Tips for Teen Moms (or new moms of any age!)

Tips for Teen Moms. Congratulations! You’re having a baby! And, while you may be feeling overwhelmed with everything that comes along with being a new mom, rest assured that with a little planning and support, motherhood will be a joy!

For starters, you’ve made the beautiful decision to become a mother, which is always a reason to celebrate. Of course, every new mom’s journey is different (including teen moms), so here are a few general tips to help make the transition to motherhood as easy and stress-free as possible.

Tip 1: Surround yourself with support

Whether it’s the father of your baby, a best friend, a group of friends, parents or grandparents, be sure to reach out to those people in your life who love and care about you. Look especially for people who are already moms – your own mom, grandmother, sister, friend or a local mom’s group – these are the women who’ve been there, and they can give you lots of practical advice!

Tip 2: Call your local pregnancy resource center (PRC):

That’s right, PRCs absolutely love teen moms! And, they have loads and loads of resources to help get you started on the right track. In addition to pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, most PRCs offer parenting classes and childbirth classes. Many also offer support for the father of your baby, too! And of course, PRCs love to help by providing all kinds of material assistance, including diapers, wipes, car seats, pack n’ plays, clothing, toys, blankets, etc. PRCs specialize in connecting you with other resources in your community, such as WIC, Healthy Families, Infant & Toddlers, career help, OB referrals, church referrals, the list goes on. (Plus, everything is free!) Bottom line, you are definitely not alone!

Tip 3: Find a great OB:

Finding the right OB is essential to your well-being and peace of mind. Ask your local PRC for recommendations. You can also ask friends and relatives who have recently been pregnant.

Tip 4: Check out the Internet (but don’t get carried away!)

You’re probably way ahead of us on this one, but in case you haven’t discovered them yet, here are a few apps and websites to explore:

https://www.lucieslist.com/straight-talk

https://www.babywise.life

Instagram:

@takingcarababies

App:

Pregnancy+

That said, it’s important not to spend every waking moment reading anything and everything! A lot of what you read may be just plain wrong! Remember, women have been having babies since the beginning of time (literally!).

Tip 5: Relax and savor every moment!

Bringing new life into the world is one of the most incredible experiences a woman can have. So take the time to enjoy this time of bonding with your little one as he or she grows and changes. Journaling, taking photos of your changing waistline, and arranging (and rearranging!) the nursery are all great ways to make the most of this very precious and unique time.

AbbaCare is a pregnancy resource center serving women and families in the Winchester, VA and Martinsburg, WV areas. To learn more about our free, confidential services, visit abbacare.org.