Big hugs honey this really is tough stuff

From what you have written you are doing what is right for your child. You are putting his interests before anyone elses. That's a great thing. Everyone deserves to know their paternity if possible. Not just for helping with identity, but for health reasons, familial reasons... It's important.

Basically you have sex you run the risk of fathering/mothering a child. You risked it and now you have a son. And... so does he.

Your son has a right to financial aid from his father. He has a right to know the story.

It always needs to be remembered that this cannot and will not make him BE a father...
He is the only one that can choose that. For your son's sake I hope he chooses to father your boy - but if not you cannot force it. I know you know that - I just need you to know that you will find other male role models. Seek them out. Uncles, brothers, friends husbands - good solid men for your boy to model his maleness on is important.

For now you may be the only one who loves your son so intensely. What about your ex partner? Has he maintained contact with your little boy? It would be such a shock for him to lose that contact...

Sending you my support. xxx