Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav
Community /

Parenting & Pregnancy Forum

Info
420 Friends
Filter by Topic
Adoption Co-Parenting Community Space Parenting Pregnancy
Community calendar
Group chat
Ask questions, get support and make friends
Find a group chat
My communities
Considering Therapy?
Talk to an expert therapist
New subscribers
Create a New Thread
Gif Photo Link
SoulfullyAButterfly profile picture
Are You Coparenting? Introduce Yourself
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 September 18th, 2025
...See more Welcome to the Parenting and Pregnancy Community! One of our community topics is coparenting. For those who are familiar with the concept, co-parenting is a remarkable journey of collaborative parenting after separation or divorce. It's an approach that brings together separated or divorced parents with a shared goal: to provide the best possible upbringing for their children. This community space serves to connect with others who understand the joys and complexities of co-parenting. Are you a coparent? Feel welcome to: ✨ Introduce Yourself ✨ Share a little about your coparenting situation or journey ✨ What are some challenges you would like to discuss and gain support for?
tommy profile picture
Parenting & Pregnancy Automated Taglist!
by tommy
Last post
 June 5th, 2025
...See more Welcome to the Parenting & Pregnancy Taglist This thread is an auto-updating list. The list is regularly updated by forum leaders and can be found below. Having issues? Reply to this thread and someone will help you! Why should I join the taglist? ✔ Never miss out on sub-community check-ins, discussions or events ✔ Get tagged and notified by community leaders whenever a new relevant thread has been posted ✔ Become a more active member of the community. What do I need to do? ✅ To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please add me. ❌ To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please remove me. ------------------------- Current taglist as of Jan 2024 (updated by @MistyMagic) @daydreammemories @Iyyana @KindCatEars @Maxisthebest @MistyMagic @tealPapaya5453 @tommy @Truth22
MistyMagic profile picture
What to Expect When You're Expecting!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 December 21st, 2024
...See more What to Expect When You're Expecting: Tips and Resources Whether you're pregnant, planning to be, or supporting someone who is, it’s an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journey. Here's a basic guide to what you can expect and helpful links to get you started. Share with us your journey and any tips or thoughts you have on pregnancy and parenting! ------------------------- General Tips for Expectant Parents 1.  Schedule Prenatal Care * Once you have had a positive pregnancy test or think you may be pregnant then that is the time to make an appointment with your doctor, as soon as possible. They can be your first point of call for confidential and professional care and advice. * Regular doctor visits ensure that your baby is growing properly and allows you to discuss plans, options and concerns. * Tests to expect: * Ultrasounds (to monitor growth and anatomy) * Blood and urine tests * Glucose screening (to check for gestational diabetes) 2. Take Care of Your Health * Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid and iron). * Avoid: Alcohol, smoking, excessive caffeine, and unpasteurized foods. * Exercise: Light to moderate exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can help with stamina, mood, and delivery preparation. * Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily to stay hydrated. 3. Learn About Labour and Delivery * Research options like vaginal birth, caesarean section, or water birth. * Take prenatal classes to prepare for labour, delivery, and postpartum care. 4. Prepare Emotionally * Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings; don't hesitate to seek help if you feel persistently anxious or depressed (possible signs of prenatal depression). * Involve your partner or support system in the journey—attend appointments and classes together. 5. Plan for Postpartum Life * Research breastfeeding basics and consider lactation consultant resources if needed. * Stock up on essentials: diapers, baby clothes, and postpartum care supplies for you. 6. Stay Informed * Learn about pregnancy stages: trimesters, fetal development, and common symptoms like nausea or swelling. * Keep an open line of communication with your doctor for any concerns. ------------------------- Helpful Resources and Links * General Pregnancy Guidance * What to Expect (Official Site) [https://www.whattoexpect.com/] * March of Dimes - Pregnancy [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrkLlPEDWdnBwIAAokM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736016580/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marchofdimes.org%2Ffind-support%2Ftopics%2Fpregnancy/RK=2/RS=XcMs1vVhA7DkRk5niTTk1yLMlLQ-] * Nutrition During Pregnancy * Mayo Clinic - Nutrition and Weight Gain During Pregnancy [https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle] * Prenatal Classes * Lamaze International [https://www.lamaze.org/] * BabyCenter - Prenatal Classes Overview [https://www.babycenter.com/] * Labor and Delivery Preparation * The Bump - Birth Plan Template [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrkOYxnDWdnHAIAl0IM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736016488/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thebump.com%2Fa%2Ftool-birth-plan/RK=2/RS=kv8SKtjL7n6puIQ2vsiSuweVbp4-] * Childbirth Connection - Labor Comfort Measures [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr.oGmUDWdnIwIA.1kM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzMEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736016532/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fnationalpartnership.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F02%2Fcomfort-in-labor-simkin.pdf/RK=2/RS=6y1YrO1Esb41Rf7nAXYYgZYraDc-] * Postpartum Support * Postpartum Support International [https://www.postpartum.net/] * KellyMom - Breastfeeding Resource [https://kellymom.com/] * Apps to Track Pregnancy (easy to google lots of different apps)) * Ovia Pregnancy Tracker [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrLAC27D2dn6wEAp78M34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736017083/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oviahealth.com%2Fpregnancy-app%2F/RK=2/RS=Aq7Aq.9x_6NXd38lIw52BrAnmK8-] * The Bump * BabyCenter [https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrkMR7ZD2dnDAIAlJQM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1736017114/RO=10/RU=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.babycentre.co.uk%2F/RK=2/RS=Xb.kKMywOuMUgSCwVN.fkHFxpmc-]
pluckyLychee4792 profile picture
I Came Across Something About Olive Oil and Tomatoes Improving Egg and Sperm Quality
by pluckyLychee4792
Last post
 July 4th
...See more Hi everyone, I recently came across some interesting information about fertility and wanted to share it here. I read that following a Mediterranean-style diet may support reproductive health, and that olive oil and tomatoes, which are key parts of this diet, could have benefits for both egg quality and sperm quality. From what I found, olive oil contains healthy fats and antioxidants, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that some studies have linked to male fertility and overall reproductive health. Of course, I know diet alone isn't a miracle solution, but I thought it was an interesting topic since many of us are looking for ways to improve our chances naturally alongside medical treatment. Has anyone here tried adding more olive oil or tomatoes to their diet while trying to conceive? I'd love to hear your experiences or any research you've come across.
Tennisislife profile picture
Help with 16 year old son
by Tennisislife
Last post
 June 28th
...See more Hi y'all! Admittedly this is a bit of a long and sad one so buckle up..  My son was born in 2009 when I was a sophomore in college.  His mother and I did not have the best relationship and it ended pretty poorly for a number of reasons.  After we split up in 2014, we attempted to exchange our son as per the temporary orders in place where I got every other weekend but it was a very bad experience...in particular she blocked numerous weekends from me from saying our son was sick, grounded, because she and I needed to work things out before I could see him, among other reasons.. When we went back to court in 2015 to finalize the divorce, I explained my side of things hoping to get primary decision making but they just saw a poor woman trying to escape an angry man so the judge wanted to keep things as is to which I told them I can't deal with her being the decision maker as she isn't properly putting my son as her top priority (I was partly miffed she was very pregnant during that final hearing).  Well they calculated nearly $500 a month in child support since I gave her full parenting time and for several years I paid my financial obligations without ever hearing or seeing my son as she blocked all my communication to him claiming I was abusive and thus not deserving to speak to him.  No doubt I reacted very negatively at the end of our relationship and from the difficulty of trying to exchange our son. Fast forward about 7 years later to 2021, I was remarried, preparing to start trying to have my 2nd child and was also back in my son's life trying to work some things out with his mother in hopes of getting his life on track because in short, after our divorce, his mom was more concerned about making 3 more kids with two different fathers over a 6 year period instead of trying to properly parent and teach him.  As a result he became very behind educationally and socially by the time we were involved.  In the middle of us trying to help him, she unilaterally decided to take him out of school so she could "homeschool" him and then out of nowhere said they wanted to move to the other side of the country for a fresh start!  This instantly prompted us to take her back to court so I could officially have some parenting time returned to me and hopefully block her from leaving with our son.  The entire court process took 1.5 years which ended in a trial.  During the middle of this, however, she decided to move anyways.  Within a month of them moving, she left our then 12 year old son with a babysitter who left him unsupervised with an 8 year old girl.  He SAd her and the cops were called.  During the investigation, it was revealed that he may have been doing this to his half sister (his mother's 2nd child) which ultimately wasn't substantiated but coincidentally my wife found out that the father of this 2nd child may have actually done something inappropriate to my son back around 2015-2016 when I was completely out of the picture. That man was also out of the picture but even more than me as she never took him to court to pay any child support.  Her 3rd/4th children's father basically took financial responsibility for her 2nd child.  We then have a custody trial almost a year after our son's crime where that situation gets brought up among other things. Surprisingly it all resulted in me winning primary custody, getting final decision-making and having majority of the parenting time (she only gets school breaks) on top of her owing me half my attorneys fees and a number of child support payments were to be repaid back to me since our son had been living us right after the crime occurred. Right before he came to officially live with us, he plead guilty and was sentenced to like 3 years of probation which included maintaining good grades in junior high and having a therapist that he opens up to about his crime.  Well anyone could see this from a billion miles away that it was going to be a train wreck...so he struggled in school, struggled in our home and struggled with his therapists...after 7 months, probation got fed up so they sent him to Utah to live in a facility with boys who have committed sexual crimes.  Was rough at first but surprisingly he turned it around, actually opened up about his crime and came back a few months early after a total of 8 months.  He resumed as a 2nd semester freshman, did actually quite well successfully juggling sports and grades.  While therapy sort of reverted back to where he wasn't really opening up to his new counselor at the time, overall things were deemed good enough so probation closed their case. Then he got *** while at his mom's over summer of 2025 and sophomore year turned into a complete shitshow.  Ditching classes left and right, got caught vaping once in class and once in the bathroom, abusing bathroom passes to avoid being in class, running away from security guards, lying about everything, stealing school laptops to sneak into our house to avoid our *** blocks, buying burner phones...his attendance and grades were absolutely horrid.  He was ineligible to play sports.  It all culminated a couple months ago, when after spending his spring break week over at his mom's, he refused to board the plane to come back and his mom has sided with him to be against us and thus has used this as proof that I am to blame for everything wrong with our son. So my wife and I are stuck. Our judgment doesn't have power across state lines. We can open a case with their state's courts to begin some temporary or emergency order but even then it won't force my son out of his room and onto a plane. As a result, his high school dropped him for not returning, he lost all his credits from the semester and was recommended to go to an alternative high school if he comes back to this district. His mom owes me $10k+ that she refuses to pay and she doesn't help get him therapy for everything bad she has allowed him to experience in particular potentially getting molested by not properly supervising/parenting him during some of his most vulnerable time periods. He has never opened up about his trauma with a therapist but we recently saw on his burner phone that he revealed it to a person on ***. We realize he is 16 and there is only so much one can do. But he is hiding in another state just rotting his brain on *** without any school or structure, talking about stupid crap including sharing very inappropriate pictures.  Talking to his mom doesn't work because she views me as the problem for everything. Thanks for sticking it out.  I really appreciate any experiences or suggestions shared!!
seanmendonca2472 profile picture
Parenting
by seanmendonca2472
Last post
 June 28th
...See more I was hoping to get some advice on parenting me and my girlfriend some tips on parenting because we are getting her 2 younger brothers permanently as we are going to be there new parents we are going to first time parents
softCupcake4750 profile picture
Keeping Cool!
by softCupcake4750
Last post
 June 26th
...See more What are your favourite ways to keep cool with your kids during this major heatwave?  Let's share some ideas! Maybe just reading about being cool will help us 😀
modestFig8996 profile picture
I think I might be pregnant with an IUD
by modestFig8996
Last post
 June 23rd
...See more I’m 17 with an IUD and in a relationship. Recently I’ve been gaining weight at a rapid pace, and I’ve been spotting as well as cramping for a bit now. I’ve always been super athletic and have never gained weight like this before, and I don’t usually get periods anymore. I know the IUD is 99% effective but I just can’t shake this feeling that something is different. Do I sound pregnant?
deezasqueeza profile picture
Need some help with my son
by deezasqueeza
Last post
 June 20th
...See more So my son just turned four and will absolutely not listen to anything me or my wife say. When we try to talk to him, he just constantly interrupts and often with things that are completely irrelevant to what we're talking about. (i.e. talking about having to wait to go for a walk, he'll yell and scream at the top of his lungs, then say something like "Orange cats are nice."). Flying off the handle any time either of us say no or try to set a boundary. Is this normal? My wife and I are losing our minds trying to counter it and handle it.
ThatDoraemon profile picture
Be the parent you wanted.
by ThatDoraemon
Last post
 June 13th
...See more Be the parent that your parents weren't to you! Whatever you felt like you needed in your parents when you were a kid, be those missing parts today, be the missing parts of your parents to your child, become the better version of them, not to defeat them or prove them but to show to your children that you really care and you are the unique parent which cares just about enough and exactly when needed!
kindBanana4446 profile picture
Insomnia Psychosis resulted in Custody Filling
by kindBanana4446
Last post
 June 10th
...See more Last month, after several weeks of almost no sleep due to issues with insomnia (not drug-related at all), I went into psychosis. I acted way out of character, causing me to be hospitalized involuntarily. This prompted my ex to file for custody of our 12-year-old daughter. Before this time, I felt we had an almost perfect co-parenting situation as far as focusing on the health and well-being of our child. We had 50/50 custody, and she stayed in the school we enrolled her in five years ago when we moved here. At the hearing a few weeks later, he made wild accusations about me using drugs and harming my kids, which is totally unfounded. He had been journaling for years every instance he could think of, some made up or just gossip (we live in a very small community hundreds of miles from the nearest real city), and it just hurt my heart so badly. I have known this man since I was seventeen. We were married and parented wonderful children for ten years together. I'm just floored, and the reality of it makes it so hard for me to be okay sometimes. 
easyEyes2199 profile picture
Broken Compass
by easyEyes2199
Last post
 June 10th
...See more Hi there, my name is Ember and I am a solo single momma to a beautiful 1.5 year old boy. His biological father have been separated for 6 months and he officially moved out 2 weeks ago. 6.5/7 weeks ago, we had sex, no connection or emotion, just sex… and that one time in a whole year, I fell pregnant.  Now… I have been talking with this amazing man for a month, who has kids, who has extraordinary ambitions, hard working, priorities intake, healthy, just a good good man and father.  I am financially severely in debt, can barely afford to rent a room, pay for daycare, and simple necessities that my son and I need. His father is practically absent and does not pay any child support at the moment (and never has in any shape, way or form). I have just gotten back down to a weight I am happy with again and just starting to grow and gain my self worth and respect…  I have gone back and forth since I was 4 weeks pregnant, what I should do… I have never considered and never though I would consider terminating… but I have found myself with the medication to make the decision.  Side note, and no, this does not have a primary impact or weight to my decision, but I did tell the man I am seeing and he said that it would break what we had building… he said that it shows weakness and immaturity… and it is somethings that I need to work through first before thinking or wanting to continue on with him…  So many valid facts as to why terminating would be the healthiest option for my physical, mental, and emotional health, financially, and more… but I also think… I am going to hold this decision with extreme pain and weight for the rest of my life if I do go through it…  I just need some help, outside thoughts and emotions, and just some understanding empathetic guidance… please. 
gentleHemlock3856 profile picture
Parenting Alone
by gentleHemlock3856
Last post
 June 6th
...See more My husband has been away for military training, and I’ve been handling parenting mostly alone while he’s gone. I have a baby/toddler and an older child, so it feels like I’m constantly switching between diapers, routines, meals, emotional needs, school stuff, and trying to keep the house together. Some days I do okay and feel strong. Other days I feel touched out, lonely, overstimulated, and like there’s no real break. By the time night comes, I’m exhausted but my brain still won’t shut off. I love my kids deeply and I know this season won’t last forever, but right now it feels heavy. I guess I’m looking for support from anyone who has had to parent solo while their partner was away. How did you cope with the loneliness, mental load, and never feeling “off duty”? Any encouragement or practical tips would really help.
Jwhealthylife profile picture
New career
by Jwhealthylife
Last post
 May 30th
...See more Hello, I am a mother of three and I’m just starting my career. I have been in school for five years now and am entering a field that requires me to work outside of the home. I am wondering how other moms manage to transition from staying at home to working. How do you balance everything with your children?  
pioneeringDay3113 profile picture
Just trying to find me
by pioneeringDay3113
Last post
 May 30th
...See more I’m a mom to 6 kids, I’m not alone, I have my partner. He does provide support. But I feel lost in parenting, like I can’t find myself in the midst of it all. Like I’m in auto pilot. Am I the only parent who feels like this. Lately I find myself looking in the mirror and wondering who the person in the mirror is looking back at me. I love being a mom, I absolutely love my children, I just feel disconnected. How do I find myself in this season of my life? Who am I? These are questions I ask myself. I want to feel more connected with myself and less disconnected with others. How does one achieve this?

Parenting and Pregnancy Support

Welcome to the Pregnancy and Parenting Support! We are so pleased you have stumbled across our little internet corner. Our community is here to support you through your parenting and pregnancy journey. From pregnancy woes and wins, milestones with your little ones, resources, general support, offering personal experiences, and more! Feel free to discuss anything and everything related to the life that is raising a child, growing a child, supporting someone who is growing and or raising a child, or co-parenting while raising a child. 


What are the different forum topics for Parenting and Pregnancy?

Community Space: A place to introduce yourself and participate in our community check-ins, games, and more!

CoParenting: A place to connect with others in a co-parenting arrangement, share your story, and support others!

Parenting: A place to receive support, ask questions, and start and participate in discussions regarding the parenting journey!

Pregnancy: Want to share your pregnancy experience? Have questions and want to hear the experiences of others? Discuss it here!


How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable). Check-in with us, join a discussion, or start one! Alternatively, join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.


Helpful Threads

Taglist: Do you want to stay up to date with our community? Then join our tag list to be notified whenever there is a new discussion or update within the community!


Parenting and Pregnancy FAQ

Q: Are there any sub-community-specific guidelines that we need to adhere to?

A: You can find Sub-community-specific guidelines below, which you should follow in addition to the general forum guidelines.


Help! I still have a question!  If you need help, feel free to contact a community leader or post here, and someone will contact you!

Community Guidelines

1. Include a trigger warning (TW) when referencing sensitive topics such as miscarriages, death, abortion, etc.

2. Respect the views of other members within the sub-community. Parenting is not easy and is often done differently from person to person.

3. Do not attempt to diagnose another member's child. You may share your experience with your child with the same or similar symptoms and the outcome, but diagnosing should be left to a medical professional. 

Not Helpful: “[I think] Your child has [xxx].

Helpful: “My child had/has symptoms [xxx] and [xxx] and was/is diagnosed with [xxx]; you might consider taking your child to a medical professional to rule this out.”


Read the 7 Cups Guidelines
Community Resources