Amy Ford is the Co-Founder and President of Embrace Grace, a non-profit that inspires and equips the church to love on single and pregnant young women and their families. Amy shares her unplanned pregnancy story. She experienced rejection from a pastor that compounded the shame she felt about her pregnancy. We delve into ways we have dealt with shame and overcome wounds inflicted by the Christian Church and found forgiveness and peace.

If you are interested in joining an Embrace Grace group you can visit: https://embracegrace.com/

Other Resources by Amy Ford:
A Bump in Life the book
Help Her Be Brave the book
Help Her Be Brave the Podcast
Embrace Grace Podcast
Then God Made a Women Podcast

I get to introduce you to one of my favorite podcast hosts -- Heather MacFadyen! She is the host of Don't Mom Alone.
Heather shares with us the story of her unplanned 3rd son. Even though she had always wanted to be a mom she struggled with the realities of being a mom verses the expectations she had held. I love how honest she is about dealing with anger as a mom and for sharing her journey of healing. And, of course, we discuss solid tips on connecting to groups and putting yourself out there if you are a lonely mom.

Go listen to her show and check out the Don't Mom Alone Podcast Club.

Books Discussed:
Good and Angry by David Powlison 

Immigration is a topic that is hotly contested, and off limits at many family dinner tables. No matter your opinion about immigration policy, I think we can all agree that there is a humanitarian crises at the US-Mexican Border. Alma Ruth is the founder of the faith based, humanitarian organization Practice Mercy. Their mission is to bring necessities and pray for hope when visiting refugee camps in the Rio Grande Valley. She shares what it is like to have an unplanned pregnancy while at the refugee camp.  Alma Ruth is also a single mom of two boys, and tells us about her surprise pregnancies.

Support Practice Mercy Foundation on Facebook 
And follow them on Instagram @practicemercy

Dara is a  freelance writer who covers maternal health, race and class issues in motherhood, and mental health. She shares the story of her third pregnancy, which was unplanned. We also grapple with questions about how motherhood changes your identity and work/life balance.

Dara's Recommended Books for Black History Month:
 
The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy

We Live for the We

Motherhood so White

Follow Dara:

Blog: http://www.trulytafakari.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dtafakari

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trulytafakari

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtafakari

Andrea was 15-years-old when she found out she was pregnant. She had no doubt in her mind that she wanted to raise her baby. A few years later, a tragic incident left her a widow with two young children. Andrea wanted to start a new life in a new house, but discovered how little she knew about her personal finances. Getting control of her budget was life changing, and now she is passionate about helping others create achievable budgets and set aside savings.

Contact Andrea about Budget Coaching Here  
Follow her on Instagram @millennial_money_boss

Annaliese was teaching a sex ed class when she realized she might be pregnant. After seeing the two pink lines, she had to consider all the options available to someone experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Annaliese walks us through her decision making process and how she knows she is a stronger women today because of her choice.

Annaliese recently obtained her MSW and is passionate about helping other women navigate their choices. She also has a knack for tracking down scholarships for single moms! If you are interested in contacting her email coracela@umich.edu

Go check out  "If I can tell my parents about my pregnancy, so can you" by Annaliese. This is an honest story of the good, bad, and ugly of telling family members about an unexpected pregnancy. 

Postpartum depression impacts around 1 in 10 new moms. It is important to know the signs and how to get help for yourself or a friend.   I want you to know that you deserve help and it's easier to access than you think.

Today we are joined by Dr. Jo Kim, the Director of Perinatal Depression Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem, and Nancy Segall, LCSW.

Jo and Nancy help us understand what are perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression.  Nancy helped found Beyond the Baby Blues support group in the Chicago area, and gives advice on finding a support system.

Resources Mentioned:
Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/help-for-depression/ 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

 Postpartum Support International Helpline: https://www.postpartum.net/

 PSI Online & Chat with an Expert support resources: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-moms/

 Postpartum Stress Center resources for families: https://postpartumstress.com/for-families/

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode contains content about rape.

Bethany's love and passion was competitive surfing.  She was preparing to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics on the Canadian Olympic Surfing team. But during her fall semester  of 2019, she was raped and found out that she was pregnant. If she kept her pregnancy she would have to give up her spot on the Olympic team.

Bethany is a single mom, competitive surfer, dental assistant, and college student. Her passion for her baby and everything in life is inspiring! You should follow her on instagram @bethany.zelasko

Bethany's bother, Israel, was in a cliff jumping accident.  It would bless their family if you help donate to his medical bills at  Israel's Gofundme