Leah’s story
When Leah, a 24-year-old Jewish woman, found out she was pregnant, she thought she’d feel joy. Instead, she felt an overwhelming sense of dread. She was in a relationship with someone who wasn’t ready for fatherhood, and his response only made things worse. He suggested an abortion, saying they weren’t “in a place” to have a child. But Leah didn’t feel comfortable with that option. She loved the idea of becoming a mother, but the pressure from her partner made her question whether she could handle it on her own.
“I felt stuck,” Leah shared. “My partner wasn’t being supportive, and it felt like I had no one to talk to. I didn’t want to do something I wasn’t sure about, but I didn’t know how I could do this without his support.”
Relationship strain during an unplanned pregnancy is a real challenge many women face. Whether it’s an unsupportive partner or a strained relationship, the emotional toll can be intense. But Leah found a safe space to talk about her feelings and gain clarity through SHIFRA.
The Importance of Emotional Support
Leah’s first call to SHIFRA was to talk to someone who would listen — no judgment, just understanding. She wasn’t sure where to turn and needed emotional support more than anything. SHIFRA’s counselors listened attentively to her situation, giving her the space to voice her concerns without feeling rushed or dismissed.
“When I called SHIFRA, I just needed to talk to someone who wouldn’t judge me,” Leah said. “They didn’t tell me what to do; they just made me feel heard. They helped me sort through my feelings and realize that I could make the decision that was right for me.”
Leah’s counselor helped her explore her options and focus on her Jewish values. She learned that despite the pressure from her partner, she had the right to make the best decision for her future. SHIFRA didn’t try to convince her to take a particular path but instead gave her the tools to make an informed, empowered choice.
How SHIFRA Supports Women Facing Relationship Strain
When a partner is unsupportive, many women feel like their options are limited. They may feel like they have to choose between their partner’s wishes and their own feelings, often putting their own needs and desires aside. SHIFRA recognizes the complex dynamics of these situations and offers emotional support to help women navigate through them.
- Counseling services: SHIFRA’s licensed therapists offer a safe, confidential space to discuss difficult emotions. Leah, for example, received individual counseling that helped her process her feelings about her partner’s response, her fears of becoming a single parent, and her desire to make the right choice for her baby.
- Guidance through difficult decisions: With expert support, women like Leah are empowered to make informed decisions, free from pressure and guilt.
- Partner support: In some cases, SHIFRA also offers couples counseling to help partners understand each other’s perspectives and work through challenges together.
“It wasn’t just about my pregnancy. It was about my relationship and where I stood. SHIFRA helped me see that I wasn’t alone, and that I had the strength to move forward, regardless of what my partner thought.”
Empowerment and Clarity
For Leah, the support she received through SHIFRA was the turning point she needed. She was able to talk through the strain with her partner, setting boundaries and expressing her needs clearly. While their relationship wasn’t perfect, Leah realized she had the power to move forward with the support she had received.
“I realized that I didn’t need anyone’s permission to make the decision that was best for me,” Leah said. “SHIFRA helped me gain clarity, and I felt empowered to stand by my decision.”
You Are Not Alone
Facing an unplanned pregnancy is challenging enough without dealing with an unsupportive partner. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Whether you’re facing relationship strain, lack of support, or just need someone to listen, SHIFRA is here to help.
Women in Leah’s situation deserve a safe space to process their emotions and make choices that honor their values and well-being. SHIFRA’s counselors provide that support—helping women navigate relationship difficulties, manage their emotions, and ultimately make decisions that are right for them and their futures.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
If you find yourself in a similar situation, feeling alone or unsupported by a partner, SHIFRA is here for you. They offer emotional support, counseling, and resources to help you through this challenging time. You don’t have to face this alone.
Contact SHIFRA today to learn how we can support you during your pregnancy. Whether you need someone to talk to, help navigating relationship challenges, or just a safe space to process your feelings, SHIFRA is here for you.
We’re with you in this
If you’re struggling with relationship strain and feeling unsupported during your pregnancy, contact SHIFRA for compassionate counseling and guidance. Let SHIFRA be your source of support through this challenging time.
