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What Happens When a Medical Abortion Fails?
What if a Medical Abortion Fails?
Dr Peter Chew
Dec 8, 20252 min read


What If She Wanted to Breastfeed… But Couldn't?
World Breastfeeding Week 2026 "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works." Every year, World Breastfeeding Week reminds us of the importance of breastfeeding and the role it plays in giving babies the healthiest possible start in life. This year's theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," calls on families, communities, workplaces, and healthcare professionals, to strengthen the support systems that help mothers
Charmaine Kek
2 days ago5 min read


Building the Family Every Child Deserves
Every family has a story. The question is not whether our stories are perfect, but whether love, healing, and hope have a place at the table. In the US, National Parents Day is celebrated annually on 26th July. Globally, celebrating Parents Day is often filled with photos of smiling families, heartfelt tributes, and messages of gratitude. These celebrations are meaningful, and many parents deserve to be honoured for their love and sacrifice. But for some, this day feels diffe
Charmaine Kek
Jul 223 min read


Learning to Stay: A Partner’s Journey Through An Unplanned Pregnancy
When O first found out about the pregnancy, his reaction was not simple. “At first I was surprised,” he shares. “Then I started to think about our financial capacity, my partner’s physical condition, and whether we were ready or not.” His thoughts moved quickly. To responsibility, to practical concerns, to what the future might look like. But his partner’s response was different. “She loves babies,” he says. “She also works in a helping profession. So she wanted to keep, and
Charmaine Kek
Jul 143 min read


A Future Worth Building
Observing World Population Day 2026: 11 July Every year, World Population Day brings conversations about declining birth rates, ageing populations, and the future of our society. In Singapore, these discussions are becoming increasingly familiar. We read about our record-low fertility rate in 2025, an ageing population, and the challenges of sustaining future generations. These are important conversations. 2025's World Population Day theme, "Empowering young people to create
Charmaine Kek
Jul 84 min read


Talking to Someone You Trust After an Abortion
Talking to someone after an abortion can help you process your feelings. Learn who to talk to, what to say and where to find support.
admin35547
Jun 223 min read


The Many Ways Fathers Love
As Father's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on my own father. As I've grown older, I've come to realise that no parent is perfect, and no father gets everything right. But one thing I have never doubted is his love. Looking back, I realise how blessed my childhood was because of the many experiences my parents gave me, the opportunities they created, and the gifts they delighted in sharing. They were expressions of a love that wanted their children to have more than
Charmaine Kek
Jun 163 min read


Mental Health During an Unplanned Pregnancy: Making Space for Your Feelings
Mental health during an unplanned pregnancy can be challenging. Discover coping strategies, emotional support and helpful resources.
admin35547
Jun 125 min read


A Love That Stayed: A Befriender's Journey Over Two Decades
When you first meet Polly, there is a lightness about her. She is warm, jovial, and easy to speak to. Something you might not expect, given the weight of the work she has carried for over twenty years. As a volunteer befriender with aLife, she has walked alongside women facing unplanned pregnancies in Singapore, many of whom were navigating fear, uncertainty, and deeply personal decisions. And yet, she stayed. Polly Ng, aLife's (SUPeRF) long service award winner. How It Began
Charmaine Kek
Jun 103 min read


Listening, Even Imperfectly: A Social Worker's Perspective
In the work of supporting women through an unplanned pregnancy, creating a safe space is often spoken about. But in reality, it is not something perfect or scripted. “It is to be willing to listen to them,” Vanessa shares, “even if imperfectly we are. It is to be human to others.” Sometimes, that looks like continuing a conversation through a text message. Sometimes, it is a phone call. Sometimes, it is simply trying again, gently, without judgement. “It’s just a start,” she
Charmaine Kek
Jun 34 min read


Mental Health Is Not Something To Be Ashamed Of: Creating A More Compassionate Community In Singapore
Singapore is beginning to talk more openly about mental health, and that matters. The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) recently announced its third nationwide Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS), which will explore the state of mental health in Singapore following the Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time, the study will include teens aged 15 to 17 to examine struggles such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, resilience, sense of belonging, and social support. The find
Charmaine Kek
May 203 min read


Understanding Your Choices: A Guide to Unplanned Pregnancy Options
Explore unplanned pregnancy options, including parenting, adoption and abortion, with clear information and support to help guide your decision.
admin35547
May 185 min read


Young Mummies in Singapore: Beyond Judgement, Towards Support
Teen pregnancy in Singapore is often discussed in statistics, cautionary conversations, or whispers behind closed doors. But behind every number is a real person, a young woman, navigating fear, uncertainty, judgement, and life-changing decisions. According to Singapore's 2024 Report on Registration of Births and Deaths, 244 babies were born to mothers aged 19 and below, a 7% increase from the year before. While the numbers remain relatively small, the rise reminds us of some
Charmaine Kek
May 133 min read


"I was very determined to keep this baby, but my willpower was very low." Finding Her Way Through an Unplanned Pregnancy
At 21, with school, work, friendships, late night hangouts, and the freedom to explore, life is often just beginning. For Reiko, everything shifted when she found out she was pregnant. "I was still in school... less than a year into university," she shared. "I didn't know how to tell my parents." In a moment that felt overwhelming and uncertain, she asked her boyfriend, now her husband, to break the news to her parents while she was at work. At that time, studying in universi
Charmaine Kek
May 84 min read


"I'm Not Ready to Be a Mother"… It Is Okay to Feel This Way
"I'm not ready." For many facing an unplanned pregnancy, this may be one of the first and most honest thoughts that comes. It can feel heavy, frightening, and even final. Especially in a society like Singapore, where life often follows a timeline, education, career, marriage, then children, feeling "not ready" can feel like something is wrong. But what if it isn't? What if feeling not ready is not a sign of failure, but a sign that you are taking this seriously? When Fear Fee
Charmaine Kek
Apr 293 min read


Why Emotional Safety Matters More Than Perfect Plans
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is natural to feel pressure to "figure everything out" quickly. Questions may come all at once: "What should I do next?" "Am I ready?" "What will happen to my future?" In a society like Singapore, where life is often carefully planned and structured, it can feel like everything depends on making the "right" decision. But in the middle of all these thoughts, one thing matters more than having a perfect plan. Feeling emotionally safe. The
Charmaine Kek
Apr 223 min read


How to Tell Your Partner About an Unplanned Pregnancy?
Learn how to tell your partner about an unplanned pregnancy with confidence, including what to say, how to prepare and where to find support.
admin35547
Apr 223 min read


When Life Does Not Go To Plan, You Are Still Worthy
In Singapore's fast-paced, achievement-driven culture, life is often expected to follow a clear path — education, career, stability, then family. So when an unplanned pregnancy happens, it can feel like everything has suddenly gone off track. Alongside the shock and uncertainty, many women carry quietly thoughts like: "What will everyone think?" "Did I mess up my future?" "Does this mean I've failed?" These thoughts can feel overwhelming. But they do not define you. Even whe
Charmaine Kek
Apr 153 min read
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