Author: First Care

People of First Care: Kendrah’s Story

I told my mom about my pregnancy pretty abruptly. I had been living with my ex-boyfriend and things took a turn for the worse. I had distanced myself from my family, made some bad decisions, and ended up in a scary situation.  I had never considered pregnancy options, including adoption.

When I found out I was pregnant, I ended up reaching out to my mom about a day after. I asked her to pick me up and she did. I got in the car and said, “Mom, please don’t hate me. I’m pregnant.” And she just sat there with a blank look on her face for a minute before saying, “Okay, go grab your things. We’ll get you home. It’s going to be okay. I love you.” I went home that very day and cut off all contact with my ex.

My mom was definitely my number one support system the entire time I was pregnant. She dropped everything in her life to make sure that I had everything I needed—and that I felt supported and loved. I have put her through a lot, and she has never shown me anything but unconditional love throughout this whole journey.

Considering Adoption

Adoption was never something I thought I’d consider. I always thought if I ever got pregnant, I’d raise my child.

Throughout my decision-making process, First Care was such a valuable and truly loving, supportive environment. When I first arrived, I was very nervous, but they made me feel safe and heard. We worked through every possible scenario, and it made me feel much more confident in my decision. I was even able to talk to a birth mother who had been through a similar journey, and she gave me reassurance and hope for the future.

I came to the realization that adoption might be the best plan for my child, and that was the most important thing to me. I wanted to give her the best life possible.

Choosing a Family

When it came to choosing a family, it was a big task. It was tough narrowing it down from 13 to 1. I was so glad my mom was there to help me through it all. We prayed together a lot about the choice and it ended up being very clear.

When we met my daughter’s adoptive family for the first time, my mom and I both felt like it was obvious—that these two people were meant to be my daughter’s family.

God has been a huge part of this journey to motherhood from start to finish. I truly believe that He orchestrated this all and made everything work out exactly how He wanted it to.

The Extended Family of Adoption

The most emotional time of this journey was when my daughter was born. I had 48 hours with her until we had to go our separate ways. I could have stayed in the hospital holding her forever. It didn’t feel real, and absolutely crushed my heart having to drive home without her, leaving her with her family. It was so scary at first. I did know these were really good people and that I could trust them, but part of me was terrified that I was no longer in control and that I couldn’t keep her safe anymore.

Eventually, I realized that I did everything in my power to keep her safe. She’s so happy with her adoptive family and has a stable home with parents who were ready to raise a child. They are wonderful and love her so much.

I have also gained her adoptive family as a family of my own. We get together and do activities. We communicate a lot—I get lots and lots of pictures! Just being able to see her happy and safe makes me happy.

I’m so glad I was able to place her with such deserving parents. This is better than any possible scenario I could have imagined, and I am truly grateful for this journey to motherhood overall, the joys and the struggles.

To learn more about adoption, schedule an appointment online for a free, no-obligation adoption consultation.

How Will Having a Baby Impact My Future Dreams?

Finding out you are pregnant may come as a surprise. You have future dreams. This isn’t what you wanted, at least not now.

Maybe you’re thinking…

How am I going to finish college?

What will my parents say?

Will my boyfriend leave me?

Will my career be impacted?

Learn From Others.

We understand. At First Care, we have met with thousands of women who have thought their future dreams were shattered too. But, hold on. Take a breath. Pause. Give yourself time to process.

Take a minute to read stories from other women who have been through what you’re experiencing, like Emilie, Ashley, Bailey, Jessie, or Lydia.

Find hope in their stories and know that on the other side of this, you will achieve and accomplish dreams, maybe even some new ones you don’t yet have!

Seek Support.

First, let’s make sure your pregnancy is viable and see how far along you are. At First Care, we provide free and confidential lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.

You will meet with someone who has experience in finding resources to help you. We will talk with you about your dreams and how your decision for your pregnancy may impact those dreams.

Once you have a clear path forward, we can help connect you with the services or resources to make your unexpected pregnancy and future plans work!

See, you may think you’re dreams have been lost, but maybe they were never fully clear. The road is never as easy as it looks, but with First Care, we are there to walk alongside you, encourage you, and cheer you on to follow new dreams.

Schedule an appointment today

Call or text today to talk to someone who will listen and offer hope.

People of First Care: Emilie’s Story

I was just a freshman in college when I found out I was pregnant. I was a high achiever with a plan for my life, which did not include getting pregnant and parenting.

When I found out, I was in total shock. I told my parents and they were as shocked as I was. They were a little bit disappointed, but very supportive.

Making a Decision

My first meeting with one of the staff at First Care sticks out to me. We spent a lot of time talking about how I was feeling, what I was thinking, what I was concerned about.

I’m wired by nature to want to know the information and make a plan and stick to the plan.

Instead, my time at First Care caused me to dig into what was going on in my head and heart: what I wanted, what I was scared about, what I imagined for my future and how my options fit into that.

First Care provided me with helpful information and long term goals to think about.  As I thought through my options, I did consider adoption, but ultimately realized I wanted to raise my child. I knew I could do it because there was support available, even if my relationship with the baby’s father was complicated and difficult.

Finding Support in Parenting

After I made my decision, I enrolled in their parenting program called Every Family and attended once a week throughout my pregnancy.

Through this program, I was able to learn about healthy development and growth. I was also able to meet with Parenting Coaches who were genuinely interested in my life and how I was doing. This program helped me feel less anxious about becoming a mother and it also provided me with practical items, such as diapers and clothes for my baby.

My son was born in May of 2015 and being his mom has been absolutely awesome.  It hasn’t been without hardship, but the joys have far outweighed the hard days.

Since then, I graduated from the parenting program after two years in the program. I finished college with two degrees and I married the love of my life, a man who has been a part of my son’s life since he was four months old. 

First Care is a safe place to talk about how you are feeling and thinking and not have to worry about everyone’s opinion.  There really is no judgment or pressure. I am so thankful for my experience there and for being able to be a mom.

Follow us on Instagram for more inspiring quotes and stories. @firstcaremn #peopleoffirstcare

Our Current Services & Hours (updated 6/1)

Our centers are currently open the following days and times for the month of June:

What Does Abortion Cost in Minnesota?

Are you considering abortion as an option? Below you will find information on abortion costs and the different types of procedures in Minnesota.

If you are undecided about a plan for your pregnancy and you would like extra support, consider Options Counseling with one of our staff.

We always recommend taking time to get all the information about your options so you can make a well-informed decision about your pregnancy and your future.

Factors that Affect Abortion Cost:

• Stage of pregnancy. This means how far along you are in the pregnancy and how developed the baby is. This is best determined by having an ultrasound. Abortion clinics charge a fee for the ultrasound. Some pregnancy centers, like First Care, offer free ultrasounds.
• Insurance. Private insurances may cover the cost of an abortion. Many states do not cover abortion under Medicaid plans.
• Your state’s abortion laws. For instance, Minnesota has enacted the “Women’s Right To Know” informed consent law requiring that at least 24 hours before an abortion takes place, a woman must receive information about the medical risks associated with the abortion procedure, the gestational age of the unborn child, and the medical assistance benefits and child support payments available to her.

Minnesota Abortion Costs

In the state of Minnesota there are four different abortion procedures:

1. A Medication Abortion (or the Abortion Pill): within 10 weeks of gestation
2. Suction Aspiration/ Vacuum Abortion: 6-12 weeks gestation
3. Dilation and Curettage: 13-16 weeks gestation
4. Dilation and Evacuation: 17-21 weeks gestation*

*After 21 weeks you are unable to legally get an abortion in the state of Minnesota.

The cost of each abortion procedure varies and can have a range in price depending on which clinic/provider you see. Below is the typical range for abortion costs in Minnesota (without insurance).

Please also be aware that the FDA highly discourages buying or procuring abortion medications online. Drugs from unknown sources can be dangerous and ineffective.

Women who receive one abortion procedure may also find that they’ll need another procedure for successful termination.

Explore Your Options at First Care

It is good to take time to think about your options. At our First Care centers we offer a variety of pregnancy related services for free to help you navigate your pregnancy journey and take time to explore your options.

While we do not provide or refer for abortion, our services are all free of charge and are a good first step if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Our medical staff can run a free pregnancy test for you—even if you’ve taken one at home.

If you are considering abortion, our sonographers can provide a free limited ultrasound to determine how far along you are and if your pregnancy is viable. In some cases, women experience miscarriages before they even have an abortion.

If you would like more information on our services or you would like to talk with one of our staff, connect with a location nearest to you or schedule an appointment online.

Now Offering: Curbside Pregnancy Testing Kits

Our free pregnancy testing kit contains all of the supplies you will need to conduct a test at home, including a lab-quality test and video instructions provided by our medical team.

If you have a positive pregnancy test result, we can provide you with additional resources and information based on your needs and plans. First Care Pregnancy Center has caring staff available to help you process your test results and learn about your options. Same-day phone or virtual counseling sessions are often available.

How to Schedule

To arrange for pick-up of a pregnancy testing kit, schedule an appointment online or call the office location near you. Slots are available every 15 minutes for pick-up during regular office hours.

When you arrive for pick-up, please call us by phone to let us know you are here. We will leave your kit in a box just outside the door allowing you to pick it up in a touch-free manner.

If you have any questions regarding this service or others offered by First Care, please text or call us at (612) 712-6253.

Your Pregnancy Part 3: The Third Trimester

Congratulations! You made it to the third trimester! Common feelings include nervousness and also excitement about your upcoming birth and parenthood. Rest assured, these are all normal feelings.

The third trimester will take you from week 28 through week 40 of your pregnancy. During the third trimester, you may notice some changes due to your growing baby and your body preparing for birth.

Here are few common changes you may notice during this final trimester:

• Abdominal aches: These aches could be caused by round ligaments stretching to accommodate your growing baby bump and preparing your body for birth..
• Fatigue: As baby grows to full-term, the demands baby puts on your body increase. Be sure to get lots of rest.
• Heartburn: As your uterus pushes your stomach upwards, you may notice an increase in heartburn. Talk to your doctor if it is bothersome or severe.
• Contractions: Braxton Hicks contractions may start as your body prepares for the birth of your baby. These contractions are irregular and usually mild. True contractions will be progressive, increasing in frequency and intensity. Be sure to call your doctor if you can time the contractions and they become painful.
• Stretch marks: Stretch marks typically appear due to genetics. Moisturizing your belly may help minimize their appearance.
• Generalized discomfort: As the baby continues to grow, some women will experience backaches, shortness of breath, urinating frequently or other discomforts.
• Breast changes: Some women notice their breasts feel very full and begin leaking towards the end of their pregnancy. This substance is called colostrum, and it’s common to notice some leaking even before the baby is born. Colostrum is very nutrient-dense and will be a wonderful source of nutrition when your little one arrives.

Your baby is also going through many changes during the final trimester to help prepare for birth and life outside the womb.

Here are a few notable milestones:

Weeks 29-32:

• Baby weighs between 2-4 pounds
• Rapid brain development that enables baby to regulate body temperature and have rhythmic breathing movements
• Lanugo (fine hair all over baby’s body) starts to disappear, and the hair on baby’s head starts to thicken
• Your baby gains more fat stores, and bones are fully developed (although still soft)

Weeks 33-36

• Baby’s eyes are able to be wide open, and pupils are responsive to light
• Fingernails have grown to reach the tip of the fingers
• Lungs continue to develop and prepare for independent breathing
• Multiple separate bone plates in her skull that are able to slide and move to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal

Weeks 37-40

• Baby is rapidly gaining weight! Expect your baby to gain about ¼ to ½ pound per week in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
• Baby drops lower in mom’s belly and is typically positioned head-down to get ready for birth!

Even though there can be many discomforts and physical demands during a pregnancy, we hope you have enjoyed bonding with your little one even before he or she is born! Every woman’s experience of pregnancy is different, so if you have any concern if something you are experiencing is “normal,” we always encourage you to reach out to your prenatal provider.

Be sure to join us for a birthing class as you prepare for delivery!

We hope this blog series has given you a glimpse of some of the changes you and your baby may encounter from conception to birth!

Am I Pregnant? Take This Online Test

Have you missed your period by a couple days and wondering if are pregnant? Answer the questions below and note how many you answer “yes” to.

• Have you missed a period?
• Are you more tired than usual?
• Have you lost weight?
• Do you have to pee more often?
• Do your breasts feel swollen, sore or tender?
• Have you gained weight?
• Do you feel like throwing up?
• Are you experiencing headaches?
• Are you having mood swings?
• Do you feel dizzy?
• Have you noticed a change in your appetite?

If you answered yes to at least four of these questions, there is a chance you could be pregnant.

The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. First Care provides free lab-grade pregnancy testing and ultrasounds which can verify pregnancy and help determine how far along you are.

Even if you have taken a positive home test, we can confirm your pregnancy and provide information on your options. Our staff are trained to help you navigate your potential pregnancy and connect you to resources you may be in need of.

Schedule an Appointment

Your next step? Contact us by text or phone at 612-712-3974. Or schedule a confirmation pregnancy test online.

Tips for Managing Pregnancy as a College Student

Becoming pregnant while pursuing a college education can seem like a huge roadblock but it doesn’t have to be. With some tips for managing pregnancy as a college student you can be successful. If you’re a student in the Twin Cities at the University of Minnesota, Hamline, St. Thomas, Augsburg, Macalester, or St. Catherine University, you can find support and help through our centers.

At First Care, we will help connect you with resources in the community in addition to helping you identify available resources at your school.

Here are some of our tips to help manage pregnancy as a college student:

Gain a shift in perspective.

As we all grow and mature in life, it is important to realize that hard, difficult, challenging and unexpected things will ALWAYS be a part of life. They are unavoidable and that is not meant to be discouraging. Rather, it is intended to help you see the strength and capability you have within yourself to press on in the midst of unexpected challenges.

Who is in your corner?

I like the metaphor of a boxer who may have thousands of cheering fans but only a select few people in her corner, walking alongside her each step of the way. Take a moment to think about the people in your corner; who is there to support you through this pregnancy? Family, friends, partner? If you don’t have enough support, our Client Care staff can help you widen your support base.

Utilize Resources

Another key aspect in managing your pregnancy is recognizing any material or financial support you might be needing. This could be baby/maternity supplies, getting connected to programs like WIC, education classes to help prepare you or parenting groups for support.

• The U of M has a Student Parent Help Center that helps students who are pregnant and/or parenting with a variety of resources and support such as: child care resources, family housing, lactation resources, Parents As Students Support Group, Family friendly activity and events list, Teen Parent Outreach Program, and scholarships.
• The University of St. Thomas provides numerous resources to assist pregnant and parenting students.
• The Jeremiah Program provides services for pregnant women who want to pursue or continue their education and/or workforce prep.

We can help you gain access to all of these resources and more.

Believe In Yourself

Recognize you can do both – carry a pregnancy to term and be a student. It may look different than expected but, becoming pregnant does not mean you cannot continue your education. A lot of colleges have resources for pregnant students and want to help you through this as well. We encourage you to talk with your professors and advisers to make a plan for what this can look like.

Often with holistic support, women who experience an unplanned pregnancy realize they are stronger than they know and can move from surviving to thriving in their situations.

Remember you are not alone, not the first person to be experiencing this and you are so capable to get through this season of life.

Schedule an Appointment

Connect with one of our Client Advocates today to learn how we can specifically help you!

STD Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

This post provides information regarding two of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) present today: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

Imagine this: You’re scrolling through your phone and you see a text pop up that makes your heart drop. It’s your ex, and you’re told you need to get tested because your ex has Chlamydia. Your head starts swimming with emotions and questions: How could he or she do this to me? Am I going to be okay? Where do I go from here?

While the above scenario may not describe your exact experience, we know that you may have questions without knowing who to ask.

The Facts

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are both bacterial infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. This can be any form of sexual contact, whether vaginal, anal, or oral sex. These infections can also be passed to a baby during childbirth if the mother has an active infection.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are very common STIs. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 1 out of every 20 sexual active women between the ages 14-24 has chlamydia. Additionally, over 1 million new gonorrhea cases are estimated to occur in the United States each year (CDC, 2016). In Minnesota the rates continue to rise for both STDs with a record number of cases in 2019.

One of the concerning aspects of both chlamydia and gonorrhea is that often times, men and women don’t experience symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include burning with urination or discharge from the site of infection. If left untreated, these infections can cause serious complications.

Treatment

If you do test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, you will need to receive antibiotics for treatment. Chlamydia is treated with a one-time dose of an oral antibiotic. Gonorrhea has become resistant to some antibiotics and therefore requires two different antibiotics for treatment. This includes pills and an injection. You will also need to notify any current and past partners that may have come in contact with the infection so they can be tested and treated.

You may think, “Since these infections are easily treated with antibiotics, it’s not a big deal if I test positive!” While it is true that these infections are treatable, there can be serious long term consequences, especially with repeated infections or having an infection that goes untreated for a long time. Some of these complications include pelvic inflammatory disease, scarring in the fallopian tubes leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy (a medical emergency where an embryo implants outside of the uterus), and long term pelvic pain. (CDC, 2016).

Prevention

So how can chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs be prevented? According to the CDC, the best way to prevent contracting an STI is to “abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected” (CDC, 2016). We also understand that in some situations, contracting an STI was not something that could be prevented, like in instances of unwanted sexual contact.

Testing

If you are concerned about a potential STI, we are here to help. First Care has a safe and confidential environment for you to process your unique situation and receive accurate testing with licensed staff. Testing and treatment are provided at no cost at our centers (no insurance required either)

Schedule an Appointment

Call one of our locations to schedule an appointment or schedule online at any time.

All data retrieved from the CDC website:

• https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm