I Need Help - Chicago,IL

I have no answer about WIC. I just wanted to let you know you can search MOPS(mothers of Preschoolers), they have a another division, callled Teen MOPS, they are a wealth of information, support, love and guidance. http://www.mops.org/ We have one by us and the girls that go are loved and not judge. Good luck!

First of all...shame on someone getting in here and giving abortion advice. Unsolicited advice. Advice you clearly were not looking for. Do not listen to people who already accuse you of wanting to party and behave badly, after your child is here...when it isn't even here yet!! Do not allow that kind of terrible negativity in your life. Especially, from strangers who should not have that kind of say in your life. When you visit a Dr. and get a positive pregnancy test, you can apply for WIC.

No matter the age of the mother, life becomes about the child. You longer have the luxury of worrying about yourself, whether you're 17, or 37. There are unique struggles when you conceive young, we all know that. But, it does NOT mean your life is over. It does NOT mean you have to go running to nearest abortion clinic. If you are asking about WIC, it appears to me you want this baby. Get a support system in place. Your family, the father's family (if involved), school teachers, school counselors, anyone who can give you real, thoughtful advice and a shoulder to lean on. WIC will give you resources for parenting classes and resources within the community, that help with raising a child. Use those resources, they are great no matter your age!! If you go to church, befriend the female leaders. They will have so much support to give. FIND support, somewhere! Visit your crisis pregnancy center and see what resources they have.

A child does not mean that you are doomed. A child can bring much joy, much purpose, and much stability...if you let them. However, you have to be prepared to be the best you can. If you do that, a child will bring you wonderful blessings. If you need any support, or someone to talk to...don't hesitate to message me. Congratulations on your tiny blessing.

People...what's done is done. She is pregnant, it happened. What good is it to berate her, for being pregnant? None. IF she wants this baby, who are you to tell her she isn't mature enough? You can't. ONLY she can come to that conclusion. Accepting that it has happened and she is with child, is NOT condoning teenage pregnancy. It's taking a tough situation and trying to do something about it

Ladies - SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She asked if she could apply for WIC. Her post did not ask for any other advice. So many of you say to only respond to the question at hand - well you certainly didn't do that here. Who made those of you that felt to give such hateful advice GOD? I am certain everyone who has responded has sinned and is not perfect. So glad most of you are not my mother or even an acquaintance!

A.:

You say you live in Chicago and your post says you live in LA....

To the best of my knowledge -you can apply for WIC...although I believe they will use your parents income as a way to judge as well...your pregnancy needs to be confirmed. I would STRONGLY suggest that you sit down with another young mother and find out what her life is like...this baby will cry and scream...it's NOT the dream a young girl imagines....trust me. I was 20 when my daughter was born and married and it was hard. I can't imagine having a baby at 17..

With as young as you are and ONLY 3 weeks pregnant - I would have a serious talk with my parents and the baby's daddy...I hope you have clear expectations about what a baby will do for you at this age and that you are mature enough to handle the situation...

To be honest - you are too young to have a baby - IN MY OPINION...I can't congratulate you....I don't know how you got pregnant ...maybe something bad happened to you but if not - girl - you are too young to have a baby...
get your head out of the clouds - you are gonna have some sleepness nights...I hope you aren't trying to get into People magazine for their "teen mom" stuff.

Are you expecting your mom to raise the baby so you can go to school?
What are you expecting from the baby's father and his family?
How do you expect to PROVIDE for the child?! URGH!!

I know I'm gonna get railed but seriously....I can't congratulate you and I do NOT condone teenage moms...think long and hard about this..and next time? WAIT to have sex...like until you are married and CAN afford the baby!

You already got your question answered. I wanted to let you know that I was 17 when I had my 1st child, with zero support. It was the hardest thing I ever endured & I am now 38 & still feel that way. My *baby* is now 21 & in college, going on her senior year. I wish you the best & your baby.

I think you should check with the state and also since you are only 3 weeks pregnant you might apply for a job right now. That way you might not need to get free assistance.

Yes, of course you can. Have you explored your options? Being a parent is for the rest of your life, your needs don't matter any more and your entire life will be about the baby. No partying when you turn 21, no college (unless you are incredibly disciplined, motivated and have the financial, physical and emotional support), no going out on dates, no fun cars. Just bottles and diapers and elmo and dora. I hope you have a support group and a plan. You can do it, but you will be giving up your life to raise a little person and there is never a break. It's all about baby all the time. I do hope you will really look at your situation and make the best choice for yourself and that very real baby that will be here sooooo soon.

Planned Parenthood does offer abortion services, along with many, many real resources for woman regardless of your plans for continuing a teenage unplanned pregnancy or keeping the baby or finding a loving, supportive home for him or her. Resources that will tangibly help you, not just reassurances of things being magically okay for you because people everyone wants every pregnancy to end in a loving, stable home. That rarely happens with teenage single moms with no support. I hope that's not you. Look at your options, for the real world (Just because you use Planned Parenthood doesn't mean you can't choose adoption or keeping the pregnancy).

Good luck, I hope you are seeing the reality of your situation.

Three weeks? Or three months?

If you're only three weeks pregnant there's no possible way for you to know that yet. You wouldn't have even missed your period yet, and there aren't any tests that could give you a positive result. You might have some symptoms, but they could easily be PMS symptoms. Wait until you miss a period and then get a blood test from your doctor to make sure.

If you're three months pregnant, then you can go to the WIC web site or to Planned Parenthood. You can also apply for your state's insurance program. You can also check out your state's Department of Women's and Children's Services. You can go to your doctor and ask for help in getting started with these places, and your regular doctor will take a pregnancy test for you in the office as well.

Was your pregnancy confirmed by a Doctor?

Go to the WIC website.
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/c...

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30513

And yes, you need a Doctor. An OB/GYN. Do you have one?
You need to take pre-natal vitamins too.
You need to have a prenatal exam.

Here is a link, on medical coverage for children, for low cost or no cost:
http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/

If you are indeed pregnant, I strongly advise you to seek prenatal care from an obstetrician. If you are not insured, Planned Parenthood or Links in Northfield (www.linksyouth.org) would be good places to start.

People who work with these types of organizations would likely know best how to get you set up on the right path as far as support like WIC is concerned, in addition to helping you have appropriate prenatal care to keep you and your baby healthy.

Absolutely you can apply for WIC. You will need a confirmation from your doctor (but I think THEY give you that form, so go there first.) WIC can give you vouchers for yourself during your pregnancy, to help with proper nutrition...you'll get milk, cereal, rice/bread/tortillas (your preference), eggs, cheese, fruits/veggies (your choice, fresh/can/frozen, up to 10 dollars worth a month), tuna, juice, etc. Once you have the baby, if you decide to breastfeed, they will continue to give you (even more) food until your baby is a year old, or if not, they will give you formula.

Also, when baby is six months old, they'll begin giving you baby cereal and baby food...quite a bit, actually. I never could use it all.

WIC has been a God send for me and my family. We are very low income, and our children have food related health issues that cost us quite a bit, so every little bit helps.

***I also don't know why some nut down below seems to be encouraging you to have an abortion. DO NOT. Of course, considering you are asking about WIC, you give no indication that you've even considered it...but just know that "It's not a fetus until the second trimester" is the most sick, ridiculous thing I've heard in a long time. The child you are carrying was a child of God's before you EVER conceived, and from the moment of conception that child is ALIVE. There's all the help in the world for you, so take it!!! You will love this child! And if you end up not being able to support/love/care for a child at your age, please adopt. I am adopted. I hate to think that if my mother had aborted me, I wouldn't have the blessing of knowing MY own beautiful children.

If you need any support or someone to talk to, feel free to message me.

I read a few answers then got angry about the judgement being passed on you.
Anyone is able to apply, receiving WIC depends a lot on your living situation. If you are still living with your parents, their income may come into play. You will need confirmation from your doctor, or from the health department. When you say you are 3 weeks pregnant, do you mean that you are 3 weeks late with your period? If so, the doctors will actually say that you are 7 weeks pregnant, they go by the first day of your last period.
http://www.wicprogram.org/il-illinois-wic-program/
That should give you more information than I have off the top of my head. You should be able to find the WIC office that is closest to you. Please call ahead and make an appointment with them, and ask for any information you need to bring with you to make it an easy process. If you haven't seen a doctor yet, contact either the county health department or a Planned Parenthood. I don't know why people think they only do abortions, they are very skilled in all women's health issues. I used to get birth control and my yearly exams from them. The last time I went, they were income based, which means they charge according to your income, so if you are currently employed, take a current pay stub.
Best wishes.

I'm sorry that some women used this question to spew out their opinions and beliefs on what you shouldn't have done or should do now that you are pregnant instead of just answering your question. I am appalled and although there are some I agree with this isn't the time/place for it. I believe some deserve a tongue lashing!!!

Yes, WIC is available to you. Check with your doctor.

God bless!

Contact Birthways here in Chicago - they will help you figure out what to do.

http://www.birthwaysinc.com/

Good luck.

I worked for a WIC program years ago. At that time you could apply for WIC at any age if you were pregnant. We had 11 year olds who were pregnant & receiving WIC. Call your local WIC office or they may even have a website with that information. The sooner you can get there the better! They will probably have other information/services there or can refer you for other services you may find helpful. Good Luck for a safe & healthy pregnancy!

Congratulations! Sorry, I don't know about WIC. It seems likely you would be accepted, though.
Even though you are very young, you can be sure that God will be with you throughout your pregnancy and as you raise your precious child. You don't state whether you're married. Do you have a support system? Here's the link to Pregnancy Resource Center, in case you need some support.
http://www.lifecall.org/cpc/illinois.html
I would strongly advise you to stay away from Planned Parenthood. They do abortions, so that tells you a lot!
God bless you. Please feel free to contact me, and/or check out my blog, which I write to encourage moms from a Biblical perspective.
Love,
L.
http://susannasapron.blogspot.com/

Yes you can get wic!

I really think 3 weeks is a little too early to know if you are pregnant... I was 5 weeks when I went to my doctor to confirm my pregnancy.

I think I was a little over 3 months pregnant when I applied for Wic. In Minnesota, I think if your under 18 they base it on your parents income and each state and county have income requirments. They actually give you quite a bit of healthy food each month. But when your baby is born you have to tell them if your breastfeeding or formula feeding and base your vouchers on that.

Also when you go pick up your vouchers every month, they weigh you, check your heartbeat, and listen to the baby(when far along enough) and check hemaglobin every so often. Then when the baby comes, you have to go in every three months for check ups and we also have a public health nurse come and check on our son because we have medical assistance.
If you don't have insurance or your parents dont have insurance I would recommend applying for health insurance otherwise you will have to pay all out of pocket. They also will base it on your income level or your parents. But I hope this all helps!

Good luck honey, be a good mom to that baby. Your life is going to completely change, and it's going to be hard. You can get good advice on this website. I hope the dad will help out, and I hope you have a good mom to help you.

p.s. I don't think that people should be suggesting abortion, since she apparently has already decided to keep it. However, Planned Parenthood does many things besides abortions. They found my pre-cancer when an idiot doctor missed it, and probably saved my life.

Yes, but you will need a doctor to confirm the pregnancy. You may also qualify for Medicaid too. Don't let others bully you. It's your decision to decide what will be best for you. There is help for whatever you decide.

My mom had a pregnancy at 16 and aborted and she never regretted that decision.

I had my son when I was 19. Best decision of my life, but thankfully I didn't let others push me around to abort or adopt out. It was hard and I've been lucky in some ways, but I don't regret being a young mother.

I do want to warn you that there is a scary amount of childless couples, religious fanatics, adoption agencies who will try to talk, shame, and guilt you out of keeping your child. Open adoptions are almost always changed to closed adoptions with your baby across state lines and a worthless open adoption "contract". More money doesn't mean better parents. They'll try to force you to sign your child over shortly after giving birth, and there is plenty of time after your child is here for you decide to adopt out.

You don't want to go to one of those false Planned Parenthood centers that are just a front for an adoption agency or pro-life/anti-choice group to pressure you into saying you won't abort or will adopt out and force you to watch mocked up "abortions".

It's not a fetus until second trimester and it looks like a deformed shrimp earlier than 16 weeks (trust me I've had miscarriages that were intact). Then it is more scary alien looking thing and doesn't look baby like until 32 weeks. My daughter was a preemie and she still had the freakish alien look at 33 weeks, but too cute for her own good now.

You are only 3 weeks so you do have time to think over your decision and decide what is best for you. In Illinois abortion is legally allowed up to 24 weeks. It used to be until 28.5 weeks, but the partial birth abortion ban was made law at some point between my two pregnancies with living children.

I've had my OB/GYN for the past like 10 years minus the short stint during my 3rd pregnancy because I had to switch for my high risk pregnancy and the Level 3 NICU. I highly recommend Personal Women's Health Care with Dr. Pozzi, Dr. Forcier, and Dr. Winkelman (it's okay I still giggle like I'm 12 too). I trust each of them with my life and a few times it did come to that. Excellent doctors but they aren't in the city, but they have saved my life a few times and the other women in my family. I started seeing them when I was 15 before I was sexually active.

As a former teen mother, I offer sympathy, hugs, and congrats. It can be a true blessing, a huge mistake, or something in-between, but whatever you decide just make sure it is YOUR decision. Gather your support system and leave the haters to hate. On the bright side many hospitals offer free breastfeeding, baby care, and labor/delivery classes to young mothers. La Leche League is free for help and support for breastfeeding.

Talk to the baby's dad and both sets of parents after you make your decision, about what kind of support you would like from them, and what support they can give you. Be prepared for any reaction including you might be on your own or you'll get support from unexpected places. However luckily you can find more support nowadays regardless of what choice you make. FYI- I got the BFP at 3 weeks pregnant when I was pregnant with twins, but YMMV.

I think you got a lot of links to the WIC resources and I hope you are able to get all the help and assistance available to you! You and your little one will be in my prayers. You are never alone...God walks with you every day, every step.

Contact your local WIC office.

I did a home test and I tested positive at 3 weeks so it is possible.. I know I wasn't earlier than that because I had just gotten my mirena removed. Once you get a positive test from a dr. then you can go apply for WIC from what I hear it'll actually be easier to do it now than to wait for the baby to arrive.. go online they should be able to answer all of your questions.. they probably won't meet with you and give you the WIC for a couple of months (one at least). Good luck!