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Pregnancy & Postpartum

I’m Pregnant With My Dad’s Baby

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Pregnant woman turns down a childhood photo with her father beside an ultrasound and DNA card during counseling.

Becoming a mother is one of the most rewarding journeys life has to offer. This journey is most joyful when shared with a loving partner. However, circumstances may not always allow for this ideal. There may be cases where the pregnancy is the result of tragic circumstances such as incest or rape. In such cases, revealing the identity of the father can be an arduous task, especially if the father is someone you know personally.

In the case of carrying a child fathered by your own dad, it can be an exceptionally distressing situation. Despite any attempts to justify the circumstances, the reality may still be difficult to accept. A pregnancy of this nature can challenge your moral beliefs, especially if you’ve been raised with strong ethical values. However, if you find yourself pregnant under such circumstances, it’s important to consider strategies that may help you navigate this difficult time without feeling isolated or scorned. Here are a few suggestions:

Maintain Discretion about the Identity of the Father

Unless you are in a position where you are unashamed or somehow accepting of this unusual situation, a child resulting from such a union can cause significant upheaval within your family. Reactions may range from condemnation to empathy. To prevent unnecessary conflict, it may be advisable to keep the identity of the father undisclosed. While the baby may bear a resemblance to your father, it could be misinterpreted as genetic similarity since he is also your dad. Although not the most favorable solution, discretion may be necessary to maintain family unity.

Initiate a Discussion with Understanding Family Members

Pregnancy under such circumstances is not a situation that you could have anticipated or controlled. The accompanying feelings of shame and guilt can have negative effects on your overall health. To alleviate this burden, consider arranging a family meeting at an appropriate time to share your situation. It’s important not to wait too long, and if possible, have this conversation when your father is not present. Keep in mind that disclosing this information may result in additional consequences for you or your father, but it’s better coming from you than from an external source.

Express Remorse to Your Family

In most cultures, having a child fathered by your own father is considered a grave transgression. Regardless of whether an apology can change the reality, expressing your remorse to your family can be a significant step. The individual most likely to be affected by this news is your mother, if she is present in your life. Communicate with her directly, and understand that her initial reaction may be aggressive or confused. Mothers can be understanding, so give her time to process the news before she makes any decisions.

Consider Moving Away

If the pregnancy was a result of a conscious decision between you and your father, it may be beneficial to relocate. The pride and arrogance that might develop from the affection shown by your father during your pregnancy could lead to a negative atmosphere at home. To avoid causing any further pain to your mother, it may be best to move to another location and maintain discretion about the identity of the baby’s father.

Seek Professional Assistance

The emotional turmoil of carrying a child fathered by your own dad can be overwhelming, and may be further amplified by people projecting negative views onto you. Consulting with a psychiatrist can be a helpful avenue to navigate through your feelings, understand the way forward, and even serve as a mediator in family discussions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, every woman yearns to share the joy of pregnancy and motherhood with a supportive and loving partner. However, when the father of your child is also your father, it becomes a challenge. You might consider various options like seeking forgiveness from family, maintaining the father’s identity as a secret, or moving away. Remember, you’re not alone and there’s help available for you during this difficult time.

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What viewers said10 comments · 4 replies

Archived comments from the original Baby Sleep Miracle presentation. Not independently verified by SleepBaby.org; individual experiences vary.

Samantha HigginsOakland, FL

Thank you so much for this video! I had no idea about the dangers of baby swings :O

Regina WillburthWorcester, UK

Hi Mary-Ann. I have a question: Is method in any way similar to the ones recommended by Dr Bucknam, Dr. Weissbluth or Dr. Karp? We tried those but none of them help.

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Hi Regina, thank you for your question. The short answer is no. The techniques I share in my guide are based on newest scientific research and this is why I have never seen any approach similar to the one I recommend.

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Chloe JacksonLansing, MI

Mary-Ann, our child suffers from autism. Is your approach still suited?

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Chloe, I made sure my method can be used with any child, even babies who are special like yours. Please note that I'm not a doctor and that I always advice to consult with your physician because nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of your love.

Heide SommerHamburg, Germany

Hallo Mary-Ann, I'm from Germany. Do you have your guide in German?

Mary-Ann SchulerBabySleepMiracle.com

Hello Heide, we do! Normally you should already see our video in German. If not, please contact our support so they can guide you

Heide SommerHamburg, Germany

Thenk you for your answer, Mary-Ann!

Audrey RyanKenosha, WI

I just completed your approach and I have to say, it worked almost too well. Yes, it took a bit of getting used to with your bedtime routine but the difference is huge. My son George used to take 1 hours to go down and now he's firmly asleep in no more than 10 minutes! You're the best!

Richard ConnerSchaumburg, IL

It seems I'm the only man watching this video, lol! What you shared about the 'emotional backpack' made immediate sense to me and I can't wait to help my little girl Mila to unpack it!

Kaylee NicholasCanton, OH

Hey there, just discovered your site and this really sounds different. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing :)

Genesis HudsonBismarck, North Dakota, ND

For everyone who's still thinking about getting Mary-Ann's guide I want to advise you to go ahead. I wasn't sure myself but now I'm so thankful I invested in this program. It made a huge difference in our life as a family and yes, my baby girl does sleep through the night now.

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