I have been on both sides of this particular fence and can really appreciate how difficult this is for you. Many years ago my ex left me with a two year old son and didn't want any contact at all, I met my now husband a few years later and he had 2 children from his1st marriage. His ex wife used the kids as amunition against him and as emotional blackmail. In the end we had his children EVERY weekend until they grew up and into young adults. We still have regular contact with them. My sons 'sperm donor' on the other hand is a complete waste of space and has missed out on his son growing into a very fine young man, well mannered and hard working and an absolute credit to myself and husband who he has called 'dad' since he was 5. (he is 19 now). Sorry to bore with all this but the point is I know how you must feel. Keep at it, don't ever give up. Because you weren't married your rights over the birth certificate are limited but otherwise you can apply for something called 'parental control' or 'parental responsibilty' which gives you rights to certain decisions. Please see a solicitor as soon as you can. The only thing that I would beg you to do is be consistant. The only person that really matters in all of this is your child. What you or your ex want is irrelevant, the needs of your child are paramount. It isn't a game, there are no winners in the end. And I know it is no consolation now but they do grow up and make their own minds up eventually, and as long as you never have anything that they can throw back in your face like, 'you never cared' or 'you didn't want me' or 'you only wanted your new girlfriend and kids' then you can be assured that it will be ok in the end. Good luck x x