Young pregnancy! Let’s talk about it.
I wanted to share what it was like being pregnant as a teen. I was 19 when I got pregnant with my daughter. I wasn’t scared but more so nervous about what people would say, think, or all the comments that would be made. Here’s the top 3 common things I heard and was told…
1️⃣ “your too young”
okay I HATE this comment as someone who wanted kids young. You are never too young to have children *past the age of 18* would I suggest it? No. Does it happen? Yes. Being a young mom is great and has so many pros as well as cons (I’ll include another post of these). Can we normalize wanting a baby young (18 - early 20s) ??
2️⃣ “where’s her dad” or “I hate to see single moms”
First off her dad is at work to fuel our shopping addiction. Seeing a mother alone with her baby at ANY AGE does not make her a single mother. I work simply because I want to, I can choose to be a sahm. My child’s father is amazing and takes such good care of her and us
3️⃣ “you should do it like this” “don’t do that/do this” and “I did it for mine it’ll be okay”
I know how to mother my child. I don’t mind *advice* in fact I like *instructive criticism* but don’t say I’m not doing something right or I should be doing something another way just because that’s the way you do it. If I want to check with a pediatrician first then that’s my right and if I say don’t do something that’s also my right as her mother. I make choices for my child and there’s more than one way to do something. For example just because I don’t swaddle my baby the “correct” way doesn’t mean my way isn’t efficient.
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Should I continue this as a platform for first time moms, young moms, and a safe space for moms?
Any tips or topics I should address or discuss as a ftm “teen” mom.
For reference my baby is 5 weeks old 🤍
It’s incredible to see so many of you resonate with my post about being a young mom! When I first got pregnant at 19, I felt a mix of emotions – excitement, nerves, and honestly, a little fear about the future. For many young parents, the journey often starts while we're still finishing school or just beginning our careers. It brings unique challenges, but also incredible strengths we discover along the way. Beyond just dealing with the comments, there are so many other ways to truly 'overcome' as a young mom. One of the biggest things for me was learning to trust my own instincts. Everyone has an opinion, but ultimately, you are your baby's mother, and you know what's best for your child. That confidence doesn't come overnight; it grows with every diaper change, every late-night feeding, and every little milestone your baby hits. You're building a bond and a wisdom that's uniquely yours. Finding your support system, your 'village,' is absolutely crucial. For me, it wasn’t just my partner, but also a few close friends and family members who truly believed in me. Don't be afraid to lean on them, whether it's for an hour of babysitting so you can nap, or just a listening ear when you're feeling overwhelmed. Look for local young mom groups or online communities – connecting with others who 'get it' can be a game-changer. Sharing experiences and knowing you’re not alone is incredibly empowering. Prioritizing yourself, even for a short while, isn't selfish; it’s essential for your well-being and, by extension, your baby's. Even 15 minutes to yourself – a hot shower, reading a book, or just enjoying a cup of coffee in silence – can recharge you. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as taking care of your baby's physical needs. While it’s tough, looking into resources specifically for young parents can genuinely help. From childcare assistance to educational programs that fit your schedule, there are often avenues you might not even know about. Don't be ashamed to seek help; it's smart parenting to ensure you and your baby have the best possible start. Organizations and government programs are often designed to support families in various situations. I talked about the unsolicited advice in my first post, but let me add this: not all advice is bad, but learning to filter it is an art. I started saying things like, 'Thanks for that, I'll definitely keep it in mind' without feeling obligated to follow it. Your pediatrician is your best resource for medical questions, and for everything else, trust your gut. You’re becoming an expert on your own child. Being a young mom has given me a unique perspective. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and a love deeper than I ever imagined. Don't let anyone diminish your experience or make you feel less-than. You are strong, capable, and doing an amazing job. Celebrate every small victory, because every day you're not just raising a child, you're growing into an incredible woman and mother. Keep shining, mamas!
