Teen Mothers - Their stories, Their Voices...

I am honored to know these brave and honest young mothers. Read their stories, let them into your hearts and know that the love of a mother and struggles of parenthood is universal; we all need the support of one another.

A daughter, a sister, an employee, a girlfriend. Never at age 16 did I think that a mother would be added to this list. When I found out that I was carrying, nobody soley asked about me anymore, and began only asking, “How is the baby?” I don’t quite feel a connection to my baby yet,  but that’s what everybody seems to want to talk about. I’ve heard that when you have a baby it’s not about you anymore, it’s about your baby and I didn’t realize that they meant it would start the moment I got pregnant. I know I can handle taking care of my baby. I also want to be given the opportunity to do so. I worry that everyone around me will be so excited about the arrival of the new addition to the family that they may take advantage of my young age and try to push their advanced experience on me and try caring for my baby as they think a mother or father should. Pregnant women are often overlooked, but still deserve their desired attention. Make sure that we are not forgotten because this is the time we need attention the most.

-MS

I’m 16  and got pregnant with my lil’ Zaza at 15. She has the cutest little eyes with a green tint, and the cutest little lips that look just like mine. I've always loved babies and it’s always been this conscientious thought, in the back of my head,  that I was going to be a mommy really soon. Of course my gut feeling was right. It's so crazy how life can be and how fast things can change. The past seems like yesterday when I would always skip biology just because I hated that class, and never understood cells, and the teacher was not cool. Suddenly, I was a sophomore knowing everybody in the school and every boy, even those I didn’t know, would try and talk to me! Something I've always done was my work, and I always went to dance practice even if I was sick.  I won’t say that boys didn’t have my attention - of course they did - it’s a BOY; however, my baby daddy and I were different. He started out as just my crush and soon after that during the summer a baby popped up. I wasn’t sad and I wasn’t mad, I was so excited thinking of a little person chasing after me calling me mommy, and saying “daddy” when I wouldn’t give them their way. I looked at myself in the mirror everyday after I found out I was pregnant, and just smiled and touched my stomach wondering what my little seed was doing.  Soon enough my stomach got bigger and bigger, and I got more emotional as I got bigger and bigger. Now I know it was all worth it.

-BG

Finding out I was pregnant at 17 years old was the best thing and the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. From the moment I found out I was pregnant I knew I was going to be the best mother I can be to my baby. The baby’s father and I are so excited to have you and can’t wait until you’re finally in our arms. At two months the doctor told me there was a chance I could lose you, and  my stomach turned and I cried. I was so terrified that it could happen, and all I could do was pray for everything to be okay. When the doctor did the ultrasound to check if the baby was okay and told me you were doing just fine I felt better. Not only had that happened that day, but my parents had also found out that I was pregnant and my parents were so devastated and angry at me that I had done such a thing to them. My parents had told me not to count on them for anything that had to do with the baby. The told me they had expected so much more from me, that they didn’t want me to go through the same thing my sisters went through and that they looked after me so much, but I became pregnant despite everything they did for me. My parents made me feel like I was alone in everything that was happening to me and I didn’t want to live with them anymore. I then left for a couple a days and went to my sister’s house. When I came back home things were cooled down and they started talking to me. Things got better between us and I got a chance to talk to them; they had forgiven me for what had happened. It’s now been two months since this happened,  the baby is doing well and I’m glad to have my parents by my side now and be able to count on them if I ever need anything from them. I’m so happy that my baby is healthy. My baby is going to change my life an amazing way. I seriously can’t wait until my baby gets here. I’m going to be the best mother I can be to my baby. He or she will have everything they need and will never have to be worried that he or she won’t have anything.

-AL

I was 14 when I found out I  was pregnant with you. I was six months pregnant, 3 months until  you would be born. The first time the doctors put you on my chest you started crying. You were so little and beautiful with long hair. I fell in love with you. I knew I had to take good care of you no matter what.  People may say I am too small to have a baby, but I don’t care what they think. Now my beautiful baby is 7 months old about to be 8 months old. She always has a smile on her face . If it wasn't for her maybe right now I would be skipping school and wouldn't be able to graduate on time. I keep her safe and fed and she has a loving family who helps me look after her. I may be young and I may be small, but I am a good mother who loves being a mom. I do very well at school, keep my grades up and try my best. I am happy to have my little angel in my life.

-RC