How to Support a Pregnant Teenager

It is a known fact that millions of teenage girls give birth yearly, and they range from ages 10 to 19. Although it is not a generally supported situation, teenage mothers can be good mothers with the correct amount of support and encouragement. Supporting a teen mother can be challenging, yet rewarding. Although her needs may be different from an older mom, they can still be met and she can still succeed in having a healthy pregnancy, baby and life as a mother. Here are ways to provide support to a teenager that becomes pregnant.

Instructions

1. Talk with her about the pregnancy. Many parents are angry, disappointed and perplexed when learning about the pregnancy. Although these are normal reactions, accept the pregnancy and begin building positive communication with your teen. Talk about when her pregnancy may have occurred, when her last period was and what her ideas are for this pregnancy and baby.

2. Help her set up prenatal care. Contact a pregnancy access center, doula, childbirth educator or nursing staff to get recommendations for an obstetrician or midwife. Early prenatal care is essential to a healthy pregnancy.

3. Help her find and enroll in an insurance plan. Many states have free insurance for women while they are pregnant. Many of these programs support the woman from pregnancy through a 1-year postpartum period and include health care for the newborn as well. Check with your local pregnancy access center or obstetrician's office for referrals.

4. Find natural, supportive childbirth classes in the area. Prenatal classes and childbirth classes are just as essential as prenatal care. Knowing what to expect during pregnancy, labor and birth is important and can help a pregnant teen become more comfortable with the process.

5. If the teen is having a hard time coping with the pregnancy, seek counseling. Oftentimes, there are counselors at school that can help, or professional counselors at pregnancy crisis centers that can assist as well.

6. Talk to the teen about what her intentions are after she gives birth. If she is interested in adoption, assist her in finding appropriate services to guide and advise her of available choices.

7. No matter what, always support her decisions. Make sure that her immediate needs for food, shelter and protection are met. Talk with her, encourage her and help her get from where she is to where she wants to be.

8. If she is still in school, you may need to help her meet her academic needs. She may not be able to attend class everyday or may miss class due to appointments. Be ready to assist whenever possible and continue to encourage her to finish her education. Focus on the positive aspects of education for both she and the baby.

9. If she intends to keep the baby, set up care for the postpartum period. Make sure that she is not alone immediately after birth and that someone can help her with breastfeeding and general mothering duties. You may want to check into hiring a postpartum doula, a woman who helps her care for her baby.

Tips & Warnings

• Be genuine in your support. If you can't truly support her, find someone who can.

Resources

• Pregnant Teen Help
• Mommies Matter