how can they do it?

[Lulu]

cmama - sometimes there is no just no real explanation. Sometimes they don't realise until it's too late...or they go on to have another child and it hits them then.

I understand how much you are hurting right now - try your very best to move on and create the best possible life for yourself and therefore you daughter.

I had my daughter on my own for 8 years until I got married. S is the best step dad you could imagine. We split up a few years later and nothing stopped him from continuing on their relationship.

She is 17 now and still very very close to him, in fact I am too. She didn't miss out on anything, is a terrific and popular student.
Not having a dad isn't the worst thing in the world (it's not ideal either), get plenty of role models around you both and show her that family isn't necesarily about blood relatives.

In fact one of the closest families I know (currently preparing for a HUGE Xmas dinner!) have not one blood relative among them. They created their own, you can do the same.

xoxoxo

ETA- I had a great time raising DD on my own. Some times it was hard but we had a hell of a lot of fun together and still do even though she is in the middle of teen drama queen years.
Have a good Xmas