Just Another Manic Mommy

Dear Manic Mommy: I have a 28-year-old niece who is currently pregnant with her fourth child. She is not married, and her health is not good. This is actually her sixth pregnancy. She is not on any drugs that I am aware of. I feel she needs some sort of counseling due to the fact she cannot financially take care of the three children she has, let alone go through this fourth pregnancy. Her parents are beside themselves. Is this some sort of control thing with her body? What can I suggest to my brother as to how to get her help? I am trying hard not to interfere, but I think they are at their wit's end. Any info you can provide will be most appreciated.

Manic Mommy: There's a lot missing here. Is she a good mom to her children? Is she present? Is the father or fathers of the children around? She cannot take care of the children she currently has so the first thing that comes to mind is to get this woman on the Depo Provera birth control shot or have her taken in to get her tubes tied! I think there's more going on here, and I think it's wise for you to get involved. Sounds like she definitely needs some help or counseling of some sort, and it would NOT be interfering for you to jump in and make it known to your brother that it's time for some sort of family intervention. Maybe deep down, she would welcome it. You're a very considerate family member to be concerned. It worries me for the kind of life the children will have if their mother continues on this path of destruction. My advice is to get involved and do so right away; and hopefully, she will thank you for it. I am certain her children will.