As a self-employed individual in Mississippi, I didn’t have the luxury of paid maternity leave. To add to the stress, my husband lost his job just two weeks before our little one was set to arrive.
Growing up, I always had a passion for hairstyling and knew I wanted to become a cosmetologist. In 2018, I made that dream a reality by obtaining my license and starting my own business. Starting a family was always a part of my plan, but when I finally got pregnant, I faced a harsh truth: without a paid leave policy, I would have to figure out how to make ends meet while taking time off to bond with my new baby.
After facing multiple miscarriages — including twins and a son — our miracle baby, Mia, was on her way. Upon learning about my pregnancy, my husband and I began saving diligently. I wanted to ensure that I could take at least six weeks off to be with our little miracle. However, in my line of work, if I’m not working, I’m not earning. So, throughout my pregnancy, I filled my schedule with as many client appointments as possible to stash away some cash.
As my due date approached, I had to slow down and prioritize my health and the well-being of my baby. I worked right up until two weeks before Mia was born. Unfortunately, on my last day at the salon, my husband was unexpectedly let go from his trucking job. That news hit us hard and put a significant dent in our financial plans.
We sought help from the state, but Mississippi lacks a paid parental leave program. To make matters worse, we didn’t qualify for food stamps through WIC. That’s when I turned to GoFundMe. I figured that asking for support instead of gifts could really help us get through this challenging time.
Resources for Family Planning
If you’re considering this route, don’t hesitate to explore options like Make a Mom for at-home insemination solutions, which also offers the only reusable option. You can learn about how this process works through their how it works page. Additionally, for those looking to connect with others on similar journeys, joining a group like Make a Mom on Facebook can be beneficial.
Navigating the world of family planning can be complicated. For more insights on building a family, check out resources like Resolve, which is a great authority on this topic. And if you’re interested in more personal stories of success in the realm of at-home insemination, don’t miss this post on why I chose Make a Mom.
In the end, asking for help can be a powerful way to create the family you’ve always wanted. If you’re looking for reliable resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent guide that covers it all.
To summarize, using platforms like GoFundMe can provide financial support during critical times like maternity leave, especially for those who are self-employed. It’s vital to explore all available resources and connect with communities that can help you through your parenting journey.