orange Directions: Rinse cranberries and check/discard any bad ones. Meanwhile, dissolve sugar in orange juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cranberries and cook until the cranberries start to pop, about 10 minutes – stay close and stir often during this time. Stir in orange zest. Remove from heat and let cool, then place in container and store in fridge until ready to eat. Sauce will thicken as it stands. MOLASSES COOKIES From Greta Bailey, THRIVE Student Intern: “I love molasses cookies around the holidays. They’re perfect for dipping into a glass of milk and they have just the right level of ‘spiciness.'” Ingredients (to make about 30 cookies): ¾ cup butter, melted 1 cup white sugar 1 egg ¼ cup molasses 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ cup white sugar (for rolling) Directions: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, 1 cup sugar, and egg until smooth. Stir in the molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger; blend into the molasses mixture. Cover, and chill dough for 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls, and roll them in the remaining white sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until tops are cracked. Cool and enjoy! ITALIAN RICOTTA COOKIES From Charlene Lang, THRIVE Educator: Italian Ricotta Cookies #christmasplanning #pennsylvania #hamburg #readingpennsylvania #favoritechristmasrecipes #hamburgpennsylvania #christmasrecipes #berkscounty #christmasfood #familyfun #holidayseason #kutztown #christmasseason

When I had an infant and a toddler, we moved to the mountains and were a good hour away from most of our family (with some members, a full day’s drive away). When our first Christmas away from family rolled around, we found ourselves facing new choices about how best to survive Christmas. If you are wondering how to manage the demands on your time (Parties! Santa! Presents! Friends! Coworkers! Family!), you are not alone. Whether you’re traveling or staying local, here are a few tips for a baby-friendly holiday that you can enjoy with your little ones. EVALUATE YOUR TRADITIONS From baking cookies to gift swaps to church services to holiday lights, everyone has holiday traditions. When your kids are very young, it’s a good time to look at each tradition and consider which are keepers, which can be paused until the kids are older and even which traditions you are ready to let go altogether. It might also be time to create new options for your little ones. Just choose with care and make sure your schedule also includes down time and a respect for your kiddo’s eating and sleeping schedule. A fed and rested baby is a happy baby! SET YOUR BOUNDARIES If you will be hosting, be clear about arrival times and, yes, ending times. One approach that might help is telling family that “Little Susie starts her bedtime routine at 7 p.m., so we will need to wrap up our mealtime by 6 p.m.” Also, don’t be afraid to take up offers of help. If guests bring a side dish or drinks for a meal, if others handle dishes and clean up, that means more time for you to relax and enjoy your child and your guests. If you are visiting family, especially overnight, consider ways you can carve out a quiet space for your little one. Ask if you can use a spare bedroom for diaper changes, feedings or naps. Have a plan with your partner to signal when it’s time for a drive for just your little family if you need a break from all the commotion. And consider setting up boundaries regarding any health concerns ahead of time. If you’ve decided this year to put a pause on some activities with family and friends, be kind but firm when you explain that this year, it isn’t for you. Co-parenting over the holidays Holiday gatherings are so important to our kids, but can become a point of contention in co-parenting situations. If this sounds familiar, it’s best to make a plan with the other parent ahead of time so kids don’t get caught in the middle. Your attitude toward this arrangement can make all the difference in presenting a positive plan to your child. Unsure how to proceed? We have an excellent class series on co parenting, which includes perspectives for moms, dads, stepdads and stepdads. Contact us for info! MAKE YOUR TRAVEL PLAN If you will be traveling any distance, make sure you consider best times to travel by plane or on the road. A simple google search can give hints on dates to avoid. For little ones, also pick times that accommodate their sleep schedules. Packing is a challenge. I recommend packing “just enough” — you can always borrow a washing machine at grandma’s if needed. Consider including only the diapers, formula, etc., you need for a few days and picking up more supplies at your destination. Tuck a change of clothing for everyone (mom too!) in your bag, and don’t forget basic snacks and drinks in case you get stuck somewhere. A stash of simple toys can also help when traveling hours loom. Make sure to include a few well-loved favorites for comfort and also a surprise item or two. And while it seems counterintuitive, your trip will go smoother and possibly even faster if you plan breaks. On a road trip, it’s tempting to push through a full day’s drive, but your little ones will be happier — and so will you — if you actually stop for meals, bathroom breaks and stretching. Our family used this strategy when driving 10 hours to see family — meltdowns were at a minimum, and the kids arrived happy and eager to hug their grandparents. Car Seat Safety If you are traveling with an infant or child, an appropriate car seat is a must! Some airlines and car rentals have car seat options but you should check and confirm on this well ahead of your travel day. If you are unsure how to safely install a car seat or have questions about establishing its use in your family, we have a great course for you! Contact us to watch at home or schedule an appointment to review in our Hamburg or Kutztown office. YOU DO YOU! In the end, as a parent it is up to you to decide what your child and family can handle. For my family, we tried visiting long distance family that first Christmas and ended up with a cranky toddler and a sick baby. The next year, we established a new family tradition: we stay home on Christmas day and welcome any family member who wants to visit. For those who can’t, we arrange a day (throughout December or January) to set up a low-key visit. We did return to bigger gatherings as our children grew older and could enjoy the experience, but keeping December 25th as a home day has become our most cherished family tradition. CONTACT US FOR MORE TIPS As you navigate holidays and new traditions with little ones, know that you’re not alone! If you need more tips, please feel free to give us a call. Also, if you’re looking for additional parenting support, Life’s Choices offers free parenting classes year-round to walk with you through your parenting journey. Our classes provide practical advice for all ages and stages of parenting. Get in touch with us today for more information! Contact Life’s Choices #parenting #pregnancysupport #transitioningtomotherhood #motherhood #newmother #tripswithbaby #travelingwithababy #roadtripswithbaby #travelholidaytips #mothering #holidaytips #newmama #airplanetripswithbaby #healthyrelationship #babytravel #parenthood #pregnancy #newbornparenting

Are at-home abortions, or “medical abortions,” safe? Unfortunately, there is no easy yes or no answer to that question. Like many things in life, we want easy solutions to our problems. Ending an unwanted pregnancy with a medical at-home abortion may seem like the solution to your problem. But is it? What risks and potential consequences are you willing to take? WHAT TO CONSIDER FIRST First, consultation is required with an abortion provider. Ideally this is an in-person visit, but since the pandemic, telehealth consultations have been approved and in some states the medication can be received through mail order pharmacies. How far along are you? Medical abortions need be done when a pregnancy is no more than 10 weeks (70 days or less since your last menstrual period). An ultrasound needs to be done to determine fetal age and viability. Is the pregnancy in the uterus, or is there an ectopic pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy will not be expelled with medication and needs emergency medical attention. Are you receiving an ultrasound before beginning the abortion? ABOUT THE MEDICAL ABORTION PILLS The first pill taken in the office or at home, is mifepristone. This pill contains a drug that blocks the blood supply and nutrients needed to maintain a pregnancy. Cramping occurs as the lining of the uterus breaks down and is expelled through the vagina. The second pill, misoprostol, is taken at home, 24-48 hours later. This causes the uterus to contract, producing heavy bleeding to expel the embryo. You will not be able to do your normal daily activities during this time and will need a place to rest. This step may take two to three days to work. If it doesn’t work, an additional dose or a surgical procedure (D&C) may be needed. The further along a pregnancy is, the greater chance of the uterus not completely emptying. You will need to make a second visit to your abortion provider 7-14 days later to be sure the abortion is complete, there are no signs of infection, and that you are healing properly. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A medical abortion isn’t an option if you have certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart, lung, kidney disease. If you have an IUD in place. If you have bleeding or clotting disorders or take blood thinners. If you have uncontrolled diabetes or an allergy to the medications being used. After you take the medication, it will cause abdominal cramping and heavy bleeding. It may also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, headache, and weakness. Other warning signs you need to be aware of that require medical attention are heavy bleeding, passing large clots and soaking through two more sanitary pads in two hours, severe abdominal or back pain, fever, foul vaginal odor, loss of consciousness. These may occur due to infection or an incomplete abortion. Emergency care needs to be available and accessible during this procedure. LIFE’S CHOICES IS HERE FOR YOU Facing an unwanted pregnancy is never easy. Is a medical abortion safe and the answer for you? Consider carefully the medical and emotional risks as well as the long-term impact of your choice. Be certain, and don’t be pressured into a decision. Know your options. Life’s Choices is here to listen to you and to help you sort through your options. We offer pregnancy confirmation ultrasound and information on pregnancy options. All our services are free and confidential. If you’re looking for more information or someone to talk to about your decision, we welcome you to contact us today. We’re here for you, and you’re not alone. Contact Us Disclaimer: Life’s Choices is not an abortion clinic. Life’s Choices does not benefit financially from your pregnancy decision. Life’s Choices does not provide prenatal medical care, birth control, emergency contraception or abortions. We do not refer for emergency contraception or abortions. #ectopicpregnancy #abortioninformation #DampC #abortionpill #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #confirmationultrasound #medicalabortion #freeultrasound #mifepristone #womenshealth #berkscounty #abortion #misoprostol #abortionpills #freeresources #kutztown #ultrasounds #pregnancy

A realtor, a minister and a housewife walk into a room … sounds like the beginning of a joke, but actually it’s the beginning of what is now Life’s Choices! These three people were part of the original steering committee who had the vision to start a pregnancy center in Kutztown, Pennsylvania in 1986. This year as Life Choices celebrates 35 years of serving Berks County, I had the opportunity to sit down with two of our founders to learn more about those early days. Kathleen Welsh, who was then a stay-at-home mom and Randy Grossman, who was the pastor of Kutztown Bible Fellowship Church at that time, shared their reflections. Here’s what I learned: 1. The initial idea for starting a ministry in Kutztown came from a realtor, Greg Nash. He had a property he wanted to use for the Lord and approached Pastor Grossman with his idea. This man’s generosity, along with others who stepped out in faith, is why we are here today. What an inspiration! Business men and women have incredible potential to use their influence, expertise, and resources for God’s purposes. 2. Unbeknownst to each other, both Pastor Grossman and Kathleen mentioned two specific things that would help define the atmosphere of the new pregnancy center: The ministry would focus on life, not death. While the horrors of abortion are undeniable, the center would not use graphic photos of aborted babies or harsh accusations of murder to make a point. It was determined that we would speak the truth in love, knowing that “the truth will set you free.” (Ephesians 4:15) The center would be woman-focused. It was to be a place of compassion for every woman, regardless of the choice she was considering. Our center is clearly pro-woman, pro-baby, and pro-abundant life.* These things remain today as part of our policies and procedures. Our “brand,” the culture that influences everything we do, is a culture of love and grace, truth and integrity. It is a culture of life and not death. 3. Pastor Grossman remarked that Kutztown has the highest concentration of young adults in Berks County, with Kutztown University enrolling close to 10,000 students each year. Being located less than one block from campus, our Kutztown center is strategically placed, with thousands of young people in our backyard who can benefit from our services. For 35 years we have remained the only woman-focused social agency in town. Understanding how we were started and the unique opportunities we have, has made us more passionate than ever about reaching young women and men in both our Kutztown and Hamburg centers. The Lord has placed us here for a purpose. With your help we can continue bringing light and life to our community for many years to come. If you’d like to partner with us financially and help us continue in our life-giving work, you can click below to give online. Thank you! DONATE *Life’s Choices does not refer for or recommend abortion. #crisispregnancycenter #pennsylvania #hamburg #crisispregnancy #relationships #hamburgpennsylvania #kutztownpennsylvania #berkscounty #proabundantlife #pregnancycenter #kutztown

It might seem counter-intuitive to schedule an ultrasound before an abortion. However, there are several reasons why this is advised. Here are five reasons we recommend scheduling an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill (also known as a medical abortion). 1. CONFIRMS IF YOU ARE, IN FACT, PREGNANT A home pregnancy test is accurate but not perfect. It is possible to have false positive or false negative results. An ultrasound will confirm the pregnancy which is then sent to a physician for diagnosis and review. 2. DETERMINES GESTATIONAL AGE During an ultrasound a technician will measure the growth of the embryo to determine how many weeks pregnant you are. In most states, the abortion pill is legal to use only until 10 or 11 weeks after the first day of your last period. 3. VERIFIES A VIABLE PREGNANCY A viable pregnancy is one that will be able to grow and result in a live birth. An ultrasound will confirm a viable, uterine pregnancy by detecting a heartbeat and ensuring that the embryo has implanted in the uterus. 4. ENSURES THAT THE PREGNANCY IS NOT ECTOPIC An ectopic pregnancy is one where the embryo is implanted somewhere other than the uterus. This could be a dangerous situation because the abortion pill will not cause an ectopic pregnancy to abort. The ectopic pregnancy could rupture, causing serious bleeding and infection and can be a life-threatening situation. 5. IDENTIFIES POTENTIAL FOR NATURAL MISCARRIAGE If a miscarriage occurs naturally there is no need to take the risks involved with a medical abortion. An ultrasound can determine that miscarriage is likely to happen if there is no heartbeat or if the pregnancy has not progressed as expected. SCHEDULE A FREE ULTRASOUND Life’s Choices offers a limited OB ultrasound free of charge. Ultrasounds are performed by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) and are read by a physician with expertise in obstetrics and gynecology. If you are considering a medical abortion (abortion pill), we will be happy to provide you with a pre-termination screening including a free pregnancy test, ultrasound and screening for sexually transmitted infection. Additionally, our trained staff are here to listen to your concerns and provide you with accurate information about all your options. Abortion is a decision that should not be made without considering all the implications. An ultrasound is an important step to ensure you do not take unnecessary risks with your health and to allow you to make an informed pregnancy decision. Take a look at our previous blogs for more information: What is the Abortion Pill: What You Need to Know Reproductive Health Screening Prior to Abortion To learn more, please contact Life’s Choices today – no pressure, no judgment and full confidentiality. All our services are free. Contact Us Disclaimer: Life’s Choices is not an abortion clinic. Life’s Choices does not benefit financially from your pregnancy decision. Life’s Choices does not provide prenatal medical care, birth control, emergency contraception or abortions. We do not refer for emergency contraception or abortions. #ectopicpregnancy #abortioninformation #abortionpill #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #confirmationultrasound #medicalabortion #freeultrasound #womenshealth #berkscounty #abortion #abortionpills #freeresources #kutztown #ultrasounds #pregnancy

For most couples, bringing home a baby is a greatly anticipated event. They host gender reveal parties with family and friends and gather for baby showers. They prepare the nursery, setting up the crib and changing station and stocking it with impossibly small diapers and onesies. They take childbirth classes and come up with a birthing plan for the hospital. Some even carve out time for a “babymoon,” a trip to enjoy time one-on-one before the baby comes home. “The amazing thing about becoming a parent is that you will never again be your own first priority.” – Olivia Wilde But when the baby comes home, many couples realize he or she brings more changes than anticipated. You adore this little human you made with your partner but may feel unprepared for the demands the baby makes on your life. This can significantly impact your relationship with each other, especially at first. Sound familiar? You are not alone in figuring out this newborn stage and adjusting to life with your partner after giving birth. So here are some ideas if you find your relationship floundering when baby makes three: GIVE YOURSELF TIME It may be obvious, but bringing another human into your home is going to change dynamics. Give yourself and your partner the gift of time to figure out new schedules and accommodate changing needs. Put off unnecessary decisions or changes beyond this very big one – your baby. When possible, take time off from work and other activities and focus on adjusting (and maybe time to sleep!). Take the recommended steps to heal physically from giving birth. Give yourself a pass if you can’t keep up with all the daily chores you used to do, at least for now. Note on physical intimacy: your medical provider will talk to you about when you can resume sexual activity. Take this advice seriously, and also listen to your body if you need a little more time. In the meantime, find ways to connect that don’t involve sex. Give each other foot rubs; enjoy a favorite movie and snack while baby snoozes; play a favorite game. Make a point to talk every day, even if it’s for 10 minutes, to stay connected. You may find this improves your relationship on every level – intellectually, emotionally, physically and – when the time is right – intimately. “A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.” – Anonymous YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND Remember all those people that came to your baby reveal and shower? Ones that sent cards or visited you after the birth? I bet a lot of them offered to help after the baby arrived. Now’s their chance to make good on offers: Hot meals delivered to your door? Yes, please! Gift cards to local stores? Great! Offers to sit with the baby so you can, say, take an uninterrupted shower? Awesome! Rides to checkups if you aren’t cleared to drive? Extremely helpful. And if you have a sainted friend willing to help with housework, don’t be ashamed. Say yes! Just be clear – only say yes to the offers you and your partner actually find helpful. Don’t be afraid to be selective so that you are not adding to your load (see “boundaries” below). SET BOUNDARIES TOGETHER The idea of personal boundaries is simple to understand (what you will allow into your life, and what you will keep private) but can be complicated to live out. If you haven’t worked out boundaries as a couple, now is the time to have that discussion. Topics to consider: Who will be allowed to watch the baby when we can’t? How will we set limits on who visits the home, especially during newborn days? What offers of “help” won’t help us (i.e., loading up your freezer with foods you don’t like)? How will we divide up the necessary chores of caring for a newborn? When can we ask each other for breaks so that we can each recharge and be a better parent and partner? The answers to these questions and others like them are highly individual. You may have to compromise in one area, and your partner in another. But you should agree on boundaries in this newborn stage, then revisit the topic as your child grows and your family’s needs change. A great resource on the idea of boundaries is boundaries.me. Life’s Choices also offers a series of classes for parents on creating and maintaining healthy boundaries. EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY “When we encourage new parents to ‘treasure these moments because they don’t last forever,’ we need to remember to also reassure them that they will survive these moments because they don’t last forever.” – L.R. Knost Life’s Choices is a great place to start if you don’t know where to find appropriate community resources. We have a list of local counselors, should you need an objective ear to figure out your new life as a family. We can also connect you with local communities of faith, as we believe a church community is a great way to form relationships with like-minded parents and find support when you are in a time of adjustment or struggle. Also, Life’s Choices offers great parenting classes in our offices that provide practical advice with a touch of humor for all ages and stages of parenting, including the challenges of the first year. Get in touch with us today for more information! Contact Life’s Choices #parenting #pregnancysupport #transitioningtomotherhood #relationshiptips #parentingnewborns #motherhood #pregnant #newbornbabies #unexpectedpregnancy #newmother #mothering #newmama #healthyrelationship #newbornparents #unplannedpregnancy #parenthood #pregnancy #newbornparenting

The expression “sleeping like a baby” is often used to mean getting a great night’s sleep. But if your baby is like any other baby, that is probably not what is happening. If you are interested in learning more about helping your baby to sleep more soundly, our BrightCourse course shares helpful information and tips. The truth is babies don’t just fall asleep; they must be parented to sleep. There is no magic sleep solution. Babies have different temperaments and family lifestyles vary. You need to explore nighttime parenting styles that help your baby at each different stage of her development. Avoid any method that suggests you to leave your baby to cry alone. A baby can do little to comfort herself other than to cry louder or to withdraw emotionally. Leaving her to cry alone undermines her ability to trust you will meet her needs. This leaves her more dependent, not less. Your baby is a baby for such a short amount of time, and you will miss these nights sooner than you know. COMFORT BABY TO SLEEP Holding and soothing your baby often during the day makes her mellow. A warm bath and a gentle massage relax tired muscles. Lying down with baby on your chest and letting her hear your breathing and heartbeat can lull your baby to sleep. Going to sleep at your breast or in your arms with a bottle is one of baby’s favorite sleep inducers. Rocking baby to sleep and singing softly is treasured time spent with your baby. If baby is completely awake and you need her to sleep, a drive around the neighborhood might calm her to sleep by the hum of the car engine and the motion of the car. SLEEP PATTERNS Babies enter sleep differently than adults. While you enter deep sleep right away, your baby enters sleep through an initial period of light sleep lasting around twenty minutes. If you try to put your baby down before she enters into deep sleep, you will find that she will awaken as soon as you lay her down. If you rush through the light sleep stage you will find that you soon have to repeat the bedtime routine of rocking, cuddling, feeding, or walking her back to sleep. A good indicator of your baby being in deep sleep is when her arms and legs dangle weightlessly. Now you can put her down and slip away without worry of her waking before you’re even out of the room. BIRTH TO THREE MONTHS Newborn babies sleep up to 18 hours a day during the first week and 12 to 16 hours a day by the time they are a month old. During these first few months your baby will not stay asleep for more than two or three hours at a time. While responding to your baby’s needs, you’ll be up several times during the night to change, feed, and comfort her. You can plan on being very tired with this schedule. The best, yet most ignored, advice is to rest when your baby is resting. Around two weeks of age you can start to help her distinguish between night and day. Interact and play with her during the day. Keep the house light and bright, and don’t reduce regular daytime noise. At night, keep the lights and noise level low and don’t play or talk loudly when she wakes up. She will soon begin to understand that nighttime is for sleeping. THREE TO SIX MONTHS: SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT By around three months of age, your baby will develop a more regular sleep cycle and will not require most of her nighttime feedings. Your baby will be sleeping a total of 12 to 15 hours a day. Most babies are able to sleep through the night sometime between 3 and 6 months of age. “Sleeping through the night” is a funny term, because it really means your baby will be able to sleep for five or six hours straight. Be prepared during this stage for a baby who was previously sleeping well to suddenly start night waking again due to teething pain or practicing new skills like rolling over. Now is a good time to start nighttime routines with your baby. Routines Establish regular bedtime and nap times to help her regulate her sleep patterns. Choose a reasonable bedtime that works with your family’s schedule. Your naps can follow a specific timeline or you can put her down every two or three hours. Develop a bedtime ritual — giving her a bath and a baby massage, getting her in her pajamas, and singing and rocking. If any part of your ritual (the bath, for example) stimulates or excites your baby, don’t do that right before bed. Babies thrive on consistency, so your routine should be done at the same time and in the same order every night. SIX TO NINE MONTHS Your baby will now be sleeping a total of 11.5 to 15 hours a day. Their daytime naps are longer and usually have decreased to two a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Your baby is probably ready for nighttime weaning, but may still want to nurse or eat for comfort only. Previously good sleepers may start night-waking because of teething pain, practicing new skills such as sitting up or crawling or even walking, and separation anxiety. Sometimes a baby learning these new skills will practice at night and get stuck in a sitting or standing position and be unable to lie back down. If your baby is night waking and is used to going to bed at a certain time each night, now is when you can try making her bedtime half an hour earlier. For some odd reason, this can help your baby sleep longer. NINE MONTHS TO A YEAR At nine months, your baby typically will sleep 11 or more hours a night and nap twice a day for one or two hours at a time. However, don’t be surprised if your baby is still waking up once a night well after her second birthday. Baby’s sleep is determined more by her personality and temperament than your ability as a parent. Tips for Helping Baby Stay Asleep Swaddling – newborn babies like to sleep tight; older babies like to sleep loose Try a cradle – some babies prefer motion Consider a pacifier – some babies have a high-suck need A quiet place – some babies startle easy and need a quieter sleeping environment A full tummy – but not too full; stuffing baby with solids before bed rarely helps them sleep longer Respond quickly – if you respond before she is fully awake you may be able to settle her sooner Causes of Night Waking Teething pain, a dirty diaper, irritating pajamas, hunger, a stuffy nose, she’s too cold or too hot, and medical causes — colds, ear infections, acid reflux, fever, or allergies — all can cause night waking. You cannot force sleep on a baby who isn’t tired. Creating an environment that allows sleep to overtake your baby is the best way to develop healthy sleep attitudes. The frequent waking stage will not last forever. It passes all too quickly. Meeting your child’s needs both during the day and at night these first few years will pay off in many ways in the years to come. PARENTING CLASSES The world of parenting can be an enigma — it’s absolutely ok to seek support and help! Did you know Life’s Choices offers a variety of *completely free* parenting classes? Through the BrightCourse curriculum, we cover a variety of topics including baby sleep, breastfeeding, car seat safety, nutrition and much more. We would love to be a free resource to you! Contact us today to find out more about our parenting class options (or about any of our other class options including childbirth classes and relationship classes). Schedule Your Parenting Classes Today #infantsleep #sleeptips #babysleeptips #parentingcourses #parentingclasses

I had a miscarriage. Even now, almost two decades later, I feel funny sharing this very personal thing. My husband and I had tried for almost a year for our first baby, and we were so excited anticipating the birth of our child. I had an initial ultrasound and everything looked good. I even purchased a soft yellow teddy bear on a trip to the city to place in the future nursery. And then, the miscarriage just . . . happened. I didn’t realize at the time how common miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, is. The Mayo Clinic estimates one in every four or five pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Some experts suspect the rate is as high as 40%, as many women may not know they were pregnant at the time of loss. The causes of miscarriage vary widely and are often unknown, though doctors agree a common reason is a chromosomal abnormality in the developing fetus. The wording we use to describe this experience is difficult. Miscarriage makes it sound like a mistake, either the pregnancy itself or something the mother did wrong. “Lost the baby” is also hard. How could we lose, or misplace, something so precious to us? Add to that the cultural idea of not sharing the news of a pregnancy until you are in the second trimester and less likely – statistically – to miscarry, and no wonder the topic remains an unspoken one in our society at large. SHARING OUR STORIES In recent years, I’ve seen a shift in how people talk about miscarriage. In my own community, women and men are sharing their grief experiences. I stood in a hallway not so long ago, talking to one friend (who lost two babies before I was born) and another (who had miscarried multiple times in the past year) and we quietly wept together, sharing our stories. Some celebrities are to be applauded for taking on the “taboo” topic of miscarriage. Actor James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly Brook, talk openly about the loss of their 6th child through miscarriage. “We decided to put ourselves out there—not knowing what we’d find—in an effort to chip away at any senseless stigma around this experience and to encourage people who might be going through it to open themselves up to love and support from friends and family when they need it most,” he said. Former first lady Michelle Obama miscarried her first pregnancy. “I felt lost and alone, and I felt like I failed,” Obama said. “I didn’t know how common miscarriages were, because we don’t talk about them. We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow we’re broken.” That quote rings true to my experience. When I miscarried, I felt broken. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. How do you handle such a deep and abiding sense of brokenness? My husband and I made the hard and very personal decision to “go public” with our miscarriage when it happened in 2001. We told close family and friends in person and my husband, a pastor, made a brief announcement at prayer time during a worship service. In our case, this decision brought an unexpected blessing – it seemed every woman I knew wrote me a personal note sharing their own loss of a baby. There was a strange, sad comfort in knowing I was not alone in grappling with such a devastating situation. I still have these cards, bundled together with ribbon, in a keepsake box along with that sole, yellow stuffed bear I had purchased while still pregnant with that child. YOU ARE NOT ALONE If you are grappling with the grief of a miscarriage, please know first and foremost that you are not alone in your loss. If you are brave and talk to the people you know, you may find surprising sources of strength. Some will share their own stories. Others will drop off meals, offer rides to the doctor or simply sit quietly with you. Self-care skills may help. Take time off from your work or other obligations as you walk through your grief. Make sure you see a medical professional to confirm you are healing physically. Talk to your pastor about holding a ritual so that you and others can share your loss together. And consider seeing a counselor or grief therapist if you need additional help or support. FINDING HOPE For me, my faith in God was the thing that held me together in the roughest patches. I’ll be honest, at times I railed at God, asking how he could allow such a thing to happen. I cried over all the things I would miss with this child. But I found a growing solace in the idea that this baby was now at home with our Heavenly Father. A favorite verse at that time was Psalm 16:11, where the author, David, wrote that in God’s presence we experience “fullness of joy.” It’s important to remember that David himself experienced the loss of a loved baby (2 Samuel 12) but found comfort in knowing he would meet this child after his own death. And I found comfort as well in knowing my own child would never know the pain or loss I was feeling, and — because of my faith in Jesus — I would see her one day. I had a miscarriage. Two decades have passed, and I can tell you that I had a miscarriage, but I am ok. I love the kids I had later, but they didn’t replace the one I lost. I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t remember the baby I never got to hold. But I can tell you that, even if grief and loss never go away, a miscarriage is something you as a mother can survive. CONTACT US At Life’s Choices, we can offer a listening ear and resources if you are unsure how to handle your pregnancy loss. Let us know if we can help! Contact Us Today Kutztown: 610-683-8000 | Hamburg: 484-660-3526 #miscarriage #health #pregnancyloss #miscarriagehealing #mentalhealth #griefcounseling #grievingprocess #grief #abortionhealing

When preparing for motherhood, there can be a variety of emotions. Whether you’re excited or scared (or both!), it’s hard to know exactly what it will be like when the time comes. Being a mother is a beautiful experience, but like any new stage of life, it can be a major adjustment for many. With an abundance of books and resources at your fingertips, it’s a good idea to form healthy expectations and determine your style of parenting. Even then, motherhood is unpredictable! No matter how many books you read and how many podcasts you listen to, the truth is that transitioning into motherhood – especially that first time around – can be a challenge. It’s difficult to fully prepare for the sleepless nights and dramatic learning curve. While we recommend taking time to research and utilize helpful parenting books and resources, no one can predict exactly what your baby will be like and how your body and mind will react to this beautiful, difficult, life-changing experience. But don’t worry – you’re not alone! The good news is most mothers have experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that come with this unique transition. As you navigate this new stage of life, here are a few tips: 1. Be Honest About How You’re Feeling It’s ok to not be ok! If you’re facing baby blues or postpartum anxiety or depression, you’re not the first. This stage of life is different than anything you’ve faced before. You’re learning a variety of new skills, including accomplishing everyday tasks one-handed, quickly changing a diaper and reading your baby’s cues. So much is new in your life — all while your body is healing, you’re running on minimal sleep, your hormones are all over the place and your adjusting to a new schedule. But take note: just because it’s a bit overwhelming doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother! Even if you’re dealing with a complex mixture of emotion — both joy and exhaustion, awe and overwhelm — you will grow to know your child and his or her needs. If you’re struggling with all of the new adjustments, it’s important to be open with your loved ones. And if you’re not sure who to talk to, Life’s Choices is here. So many women have been right where you are now, and you don’t have to walk new motherhood alone. Contact Life’s Choices 2. Give Yourself Time It might feel like you’ll never feel normal again, but you will. Getting used to your new stage of life takes time, and just because it feels daunting at first doesn’t mean it will be forever. Those first few weeks often feel like you’re in “survival mode,” but be patient with yourself. You’re still healing, growing and learning, and you should be! When your child was born, a new mother was born, too. You’re still brand new to this new life, and it’s ok to let yourself be. Take it one day at a time, mama. 3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help None of us were meant to experience childbearing or motherhood on an island. When they say “it takes a village,” they’re right! Whether that village is your family, close friends, church or neighbors, it’s important to ask the people who love you for help when you need it! Maybe it’s holding your fussy baby while you take a nap, sweeping your floor or making you a meal. Or maybe it’s just being a listening ear while you process this transition. Whatever you would find helpful in this season, don’t be afraid to ask! And if you feel like you don’t have a village to help you shoulder the newness of it all, you’re not alone. At Life’s Choices, we’re here for you as you learn the art of motherhood. LIFE’S CHOICES IS HERE FOR YOU If you’re preparing to transition into this new stage of motherhood for the first time or if you’re in the thick of it right now, contact Life’s Choices today. We have a variety of free resources to help support you as you face this new stage of life. No matter what you’re dealing with, remember that you are the best mother for your child. We would love to help you feel confident in this new stage, and we are here to support you! Contact Life’s Choices #parenting #pregnancysupport #transitioningtomotherhood #motherhood #pregnant #unexpectedpregnancy #newmother #mothering #newmama #unplannedpregnancy #parenthood #pregnancy