If the father of your baby displays a pattern of coming into and going out of your life as it is convenient for him, you can bet that this will not change upon the baby’s arrival. In fact, because of the additional pressures and demands of parenthood, people’s true colors can unfortunately be revealed. If seeing your child raised in a two-parent household is one of your priorities, consider the father’s sporadic behavior and how it might play out in the future, not only in how it affects you, but your child’s life, as well.

Focus on what you want for your child. Can you rely on him to support you and your child not just financially, but emotionally as well? How would his in-and-out pattern of behavior affect your child? Unfortunately, one of the biggest predictors of future behavior is past behavior. If you cannot rely on the father of your baby now, you should not assume that his pattern will change once the baby arrives. Focus on what you want for your child and the life you hope to give him/her. If having a sometimes father isn't in that picture, then consider how adoption can help you give that life to your child.