The Lydia Initiative

WELCOME MOM!

We know you feel confused and alone! In fact, you may be in shock and not able to think clearly. Please believe us when we say, “YOU ARE NOT ALONE!” We desire to walk with you through your pregnancy, and for a year after your baby is born.

The Lydia Initiative is a team from many different backgrounds. We are mixed ages. Some of us have experienced unexpected pregnancies. Others of us have parented a daughter who had an unexpected pregnancy. And others have a tender heart toward those who become pregnant before they planned because of experiences that are very personal and difficult. 

We have trained and prepared for you! We want to meet you! 

 

What happens when you register with The Lydia Initiative?

FIRST, your contact information will be shared with a local Lydia church team. This team will contact you and schedule a time to meet you at the women’s center. We want to make it easy and convenient for you.

THEN, your Lydia team will get to know you and share their stories. Together, you all will determine what will help you most. The team desires to walk with you throughout the pregnancy and for a year after the birth of your child. (You control how the team helps you … as much or as little as you desire.)

AFTER THAT, you may be invited to participate in church events, but it is your choice to participate or not participate. We encourage you to register and attend a support group for single, pregnant moms called Embrace Grace. You may find the program and register at embrace grace.com

FINALLY, a baby shower will be planned in your honor by your Lydia team. We want to be your cheerleaders during your pregnancy! We want to help you gain the items you need for your baby! We will be available to you after your baby is born to answer questions or to help you as you navigate your new normal with your little bundle of joy! 

 
 

Below are some resources to help make this season of life easier! If you have a question that you do not see a resource on, please submit a question and we will help you as soon as possible.

RESOURCES

 

Apps for Pregnant Teens

Pregnancy and Baby Development Trackers ~ There are several options from which to pick. Download a few and find what you like best!

Mama Natural ~ This app is great for reading articles and learning about more natural approaches to pregnancy and baby if that’s your thing! As a mom, you’ll spend many years reading different approaches to parenting, medical care, and school decisions so you can decide what is best for you. That can start now to make an informed decision!

Baby Names ~ Names are such an essential part of our identity, and choosing a name for your baby is one of the most fun parts of pregnancy. This app explores thousands of names, meanings, and popularity to help you find the perfect name for your baby.

Baby Pics Photo Editor ~ This is the best app for the belly and baby milestone photos we all love to awe over! Regardless of your pregnancy situation, there is a beautiful life within you, and celebrating that is okay!

Contraction Timer ~ Once you get into the later months of pregnancy, this app can be helpful to time contractions and know when to call your healthcare professional or head to your birthing place.

 

Books for Facing Teen Pregnancy

A Bump In Life: True Stories of Hope & Courage During an Unplanned Pregnancy by Amy Ford

During my teen pregnancy, it was encouraging to hear stories of other moms who had gone before me. Likewise, it was inspiring to hear how God worked their situations out for good.This book is filled with hope to know you aren’t alone, and it will all work out, even if you don’t feel it right now. Get your copy of A Bump in Life via store.focusonthefamily.com.

Teen Mom: You’re Stronger Than You Think by Tricia Goyer

Written from a once-teen mom, Tricia gives practical tips, encouragement, and advice. Find a copy here (store.focusonthefamily.com).

Parenthood Unplanned by Sarah Dunford

Sarah had her baby at sixteen and has since captured her experience and advice in this book for other young parents with humor, faith, and vulnerability.

Hacks: 350+ Easy Hacks for a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy! by Amanda Shapin Michelson

Some things take time and experience to learn, especially as a pregnant and new mom. This book gives tips on what you need to save time and money.

 

Where to Find Free Baby Stuff

Your pregnancy center has opportunities to earn baby items as you learn about various topics in classes. Embrace Grace groups also throw a wonderful baby or life showers each class semester

Gifts from companies are another way to get some smaller items. There are many freebies and gifts out there for pregnant and new moms; this website is a great resource to find more. Sammy Approves Ultimate List

 

Preparing for Birth and Baby

Once again, your local pregnancy center is a top teen pregnancy resource. They often have free classes available to learn about labor, breastfeeding, parenting skills, etc.

If online classes are more your thing, A Heavenly Welcome is my favorite course. It not only teaches about what you need to know about the stages of labor, helpful coping tips, and birthing options but has a unique addition with Biblical insight into what God says about birth.

You Got This, Momma! Sometimes being supermom means knowing that it is okay to ask for help. Trust me, we all need help sometimes, no matter what age a mom is! Know that you are not alone!

Alabama Pregnancy Test Center

https://alabamapregnancytestcenter.com

Crestwood (Sav-A-Life)

1449 Medical Park South, Suite 300 Birmingham, AL 35213

205-961-2700

Mon. (9 a.m. — 7 p.m.), Wed (9a.m. — 4p.m.), Fri (9a.m. — 2 p.m.)

Fultondale (North Jefferson Women’s Center)

1209 Decatur Hwy. Fultondale, AL 35068

205-808-9001 

Mon – Thurs (10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Vestavia (Sav-A-Life)

1480 McGuire Road Birmingham, AL 35216

205-979-0302

Mon & Wed (9 a.m. — 4 p.m.) Tues & Thurs (9 a.m. — 7 p.m.) Fri (9 a.m. — 2 p.m.)

 

Lifeline Children’s Services

200 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242

pregnant@lifelinechild.org

planmyadoption.org

1-800-875-5595 (call or text)

 

King’s Home (formerly King’s Ranch/Hannah Homes)

(205) 618-0300

renita@kingshome.com

(205) 678-8331

221 King’s Home Drive Chelsea, AL 35043

 

ERLC - Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

erlc.com

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention. The ERLC is dedicated to engaging the culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ and speaking to issues in the public square for the protection of religious liberty and human flourishing. Our vision can be summed up in three words: kingdom, culture and mission.

 

Stand For Life

standforlife.com

Stand for Life strategically enhances the holistic pro-life movement by engaging, educating and equipping to build a culture that believes all humans are made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect–such that abortion becomes unnecessary.

 

Embrace Grace

Twelve-week discipleship for pregnant women.

embracegrace.com

Embrace Life - Two 12-week semesters teaching discipleship and life skills to young moms.

Embrace Legacy - Discipleship for young dads.