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

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

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

"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

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

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

An unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming, and many women gather the courage to tell their partner hoping for comfort, reassurance, or clarity. But sometimes, the response they receive is not what they expected. Instead of support, there may be silence . Instead of calm, there may be panic . Instead of reassurance, there may be pressure or conflict . When this happens, it can feel incredibly lonely. When Reactions Don't Match It is common for couples to react differently to

Discovering an unplanned pregnancy can bring a whirlwind of emotions such as shock, fear, confusion, and uncertainty. For many, one of the first thoughts that arises is not just "What do I do next?" but also "Who can I tell?" The fear of telling someone can feel overwhelming. Some women worry about how their parents will react. Others fear judgement from their partner, friends, or community. In a society like Singapore, where expectations around education, career, and family

In Singapore's fast-paced and achievement-driven society, many of us are constantly juggling responsibilities such as deadlines, financial commitments, caregiving, household duties, and expectations from every direction. For parents, especially those raising young children or navigating an unplanned pregnancy, the tension between work and family can feel overwhelming. Quietly we ask: "Can I really do both?" "Will I fall behind in my career?" "Is it selfish to prioritise famil

The early years of a child's life are often described as the "foundatio n years ." In Singapore, this stage can also feel like the beginning of a long journey of par enting — childcare choices, enrichment classes, school preparation, and questions about whether our child is "on track." Many parents of young children carry quiet worries: "Should my child be learning more?" "Is it too early or too late to start?" "Am I doing enough?" If you have these thoughts, you are not alo

Immunisation plays a vital role in protecting your child from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. In Singapore, the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) provides a structured and evidenced-based guide to help you safeguard your child's health from birth through early childhood. How Do Vaccines Work? Vaccines helps your child build protection against harmful diseases without making them sick . They do this by introducing a safe part of the germ, somet

Finding yourself unexpectedly pregnant can bring a flood of thoughts and emotions. Many women pause at this moment, unsure how to move forward or what choice feels right for them. When questions begin to surface, it is common to feel overwhelmed, conflicted or emotionally unsettled, which is why access to emotional support for unplanned pregnancy can be so important during this time. If you are experiencing uncertainty, know that mixed emotions are normal and valid. This arti

Basic Newborn Care Bathing Bathing a newborn can feel challenging at first, so don't worry if it takes some practice. Ask for guidance, observe, and take your time. Here are some tips: Water safety: Keep the water shallow. When filling the baby bath tub, add hot water to cold water to avoid scalding. Check the temperature with your elbow, it should feel warm and comfortable, not hot. Preparing your baby: Undress your baby and wrap them in a towel. Clean their eyes, and face,

Understanding Your Baby's Sleep Patterns The early months with a newborn can be exhausting. Whether you are stepping into parenthood for the first time or adding to your growing family, you may find yourself running on very little sleep while trying to meet your baby's needs. Rest plays a crucial role in supporting your baby's growth. Adequate sleep helps newborns stay calm and responsive, support their overall well-being, and lay an important foundation for early learning an

Welcoming a newborn is one of life's most joyful transitions, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. It is natural to feel uncertain in those first few weeks. What you are feeling does not mean you are failing. It means you are adjusting, and that takes time and care. Caring for your newborn comes with learning, guided by love, patience, and practice. We hope the information below offers comfort, support, and a bit of extra confidence as you nav

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