Try to help her find as many supportive services and networks as possible. Being a young single mother is very difficult in our society and unfortunately, single mother's are often blamed for their choice to keep the baby. The biggest obstacle is childcare so she will be able to take classes to advance herself and get a good paying job. I don't have a lot of firsthand experience with single mothers, but as a Social Worker, I get really upset with the lack of services out there. I am working with a single mother right now with two young children. She has problems with her knees so is eligible for access-a-ride which is a van service run by the MTA in NYC that disabled clients can use instead of the subway or bus to get around. Unfortunately, this service only allows the parent to transport 1 child with her so either way she is screwed if she cannot find someone else to watch her other child. I guess what I am trying to say is that there will be lots of obstacles for her so try to get as many things in place as possible NOW and not after the baby is born. How old is your friend? If she is under 21 she may be eligible for a teen parenting program where housing is provided or a stipend for housing is provided. I'd really have to research it more and I am sure it most definately varies from state to state. Also, I am a BIG fan of support groups. Encourage your friend to get involved in support groups for single mothers if any exist in your area. This is also a good way for her to meet friends going through the same thing and also this is often a way single mothers form a unit to help each other out with childcare. Also as a single mother, if college is in her plans she should definately keep that as a goal. There are lots of monetary awards and scholarships available for single parents. Where I went to grad school, the school offers like 2 or 3 full scholarships for single mothers, and this is a private school too. Lastly, and I think I said this already, please please please be supportive of her in whatever she decides to do. She is probably going to lose a lot of "friends" during this time so she will need support not judgment. Keep me posted
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