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The other day I stumbled across a site called GirlMom: Support, Community and Education for Young Mamas. If you’re a young woman in an unplanned pregnancy, I’d suggest stopping by for a visit.
Now, the site itself isn’t all that well-organized–it’s not easily navigable, and you have to wade through a lot of material to find what you’re looking for. And it may also be new, because several areas don’t seem to be built out just yet.
But I love the idea, and the feisty attitude. And already, there are some good articles written by and for young moms.
I especially liked the message in this one, Birthing Power.
You have the right to enjoy your pregnancy. A lot of folks view teen pregnancy as a punishment–”You messed up, now you have to suffer the consequences.” It may mess with their minds to see you enjoying in your pregnancy. That is their problem, not yours.
Even if your entry into sexual activity was not the world’s best idea, that doesn’t make your pregnancy a punishment. In fact, you can use your pregnancy as a stepping stone to pull yourself out of any self- defeating behaviors you might have and take charge of your life. So many women say, “I was wandering through life/hooking up with the wrong kind of men/a mindless party girl/on drugs/whatever . . . then I got pregnant and it turned me around.”
Pregnancy can guide you into all kinds of positive changes. A healthier diet, better exercise, organizational skills (especially if you have to go through all the paperwork it takes to get government assistance), decision-making skills, stress-management skills, a deeper spiritual life, and even career choices. A friend of mine went from party girl to midwife all because of an unplanned pregnancy.
Look at your pregnancy as a blessing and enjoy it. And if people see you glowing, they’ll just have to deal with it.
That’s a good message, and one that’s hard to remember when you’re feeling overwhelmed and in crisis. I’m glad the young lady who wrote this is wise enough to see the positive side of unplanned pregnancy.
yeah! love this post