I have a very special place in my heart for ministering to teen moms during their pregnancy. Throughout my life experiences I have come to know several teen moms and dads. Birth can seem very frightening, because it is so unknown. I would love to come alongside teen moms and help educate them on their birth options and teach them how to make educated decisions about their pregnancy and baby.

Information, referrals, and networking offer teen mothers and fathers opportunities to connect with specific resources of support and build community during and beyond the childbearing year. I offers referrals to:

• treatment for drugs and alcohol
• counseling for emotional/mental/psychological issues
• lactation support
• acquiring free items needed to care for a baby
• care providers to serve them during pregnancy, birth and parenting
• programs to assist them in completing high school and furthering their education/training

Teens don't always have the support of family, community, and peers in the situation, but often they do and that's fantastic. Teen moms will have my support throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum 100%.

Being a teen parent is a frightening yet exciting challenge. As a doula, I will accept the young mother for who she is and not place judgment on her. I believe that a teen mother's own development is based on how both their peers and the adults in their lives respond to them and either accept or reject their way of being. Doulas enter their lives in a magical moment, a time that they feel brings new beginnings, not only for their soon to be born child, but for themselves as well. This is the biggest life change they have yet experienced and it comes with an opportunity for them to “start over” and be just the way they imagine a mom is supposed to be. I am there for teen parents as a support system, for a hand to hold, or whatever it is they need from me.