this new life.

One moment, I was enjoying my pregnancy, happily in love with my forever person and just celebrated my 29th birthday. The next, he was sat on the couch, telling me that we shouldn't be together and his family was here to help him move across the country that weekend. I won't go into too much detail as it's personal and I'm still processing it all, but just over two weeks ago, my life changed completely. Since then, I've had an unexpected hospital visit (alone), set up therapy for the first time in ten years and realized that I have no idea how to live my life by myself while trying to create one inside of me. So in the span of these last something-teen days, I've put together a little list of tips and insights to help you navigate this, maybe not so, unique situation:

Give yourself time to grieve.

Breaking up with a partner can feel like a loss, and it's important to allow yourself time to process and grieve. You might feel sadness, anger, confusion, or a range of other emotions. Allow yourself to feel these emotions, but also remind yourself that it's okay to feel happy and excited about your pregnancy too.

Reach out to friends and family.

It's important to surround yourself with a supportive network of people during this time. Reach out to friends and family members who you trust and who can offer you emotional support. Consider joining a support group for single mothers or pregnant women to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Take care of your physical and mental health.

Pregnancy can be a physically and emotionally demanding time, especially when you're going through it alone. Make sure you're taking care of yourself by eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and staying active. You might also consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you navigate the emotional challenges of being newly single and pregnant.

Focus on yourself and your baby.

Being single during pregnancy can give you an opportunity to focus on yourself and your baby. Take advantage of this time by doing things that make you happy and help you feel more connected to your baby. You might take a prenatal yoga class, start a pregnancy journal, or spend time planning for your baby's arrival.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Pregnancy can be a challenging time, but it's important to remember that you don't have to go through it alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, whether that's from friends, family members, or a professional. You might need help with things like running errands, preparing for your baby's arrival, or finding childcare once your baby is born.

You're not alone. As much as it feels like you are, I pinky promise that you're not. And it's so, so hard, but be patient. I know it's easier said than done and I can't really prove that any of this works since I'm in the beginning stages of this, but I'm going through it with you and I'm here.