Responding To Estranged Family About Your Pregnancy or Child

Pregnancy or having a new child is an exciting time. But for those who are estranged from a family member, it can be filled with anxiety and doubt about what to share and when. If you are pregnant or becoming a parent, you may be wondering if you should share this news with your estranged family member.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before making this decision:

1. Why do I want to share this with them?
2. What am I hoping will happen if I share this information?
3. Are my hopes for this interaction a fantasy, or are they based in reality? Is this potential outcome remotely possible?
4. How has this person behaved in the past when I shared important or exciting information?
5. Do I want to resume contact with this person?
6. Do I want this person to be involved in my child’s life?
7. What am I worried will happen if I do not tell them?
8. If I were to tell them, how would I do it? How does it make me feel to think about doing that?

Your answers to these questions will help direct you to the right decision.