I've noticed the majority of posts are from married people, typically in their late 20's, who were married first, then TTC.
I had a baby last year, at 19, and I'm not married. I live with my fiance, but we're not getting married until we're done with school.
But oddly enough, I feel like this is a community that I can be a part of because I am, nonetheless, a mother!
So, even if I can't relate what some would call an epidemic to most mothers on these boards, I can certainly share experiences, and gain some good advice.
Re: Teen Parenting?
Although I don't quite fit into your category, I'm 20 and my husband is 21 and we just started TTC. I'm finding it hard myself to fit in to this site, which is unfortunate...
Congrats on your little one though! =D
Thanks! Good luck TTC, too. There's even a category for that on the messaging boards.
However, I feel like I have to go on the '16 and pregnant' website sometimes.
But we're so not a stereotype. Like, before my son was conceived, we were engaged! It didn't just happen and then we were stuck together!
Perhaps, if there's enough honest women on this site, who are young people (i.e. 1986-1991) who feel like they need a voice, we could propose a new forum
'Young Mothers' lol but it might attract a certain audience, too that wouldn't want to be glorified... like single teen mothers that are like 16 AND PREGNANT
been there, done that...horrible experience. https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/54357904.aspx this is what happens on this site when you say the word YOUNG!
some of our fellow bumpies can be rather hateful...
I'm glad to hear you aren't a stereotype! I love the idea of parenting young. So many pros, only a few cons, most of them being the strange looks and people assuming the wrong things..
That's disgusting and heartbreaking.
That's extremely judgemental, and I find it disgusting that you would say that to her.
ETA: It also really bothers me that you are apparently a teacher, and you would tell a young teen that you find it disgusting that she's pregnant. I'm sure it's not the ideal situation for her, but what gives you the right to judge her? Sorry, this rubbed me the wrong way BIG TIME. You're supposed to be a mentor, and you come on here and belittle her? Wow, teacher of the year right here!
^^^^^^this
Wow hunny thats really young. How are you handling this? I hope you have a lot of family support.
ps stay in school ( : its worth it.
You are right...for being a teacher that is a really wrong thing to say to someone...pretty nasty. I am a high school health teacher and teach sex education every single year and I have dealt with pregnant teens before. Most of the time they didn't plan to become pregnant...they just didn't know how easy it can be to become pregnant at times. I try my best to teach them about anything and everything they should know...but sometimes that doesn't stop them. It is wrong for this girl to get flammed...I guarantee a lot of women on this board first had sex as a teenager, but just didn't become pregnant. They could have easily become pregnant though. Don't judge...it could have been you!
As for this young lady....I hope she has a great support system at home...b/c it is VERY DIFFICULT to have and raise a baby! I would have never been able to do it at your age. I have still struggled and I'm 27. I will pray for you to do well and to have a happy and healthy little one.
Mom to Carter (6), and Calianne (1).
Proud VBAC, natural birth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering momma!