Pregnancy Help Line

A migrant, alone, no family and pregnant

“A pregnancy should be one of the most exciting things a woman can ever experience. But for some, it can also be the most stressful. Unexpected pregnancies can be emotionally and physically daunting… That was how I felt. I was single, a migrant, away from my family and friends and living with a relative 50 years my senior who had never had her own children, nor experienced a normal childhood. I was alone and feeling helpless. I needed some help and counselling to let out my pain, struggles and worries.

I found out about the Pregnancy Help Line. I will never forget the woman I spoke to. She wasn’t judgmental. She listened and was helpful and sympathetic. She made me feel that my baby and I would be all right. From that day on the Pregnancy Help Line support workers helped me cope with the emotional and physical stress. They provided me with encouragement, information and most importantly sincere hugs that meant a lot to me.

I admire the women at the Pregnancy Help Line. They hosted a baby shower for me. I was overwhelmed- it was one of the happiest times of my life. I gave birth to a healthy baby boy and I can’t wait till he can meet the women from the Help Line… they have helped and encouraged me so much.”

‘Lyn’

In a new country with no support

“I came to Australia from overseas a few years ago to study. Then I fell pregnant. I was living in another state and my partner thought I should move to Brisbane until the baby was born and then he would join us.

At 8 months, I was still busy working and had nothing prepared for the baby.

I didn’t know where I could find help. I rang Life Line and they gave me the number of the Pregnancy Help Line. I rang and had a long conversation with a caring and helpful woman. I am really grateful for the support I was given. I received a pram, change table and lots of good baby clothes and useful items like a baby bag with a fold out change mat. I use this all the time. I have built a relationship with one of the women in particular and I feel comfortable and confident opening up and sharing my journey with her, both before and after the birth of my baby.”

‘Mariah’

A third pregnancy for a busy family

“I found out I was pregnant again last year. It was a shock. It was the wrong time. I had two little boys, one at school and a baby that I was still breastfeeding. I had thought that we might try for another baby, hopefully a girl in a few years time. But I didn’t want another baby now.

I felt it was so unfair to my 7 month old baby. I didn’t feel he was old enough to stop breastfeeding.

My husband and I both thought it would be best for our family if I had a termination.

I didn’t know who to ring but remembered seeing a billboard with “unplanned pregnancy?” on it with a phone number. I called the number. I had lost hope and had no one to talk to. The lady who answered the phone understood. She listened to all my concerns. She never told me not to have an abortion but rather encouraged me to carefully consider all the information before making a decision.  She helped me to really think twice about this pregnancy.

As I talked further I realized that I could continue to breastfeed my baby and that I need not panic as it was still another eight months away till this new baby would be born.

I felt encouraged that I could give birth to this baby. The people from the Pregnancy Help Line offered me a pram with a toddler seat. I had been worrying about the thought of the expense of a baby and a toddler.

I have found the regular follow up calls an encouragement, reminding me that there was someone there for me. On one of these calls I was able to tell the woman on the Help Line  about my scan and how thankful I was that I had chosen to continue with the pregnancy as I had found out I was having a girl. I am now ready to have this little girl. She is due in two weeks. My new pram has just been delivered and I have just met the lady who has helped me make the best decision for us all.”

‘Suzanne’

Seventeen and no help

“I was living in rural Queensland when I found out I was pregnant. I was only 17 but I felt old enough to have a baby.  I had some complications with my pregnancy and my baby was born two months early. I had to be flown to Brisbane. I have a fractured family and I didn’t have much help from home. I had  met a lady a while ago who had moved to Brisbane. She was really nice. I contacted her  and she let me stay with her. We got in contact with the people from the Pregnancy Help Line. It was really good to have someone to talk to and rely on. They were really kind,  just like a family should be. I have a little boy now and am still in contact with the lady from the Pregnancy Help Line.”

‘Trish’