For moms (especially if you were pregnant as a teen or pregnant now)?

Question

I was just wondering....

IF there was a group home set up for pregnant teen mothers where they could live through out their pregnancy and for 8-12 weeks after giving birth, would it be a good place to go. Here you would be taught basic parenting and life skills, prenatal classes and have to help and support you need to get through your pregnancy. You would have someone who would help take you to your appointments and be your labour coach while in the hospital.

I realize such places exist but are few and do not help everyone in this situation.
My best friend and I were contemplating on starting such a group home. She has a social work background and I have a labour & delivery nursing background.

It would not be that we are promoting teenagers having babies but would be a place for them to go when they had no where else.
We realize this is not a way to get rich and this not the reason why would be doing it.

Just wanted some opinions to if this would be a worthwhile cause

The reason we were thinking of teens is because at the group home (teenage girls)where my friend works right now, if a teen was to be pregnant while there, she would be kicked out with no place to go.
I was completely appalled when I heard that, most of these girls are in this home because their families abandoned them in the first place now a gov't run house is going to turn them on the street because they are a product of their society???

I should add that we live in Canada (Toronto) so there is some funding for projects like this and of course the mother wouldn't be tossed out onto the street after her 12 weeks are up, we would need to find another type of housing for them.

EVERYONE HAD SUCH GREAT ANSWERS THAT I COULDN'T CHOOSE MY FAVORITE, SO I WILL PUT IT TO A VOTE! THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE!!

Answer 1

It is a worthwhile cause. The statistic shows that teens are having babies regardless of whether we are promoting it or not. So why not support those who are in this predicament, to give them a good start. It would be beneficial if your friend with the social work background could incorporate a vocational program to teach job skills, provide educational materials for college entrance or any other education program, provide information about child care assistance, and transportation services. If you are not ready to provide these other programs, make referrals to places that could assist with these services so that these teens and their babies don't fall into the cracks, and become just another statistic. The teens will needs lots of guidance and direction. I am a Social Worker as well.

Answer 2

I volunteer as a peer counselor at a crisis pregnancy center. I can say with a HUGE amount of confidence that this is definitely a much needed resource. I really commend you and your friend for this. I see so many of these girls every week, and we are located in a relatively rural area. There are very few resources available to them other than aid available through various welfare programs. Some girls that I counsel are living in homeless shelters or in abusive situations with nowhere else to go. Getting to Doctor appointments can be a struggle, and having support in other areas of their lives can be minimal; if it exists at all. I am not saying that all teen mothers experience these things, but sadly it is all too common. I think your idea is awesome, and I wish you the best!

Answer 3

Sure it would- unfortunately, teen pregnancy is something that will never go away, and not all teen moms have supportive family members or good role models to show them the way. There needs to be more places like this. I was a mom at 16 and I had no one to get me through the rough spots- and I dealt with an abusive boyfriend on top of that. Things were not easy for me- I had to go it alone, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Don't give up on this idea- it's fantastic- and much needed. Good luck bringing it into fruition!

Answer 4

I am also a nurse, but I was a pregnant teen and no where to go or anyone to turn to, and I was asked by a friend to marry him, I saw no other option and unfortunately choose the only one I had which turned out to be a major mistake. YES!! definitely a good idea, teens need this support and an environment to make a good decision without feeling they are being pressured one way or another.

Answer 5

That would've been great! I had my first child when I was 17 and my second when I was 19. The first one was a bad situation. I lived with my father and when he found out, he moved to a different state because he felt shame. My mom couldn't afford me. So I had to rely on government, didn't have a vehicle, had no idea what was going on with my body, etc. That would be a really great place for pregnant teens. It's not like they have to go there, but it would be good to have it if someone did really need the advice, shelter, and love. I think it would be a great hit! Go for it.

Answer 6

I think that it is a great idea, but if you are going to have them leave after 12 weeks, you need to PLACE them some where. also, can you withstand the thought that not ALL of these girls will be helped? I had my daughter at 18, but I was fortunate enough that I was with my mother and surrounded by people who have continued to support me.I wish you luck, and mybe you could write to your represenatieve and get a little state funding for your project,

Answer 7

ABSOLUTELY! A HUGE needed resource in many areas, inner city, suburb and rural.

Nothing against religion, there are some great places, but many of them are religious based and many shy away from them unless there is no alternative.

The numbers of teen mothers living in shelters has risen almost 4 fold in the last 10 years.

I would whole heatedly support something like this....Nation Wide!

Read up at The Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and some of there programs here in Atlanta....baby steps forward when we need LEAPS and Bounds!

Good luck to you!

Answer 8

Lots of money is being poured into teen pregnancy and the birth rate is decreasing while the out-of-wedlock birth rate of women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s is increasing at an alarming rate. My mom was thirty-three when she gave birth to me, and shunned by her family. She needed help like you are proposing, but struggled with very little governmental assistance. So, don't forget the older pregnant women even though they should know better not to get pregnant without a husband.

Answer 9

This would be an excellent idea.I got pregnant when i was 14,i was 15 when i had my daughter.I was very lucky my mum and dad and my boyfriend and his family stuck by me,and helped me with everything i needed.It was always in the back of my head what would have happened if they disowned me,you hear so many stories about pregnant teenagers being left homeless,i dont understand this,i know that alot are already homeless,but their families throwing them out,i can't get my head around this.My daughter is nearly 14 now,and me and her dad are stronger than ever,if she ever came home and told me she was pregnant,i would help her 100%.Not everyone was as lucky as i was, i give you all my support and wish you all the luck in the world,go for it.

Answer 10

that would be so great if every state, county could have a place for teens like that. Both of my sisters were in bad situations where they could not rely on anyone to help them. They would have loved to keep their babies but because of their situations they couldn't. I being 10 years older than them and having young children of my own did not have the funds or room to help them. I wish I did til this day because they both regret their decisions. GO FOR IT!!!! and best of luck!