Hello everyone,

I am currently looking into becoming a single mom. I have been with my partner for almost 8 years (not married, my choice) & I absolutely can’t stand him. Our baby is 11 weeks old and it’s apparent that he has no bond with him, which isn’t even the problem. The problem is that he does not help with the baby at all. I do EVERYTHING. I take care of the baby, walk the dog (we do not have a backyard), clean & cook. Anytime I ask for help with the baby he says he’s tired or he has something to do (and will proceed to sit on his phone). Yesterday, the baby pooped all over the couch and I asked for his help to give me a diaper and wipes, to which he said he was busy looking for a hat to wear outside (which could have waited)! He grabbed the baby (after I screamed at him to help me), then slammed the door with the baby in his arms all because he was forced to hold him for two minutes while I cleaned the couch up. The baby started scream crying bc he was scared of the door slam so of course I had to grab him and take care of him anyways. I have to literally yell at him for him to help me, which is the only way to get a result and it’s absolutely draining. It has gotten to the point where I don’t ask him for anything bc I don’t want to deal with the inevitable fight. I am on a 12 week maternity leave and am returning to work soon, which he will be staying with the baby (not out of choice, he seems less than thrilled about it). It worries me also bc I’m worried that he will not take good care of him. I work full time plus I commute about an hour, so it’s a long day. Besides being a terrible dad, he’s a terrible partner. He is constantly calling me names & being disrespectful and rude for no reason, even though I do everything. I really want to leave him but I have no idea how. We split rent and bills and right now money is tight due to my unpaid maternity leave. I can pay rent & bills on my own with the money I make once I get my first check but I make too much at my job to qualify for any daycare assistance & all my family works full time. I definitely don’t make enough for the outrageous price of childcare. I need him for childcare or I will not have a job. I also am starting school next month in order to apply for nursing school to provide my son a better future. So my question is, how do you single moms manage? I truly am struggling so much. I feel so stuck. Any advice or experience would be helpful!