5 Ways to Stay Sane as a Single Mom

Becoming a parent is such a big deal. It can be exciting and joyous, and it can also be scary and overwhelming. And if you’re going to be a single mom – or if you already are a single mom – it can be twice as scary and overwhelming.

We won’t pretend to address all the single mom issues in this blog post, but we do want to offer you 5 tips for facing single motherhood.

1 - Schedule time for yourself without your child.

You know how flight attendants always tell passengers to put the oxygen mask on themselves before helping someone else? Well, parenting is like that. You can’t take care of your child if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Whether it’s once a week or once every other week, schedule a little time for you to do something just for you.

If you can’t afford a babysitter and don’t have family nearby who will babysit for free, maybe another mom will swap babysitting with you. And your “you-time” doesn’t have to be a big evening out with friends or a date. It can be taking your child to a friend’s house and then going home and taking a bath. Or having a babysitter come stay with your child while you go for a walk. Or asking a friend to babysit while you sit in your car in a nearby parking lot, listening to the radio and painting your nails.

2 - Find a work schedule that works for you.

If you’re a single parent, you’re probably juggling a job outside your home with all the responsibilities inside your home. You might even be trying to finish school while working and being a single mom. Whatever your situation, you probably have a lot on your plate. After you figure out what sort of work hours fit best with your circumstances, don’t be afraid to tell your employer what you need. Do you need off at a certain time so you can get to the babysitter’s to pick up your child? Would it be better if you could work more hours in the evening after a family member is available to help with childcare? Many bosses are understanding and want to help single parents out. Be honest and advocate for the sort of work schedule that fits onto that full plate you’re holding.

3 - Find role models – for yourself and for your child.

First, think of any single parents you know who are raising great kids. Maybe ask one to mentor you. Or, at the very least, watch that parent and make some mental notes. Next, think of some amazing people raised by single parents. That’s the kind of person you’re trying to raise, and knowing they exist will be encouraging to you on your toughest days. Finally, look around for a strong male role model for your child if your child’s father isn’t in the picture or if your child’s father isn’t a strong role model. Maybe it’s your dad or your grandpa, maybe it’s your brother or a good male friend. Your child needs to see a responsible man committed to loving and supporting the people in his life, and your child needs that male perspective and input.

4 - Find a support network – or create one.

No matter how amazing and strong you are, you can’t do this alone. You will need help. And that’s OK! Maybe your family will be that support for you. Or maybe they won’t. You might need to create your own network of friends. If none of your old friends can be the support you need, you can find a moms’ group or a single moms’ group in your community. Once you have that circle of people, ask them for help. Sometimes we’re embarrassed to ask for help, but the people who care about us really do want to help us and support us. They’re just waiting for the opportunity.

5 - Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Because there is only one of you and you’re juggling so many responsibilities, you might leave the clean laundry unfolded while you play with your child. You might choose 30 extra minutes of sleep over staying up to finish the dishes. You can only do what you can do. Don’t set unrealistic expectations and then beat yourself up when you can’t meet them. Love your child and do the best you can each day. That’s all you can do. And it’s enough.

This may all seem completely overwhelming right now. But you’re stronger and more resilient than you think you are. And you’re probably doing a better job than you give yourself credit for.

If we can help you in any way, we want you to know we’re here for you. Call us today and we’ll schedule a time for you to come in and talk to a member of our staff.

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How Does Abortion End My Pregnancy?

May 29, 2026

If you’ve recently learned you are pregnant unexpectedly, we understand how overwhelming this might feel right now. If you're considering abortion as an option, taking time to understand how the process works is important so you can make an informed decision. Collage is here to help provide you with confidential support and abortion information at no cost. We offer a safe space, free of judgment, where you can think calmly about your options, receive lab-quality pregnancy testing, and get a complimentary ultrasound so you can get the facts around your pregnancy and learn what options are available to you. Schedule your free appointment today. Medical Abortion Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, ends a pregnancy by using two drugs taken at different times. The first pill, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone and causes the embryo’s death. The second drug, called misoprostol, is usually taken a day or two after and causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy tissue through cramping and bleeding. Common side effects can include bleeding and cramping, bleeding with blood clots, and a low-grade fever. Medical abortion is only approved through ten weeks of gestation by the FDA . Follow-up care is typically recommended after a medical abortion to make sure the process is complete. Surgical Abortion Surgical abortion terminates a pregnancy in a clinic or medical setting and involves removing pregnancy tissue from the uterus through a suction device or a tool called a curette. This can also be called dilation and evacuation or dilation and curettage . Common side effects of surgical abortions are bleeding and cramps. You may also have a late or early period as your uterus has to build a new lining after the procedure. What Are The Risks Of Abortion? Medical and surgical abortion both have possible risks that you should be aware of. Some women may also experience emotional responses afterward. Complications that can arise from abortion are: Infection. Scar tissue on the uterine wall, known as Asherman's syndrome . Heavy bleeding that may not stop. Diarrhea and digestive pain. An incomplete abortion. Confirm Your Pregnancy With An Ultrasound Before making a pregnancy decision, it is important to verify your pregnancy with an ultrasound. An ultrasound provides important medical details such as how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and whether a heartbeat is detected. These details are important since the abortion pill is not FDA-approved for over ten weeks, and it also rules out ectopic pregnancy, which requires urgent medical attention. As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and you can still get a positive pregnancy test result for days or weeks after a miscarriage because it takes time for hCG to leave the body. An ultrasound will confirm whether or not you have miscarried. We provide no-cost pregnancy services at our center, including limited OB ultrasounds, so you can get informed about your pregnancy and options. Get Pregnancy Support at College If you're considering your next step after learning you are unexpectedly pregnant, we are here to give you a safe place to ask questions and learn more about your options. Collage provides confidential appointments and no-cost pregnancy services, including medical-grade pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD testing . You don’t have to figure this out alone. We are here to listen. Schedule your free confidential appointment to learn more about your options. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

April 21, 2026

Facing an unexpected pregnancy brings up a lot of questions, and it makes complete sense that you want to understand every option before deciding anything. If you're considering the abortion pill, knowing what it actually involves, including its side effects, is an important part of making a decision based on the facts. You don't have to sort through this alone. Schedule a no-cost appointment with Collage today to get your questions answered. How the Abortion Pill Works The abortion pill uses two drugs taken in sequence. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone that supports the growth and development of the pregnancy. Without it, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining. The second drug, misoprostol, is typically taken at home and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. Heavy bleeding and cramping will be part of this process, and some women have described the pain as more severe than they anticipated. Side Effects to Know Beyond bleeding and cramping, the abortion pill can also cause these side effects : Upset stomach Vomiting Diarrhea Headache Fever Chills These side effects vary from woman to woman, which is one reason having a healthcare provider involved matters. Without medical oversight, it can be difficult to know what's within the range of normal and what requires immediate attention. Your personal health history also plays a role in how your body responds. Speaking with a medical professional before proceeding is an important step in protecting your well-being. Why an Ultrasound Matters First Before considering any pregnancy option, an ultrasound provides information that a pregnancy test simply cannot. It can confirm whether the pregnancy is progressing, rule out an ectopic pregnancy , and tell you how far along you are. The FDA approves the abortion pill only through 10 weeks gestation, making that last detail a critical piece of information for your safety. We're Here for You Whatever you're feeling right now, there’s no pressure here. At Collage, we genuinely care about you and want to make sure you have everything you need to make a sound decision. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds, and our team is ready to talk through all your options, parenting, adoption, and abortion, in a warm, supportive environment. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We're so glad you reached out. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

3 Things to Know if You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion

March 26, 2026

Facing an unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of emotions, and often, a sense of urgency to make a decision quickly. You may have seen options online to order abortion pills by mail and wondered if it’s a simple solution. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how this option could affect your health and what steps you can take to make a fully informed decision. 1. Your Health Should Always Come First Mail-order abortion often skips important medical safeguards. In many cases, there is no in-person evaluation before receiving the drugs. That means key health factors, such as your medical history and potential risks, will not be fully considered. There can also be uncertainty about the source of the drugs, including how they were handled, stored, or dosed. In fact, the FDA does not recommend this option because the drugs’ quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Taking time to understand your health first is a smart and proactive way to protect yourself. 2. You Need Clear Answers About Your Pregnancy A pregnancy test alone doesn’t give you the full picture. Before considering abortion, it’s important to confirm details about your pregnancy through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can tell you: How far along are you? Whether the pregnancy is developing (or if you’ve miscarried ) Where the pregnancy is located These details matter more than you might think. Abortion pills are FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation, and without accurate dating, it’s possible to miscalculate how far along you are. An ultrasound can also detect an ectopic pregnancy , which occurs outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention. Abortion pills will not treat this condition. What’s more, if you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you may require medical follow-up to prevent complications. Getting these details first helps ensure your safety. We offer limited OB ultrasounds following positive lab-quality pregnancy testing with us. 3. It’s Important to Understand the Process and Risks Mail-order abortion may sound straightforward, but it’s important to know what it may actually involve. The process includes significant cramping and bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy, with some women describing the pain as being unexpectedly severe . Other side effects can include: Nausea or vomiting Fever or chills Diarrhea Headaches There are also potential risks , such as heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical care. Without in-person support, it can be difficult to know what’s expected and when something may need medical attention. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to take a moment to evaluate your next steps and get the information you need. At Collage, we provide no-cost, confidential services so you can ask questions, gather accurate information, and explore your options at your own pace in a one-on-one setting. Schedule your appointment today. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.