Choosing Single Motherhood: The Thinking Woman's Guide

Great information. After a lot of thinking, and considering all the points in this book: turns out it's not for me, and I'm grateful for the honest, non-judgemental content in this book that allowed me to make an informed decision.In case anyone was wondering, here's why I chose NOT to / my personal takeaways:- Living in the U.S. the cases of child kidnapping (aka CPS) are just too great in number. Especially in my state, apparently after further research, I just don't feel SAFE having a child due to the way the government/CPS operates, basically officially and un-officially stripping you of many of your rights as soon as you become a parent.- I'm concerned about not having as many strong male role models in my life at this point - I will need to work on myself and my relationships with others first, if #1 were not an issue, before I would consider bringing a child into the world. It's VERY important to have a strong support network in place before having a baby.

This book discusses so many aspects of single motherhood that a potential mother might worry about. The advice is sound and both sides of each complex issue are presented fairly. It doesn't lead you to a specific answer, but does provide enough information to allow you to add to whatever information you already have to make a decision. I highly recommend this and am happy I bought it, rather than checked it out at a library. It will be a good manual during my journey.The one downside is I would have liked to have seen more specifics when it comes to telling people, including the child, about the father. Most of the books I've read - or the items online - give general advice. But what I think a lot of us want to know is, "What actual and specific words did you use?" (whether the words worked or not).But I highly recommend this book.

I was completely torn over my decision of whether to become a single mother and this book helped ground me and feel more confident in my decision. It also really helped me feel less alone reading about other women’s experiences, as I don’t know any single mothers by choice in my own personal life. It’s also well-written and easily holds your attention making it a quick read.

I liked the detailed description of the ups and downs of being a SMC. I enjoyed hearing from older kids about how being donor conceived affected them if it did. This is a great read if you’re a “Thinker” like myself who plans to go down this route in the future.

I received this book on Friday and was done reading it by the following Monday. It was well written and ridiculously helpful. I have chosen to take the route of being a single mother, and this is the first book I've read that looks at all aspects (including being a single lesbian mother) as well as providing suggestions of other books to read (which I have ordered recently as well.) I highly recommend this book for any womyn that is debating the question of Single Motherhood. The book is full of insightful questions that really made me stop and think about whether I was truly ready for this next step. It is a must read!

I am really enjoying this book. it was just what i needed! Covers a large verity of topics in an accessible way with good references and resources. Book intermingles authors personal experience, other's stories and lots of well researched psychoeducation. Has encouraged me to consider several topics i had not yet as well as clarified several perspectives of issues i have wondered about. Highly recommended​ for anyone considering becoming a single mother by choice. This would not be overly relevant to a child who have become single after the child's birth.

Light on humor and heavy on the serious issues surrounding single motherhood. Too much for one sitting, but I'll keep it as a resource. In my experience, some of the issues, such as being judged by one's community for being a single mom, are not as relevant today, at least in my area. If you're secure in your decision to be a single mom, others will take their cue from you.

Its been a couple years since I’ve read this but it was exactly was my analytical mind needed... the truth. Raw reality to feel better prepared.

It is a great book with some solid advice, gives plenty to think about if you are in the stage when you are contemplating single motherhood but also picks up on the subjects that are relevant to single parent family as well. Highly recommended.

Fabulous book, really worth investing in. Answers all of your questions, the ones you knew you had and even the ones you didn't know you had yet!

Ein enorm hilfreiches Buch für alle Singlefrauen mit Kinderwunsch, das alle wichtigen Punkte anspricht, die vor einer solchen Entscheidung be- und durchdacht sein wollen. Vom medizinischen, über finanzielle bis hin zu emotionalen und psychologischen Aspekten.Während einige Probleme von US-Amerikanerinnen sich nicht von denen von Europäerinnen unterscheiden (Wird mein Kind darunter leiden keinen Vater zu haben? / Wie erkläre ich es meinem Umfeld? etc.) sind andere Überlegungen sehr spezifisch durch die US-amerikanische Gesellschaft geprägt. So gibt es ein längeres Kapitel über "interracial adoption" in dem nicht nur über Umgang mit unterschiedlichem Äußeren und entsprechenden Fragen des Kindes gesprochen wird (soweit, so nachvollziehbar) sondern auch über die "cultural identity" eines schwarzen Säuglings, mit dem man dann bitte eine entsprechende Kirchengemeinde besuchen soll um das Kind nicht seiner Wurzeln und seines Glaubens zu berauben. Das lies mich etwas kopfschüttelnd zurück.Sonst aber ein sehr empfehlenswertes Buch und eine gute Ergänzung zu "Mutter Spender Kind".

O livro me pareceu bastante completo e sincero. Um ponto ruim é ser grande demais e nem tudo se aplicar ao Brasil. De todo modo, vale a pena a leitura... ainda que se pulem alguns pontos menos relevantes.

This book is surprisingly good. It addresses all the subjets that are weighing on my mind in the decision to become a single mother with a known donor. Lots of info about child psychology and the daddy question, which I find very helpful. I would definitely recommend this book to any single mom.