Advice

[G3M92]

Hi there, I had my children removed from my care in 2017, however I now have had my eldest son back for 7 years this year. I have recently found out I am pregnant, has anyone been in this position and will I be able to keep my baby?

Given things sound stable with your son, it sounds positive, but sw may wish to carry out a pre birth assessment. Midwife will ask questions about your older children and likely refer to sw routinely. I understand you’ll be worried but try to be open and straightforward with them, they wouldn’t remove babies unless there is clear evidence of poor care.

Thank you for your response, I find myself going round and round in my head will I be able to keep my baby if I cant then I dont know what to do. I am so happy right now I feel like ive been given a second chance at being a mum again and being there, I was 22 years old with 3 children under 5 and a single parent and my eldest son has adhd and autism. Yes I struggled I was so young and it was hard going but I still to this day think I was taken advantage of and they used my vulnerability against me.

Not me, but my inlaws.

2 eldest kids were taken into care and ultimately adopted out (together). My SIL split from her abusive partner, got clean, still struggles somewhat to this day but went on to have 3 further children with her current partner.

SS kept a very close eye on her throughout her pregnancies, they get regular reports from school, they used to pop out and check on the family alot in the beginning (appointment based though not just random checks). They signed her off in the basis that she was in a better position and there were no risks associated with her partner.

It's good that you have your son back in your care, that will stand to you definitely. Especially as he's back with you for a very long time at this stage.

Are you in a relationship with the new babies father, or if not, will he still be a support as they will likely look into him also.

ETA: Well done on sorting your life out and getting your son back. It's not an easy task.

Ok that is positive to know so thank you so much. My now partner of 10 years doesn't know yet, but when he does he will leave as he doesn't want another child his are all grown up, however we've been drifting apart for about 18 months now so if he does leave it will be a relief to be honest with you. I dont need a man to help me. I can do this by myself and the difference is I wont have 3 children under 5 and be only 22 you know. Im now 34 and will have an 18 year old son and a new born xxx

Yes, my SIL was early 20s first time around. She's now late 30s with primary aged kids 6-10.

I think you need to go into this with your eyes open and be honest... something happened in your past that resulted in intervention for your kids. You fought hard, turned your life around, have raised your son through husband entire teen years and are more than capable of raising this child too.

I am so glad for people like you!! I put a post of my flo app and had so much negativity and it was awful. However you have made me feel at ease and I feel so much stronger so thank you so so so much.

Congratulations on your getting your eldest back ❤️ I hope you get your other two back soon too.

It definitely sounds hopefully for your new baby

Thank you so much, sadly I won't be able to get the other two back as one is under a special guardianship order and the youngest has been adopted but they are almost 14 and 12 now so hoping they come back at 18. I do hope I get to keep this baby I am so worried though xx