Can anyone offer advice for a soon-to-be ex-coastguard housewife?

Good luck to you in your 'new life.' And that's what it will be. If the divorce is inevitable then try to start viewing this move as not so much the end of one life, but as the beginning of your 'new life.'

You don't say if you and your parents have made an agreement as to how long you will stay with them…or what conditions are attached. But this would be the very best time for you to go to school to obtain a profession that would allow you to independently raise your child. Look into schools around your area (hair-stying,dental tech., paralegal) choose one and enroll. You will also have to get either a full or part time job (this you'll talk over with your parents) in order to pay your way and give 'rent'and/or 'child care' to your parents. It will be a tough slough, but one worth it in the end.

If you are torn up about your marriage ending, a good book to read is "Women who love too much" by Robin Norwood. It can be found second hand on Amazon or at Bibliophile.com. It's 20 years old, but still very relevant.

As to your in-laws, treat them with respect and know that they might have their own judgments on the break-up of the marriage. In most cases they will side with their son no matter what. And that's okay, because you know this before hand AND you know what really happened. Don't talk to them about the 'whys' of the breakup. If they ask any questions tell them they need to ask their son. Let them know that they will ALWAYS be the grandparents of your child and that you welcome them in that role.

If you need to work on yourself (and who doesn't?) a good layman's book is SELF MATTERS by (yes) Dr. Phil. This hard time can also be the time of maximum growth of your inner spirit as you learn, grow, and go on. Make it so.

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Write a journal to put all your tears on paper. Take long walks to remind yourself there is still beauty in this world. Long bubble baths are nice also. Find a good girlfriend, if you don't already have on in your hometown and talk and share with her.

I'm rooting for you! God bless