3.3.2. Sub-Theme 3.2: Support from the Children's Biological Fathers

During pregnancy, several participants felt supported by the biological father: "Oh, if my feet were swollen, he massaged it. He was there ... if I had my date at the hospital, he came along ... he was always there" (Participant 8). However, some participants did not feel supported by their child's father: "He did not help me. He was only there because he had to, but he never helped me like other dads helped their wives or girlfriends" (Participant 13). A few participants highlighted the practical assistance of the father: "Then he cleans up, and he puts on the rice and peels the potatoes. He helped me with everything" (Participant 7). For one participant, the support was mainly financial, whereas Participant 9 also received personal involvement.

Several participants conveyed challenges pertaining to their relationship with their child's biological father, which included unstable relationships, break-ups, conflict, substance abuse, a psychiatric disorder, physical abuse, criminal activities, distrust, and financial challenges.

Five of the participants revealed that their children had a good relationship with their biological father. However, several participants described a poor or absent relationship between their child and the biological father, as specified by Participant 5: "But he was still with her at three months and then he did not come again ... when she was two years old, he came again, but then she did not want anything to do with him . . . ".

#### 3.3.3. Sub-Theme 3.3: Support from Family Members and Others

Most participants identified family members, especially their own biological mothers who supported them during their pregnancy. The support of one participant's mother influenced her thoughts on considering an abortion: "Then my mom said, 'No, abortion is not an option'. She would help me" (Participant 2). Beside their mothers, the participants also mentioned the support received from other family members or other people supporting them, such as neighbors, friends, and colleagues. For one participant, her brother's support made a big difference in her life: "My brother came down [to the hospital] and brought me stuff ... and I knew that he would help me" (Participant 16). However, a few participants reported a total lack of support from others: "Although my mom was there, her cousins, aunts . . . they did not help me. I went through everything on my own" (Participant 13).

Referring to the child's relationships with other people, numerous participants elaborated on the integral role family members like grandparents and siblings played in the

lives of their child: "He was really spoiled by his sisters. They dressed him up ... they were crazy about him" (Participant 7).
