Dads

What should I do if my girlfriend is pregnant?

If you are worried your partner or girlfriend may be pregnant, here are some things you can do to support her:

Find out for sure if she is pregnant. Call our sister organization, Vida Medical Clinic to schedule a free pregnancy test or schedule an appointment online.
Go with her to her appointment.
If she is pregnant, ask her how she is feeling.
Share your feelings with her even if you are scared.
Let her know she is important to you.
Be positive and encouraging.
Don’t pressure her.
Gather facts and explore your options together.
Call Bella to talk with people who understand what you are going through.
Reach out to other people like family members or friends who care about you and would be willing to help.
Respect the fact that the decision about what to do is ultimately hers to make.
Don’t try to avoid her or this situation. It will only make things worse.

What support can I receive as a dad?

One of the greatest things you can do in life is to be a father … and to be the father you always wanted or hoped to be. You play a crucial role in raising your child and shaping them into who they were created to be, but the role and transition into fatherhood and its different stages doesn’t always come easy. At Bella, we’re equipping and empowering men in this great calling!

We want to help. Bella offers male parenting education. You will meet regularly (monthly is most common) at Bella in Oshkosh, where you can develop skills that will prepare, equip, and continue to empower you in fatherhood, whether an expectant father or new dad. Our staff will meet you where you are on your journey through parenting.

They will provide one-on-one lessons on topics like:

How to support your partner during her pregnancy
What to expect during labor and delivery and how to support your partner
Bonding with your baby
Caring for an infant
Healthy growth and development
Successful parenting
Healthy relationship with your partner
Single parenting
Co-parenting
Balancing work and parenting
Child development milestones
Sleep and mealtime strategies

What if we lost the child during pregnancy?

You are not alone. Bella Parent Support provides post abortion and miscarriage support for you and your partner.

Store Credit/Molly's Boutique

Through participating in our parent education/material support program, dads can earn credit to be spent in our store, Molly’s Boutique, or earn gas cards.

Our store has items like diapers, wipes, clothing, baby shampoo, formula, and other hygiene items for parents. If you are in need of gas, bus tickets, food or housing, we can help connect you to other community resources too.

Car Seat Program

Through the Bella Car Seat Program, expectant parents and parents complete a variety of parenting educational and mentoring sessions and earn credit toward a new car seat upon completion of the program.

Learn more about the Bella car seat program here.

Request An Appointment Today

FAQ's

When can I start receiving services?

You can start receiving our services from the time of positive pregnancy test or immediately if you are already parenting a child under the age of 3.

Can I come with the mother of my baby to an appointment?

Yes. Dads, spouses, and support persons are welcome to come and learn along with the mom during appointment times. We also offer male mentoring for interested dads and partners. Dads can also earn credit to use and shop in Molly's Boutique or earn gas cards.

Can a dad receive services without the mother of the baby or child?

Yes. Dads can come for support, mentoring, and education.

How long can I be in the program?

You can be in the program until your youngest child turns 3.

Can I bring my baby or child with me to my appointment?

Yes. Babies and children are always welcome to come with their parents.

Is a visit to Bella confidential?

Yes. All of our services are confidential and free.