Teen Pregnancy Help

Becoming pregnant as a teenager comes with it's own challenges, and preparing to be a mother as a teen even more so. This article has information to help with teen mom prepartions. Keep reading for tips on preparing for a baby such as medical, doctors, insurance, and more...

Having a baby can be an overwhelming experience for any woman. But teen moms often feel even more pressure and anxiety about the imminent arrival of a child. However, there are resources available. Teen mom preparations should center on getting things ready for the new arrival, and setting up conditions that will allow for a greater chance of success. Here are some things to consider as you make your teen mom preparations:

Get help

First of all, you need to know where to turn for help. Try to line up help ahead of time. This includes looking for sitters, or appealing to friends and family for help. There are local resources available at women’s centers and hospitals, as well as Planned Parenthood, that can help you learn how to care for your baby, find support and even get help for other things you might need in your life, including government subsidized housing or other services that can help you if your family is not able or unwilling to help you with your new baby.

Doctor

Your baby needs a doctor. In some cities, you need to sign up with a pediatrician before the baby is born. Shop around to find a doctor that you think will work well with you and help you take good care of your baby. Call around, and see who is accepting new patients, as well as which doctors accept your insurance plan (or Medicaid).

Medicaid

If you cannot afford health insurance, you may qualify for Medicaid. Even if you do not qualify after you give birth, your child may qualify. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, but you can’t afford private health insurance, check with your state programs. Many states offer subsidized health insurance for children. These arrangements should be made ahead of time, as part of your teen mom preparations.

Nursery

As the birth of your child approaches, you will need to prepare a place for your child. It may not be possible to dedicate an entire room to the child, but he or she can have the area around his or her crib designated as a nursery area. Prepare this area with as many comforts as seem reasonable, and that you can afford. You should by linens, clothes, child over the counter medications, toys and some diapers well ahead of time. If a friend or relative throws you a baby shower, this can be very helpful in terms of helping you stock your nursery. If you are on a tight budget, you can plan to buy one or two things each week and slowly build a stock that way.

Women, Infants, Children - WIC

WIC is a government program that can help you get food for you and your baby. Certain healthy items, such as cereal, bread, formula, milk, cheese and peanut butter are designated as WIC approved at grocery stores. Your local health department can point you in the right direction for applying for WIC if you know that you will need assistance when it comes to paying for food.

School

See if you can make arrangements to finish school as a mom. Schools with a large amount teen moms may have on-site day care. If going to school during the day is not a possibility, see if you can take GED classes at night, or attend a community college (if you are already done with high school). Having some education is important if you want the skills to help support your baby.

Job

Depending on your circumstances, it may be necessary for you to get a job of some sort. Consider your skills, and prepare your resume. Some community centers can point you in the direction of seminars and workshops that can help you prepare for a job. The local jobs or employment office can help you find a job, or provide you with job seeking help. It can also help you find approved babysitting if that is needed. You can also look for opportunities to make a little money in your home, by watching someone else’s child, or by looking for reputable web programs that can help you earn money.

In the end, there is a lot that needs to be done in order to get yourself ready to have a baby. Teen mom preparations should start as early as possible. The earlier you start getting things ready, the less stress you will feel when the baby actually comes.