Falling pregnant at 16
The Trails of a teen mum. Falling pregnant at 16 wasn’t in my future but these things happen. I found out on May 10th I was pregnant. Now I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I knew there would be judgment and criticism. I knew it would be difficult in the respects of financially and mentally. I was a lucky one having my full family support. My parents offered to help get the bigger bits and I used my saving too buy the smaller things.
My grandparents took me to Costco to stock up on the bathing side of things and nappies and wipes. I am going to tell you about the judgments I got and how I handled them in the good and bad ways. I am also going to give you advice on the items that you may or may not need but feel you should.
A new-born baby
A new-born baby doesn’t need 100s of clothing I made this mistake, I had 100s of items in 5LB plus and 7.5lb +. Turns out I used hardly any of it. Having maybe 7 outfits and plenty of vests and baby grows should be enough for everyday clothing. On the contrary he was a good-sized baby at 7.8lb. In fact clothing I bought at 5lb didn’t fit it was all to small and the 7.5lb clothing only fitted for a short time so I had wasted money on items I would never use. Then I sold a lot on places like marketplace & car boots but at a loss.
Bulk buying
One of the biggest trials for teen mum is money. Places like Bookers and Costco if you’re able to use them allow you to buy in bulk now you may think you won’t need 150 size 1 nappies but trust me you will. I also got 6 packs of baby shampoo and body wash, talc, and huge boxes of baby wipes. If your unable to use these types of stores don’t worry, Places like ASDA, Tesco, Lidl often have baby events twice a year. This when they start selling items in bulk like nappies and wipes or they do them on big deals. You can also buy items in these events like Highchairs and Moses baskets at great prices.
The more you know
If you don’t have a family support there is Grants out there that you can apply for. I believe there is a maternity grant for £500. The grant will allow you to get the bigger item such a pram, cot. Also don’t forget to apply for things like child tax and child benefit. Once the birth of your baby has been registered. Please get in contact with your local job centre to get all the information you need. Also apply online via the https://www.gov.uk/ website.
Support for you
The trials of a teen mum- You can find local mummy and me groups via places like Facebook and Instagram. Check in your local area. These groups can be fun the other parent’s there will be able to advice you on situation you’re going through. Or make a friend and having playdate allowing your child to interact with other regularly. Also allowing you to have proper conversations, use these to your advantage some do swimming lessons or coffee mornings or have local play centre they use.
Friendships or Hardships
Friendships of those around you will change. I had loads of friends who were all very excited I was pregnant but once I had him hardly any were around, just a handful left. Most didn’t invite me to things anymore because they didn’t think I could or would want to go. Others stopped talking too me all together never knew why. But then I had those that have staid by myside every step. One woman she’s been with me since day dot and total of 3 children and a husband later she’s still by my side. Surround yourself with those that you truly believe love you and your child. Not those that are just there to cause you hassle and pain, believe me they are not worth it.
Public criticism
The trials of a teen mum – Publicly I had comments thrown at me or dirty looks especially from the older generations. I thought to myself they have no idea I could be just like them getting shipped off to hide my baby’s birth or to marriage I wasn’t, but they didn’t know that. I turned their own looks on them they were judging me for something they had no idea about, but I could judge them the same for their history in life.
Once I had that pushchair in my hands, the older gens became so sweets, popping their heads in the pram going oh isn’t he sweet or content. It made me feel good and I would always smile and say thank you, Now don’t freak if they press a silver coin in the hand of the baby its common in the older gen, my mother explained to me after seeing my face when an elderly lady did it. It’s to wish that child a healthy and happy life.