I have seen about a couple of similiar cases,the one that I remember the most was the following in Warren Co.,North Carolina:
Nov. Ct. 1798. NANCY FLOOD, of full age, binds herself as servant to WILLIAM SMITH for life & to keep her child from being a Parish charge.

There were several other entries in the Court records on the matter indicating that she was as FPOC, and that her child was named RAINEY, who was bonded out until age 21. NANCY was apparently very poor and had an illegitimate child to take care of and this was the only way she could find to support herself.

Deloris