Pregnancy facts...

Babies born to teen mothers are of higher birth weights than babies not in a maternity home. This has significant implications regarding the amount of money saved in medical costs.

Young mothers who graduate from high school are much more likely to go on to college or university.

Young, single mothers can succeed incredibly well when they are given the appropriate support.

Most maternity home clients did not plan to get pregnant.

Many young mothers dream of having a happy family life.

Over 90% of the clients have experienced abuse in their past.

Very few go on to have a second child while they are still single.

The life of a young, single mother on Family Benefits is a life of poverty.

Most of the mothers are committed to turning their lives around, i.e. finishing school, getting a job, going off Family Benefits, and becoming a positive and effective parent.

The children of young mothers who receive a high quality early childhoodeducations program do much better than children not receiving a program.

Pregnant young women living in a maternity home receive the best in prenatal monitoring. This results in fewer services needed in the future & fewer complications.

Many young mothers come from youth shelters and hostels. They have nowhere else to go.

The majority of our young mothers initiate and sustain breast feeding.

Investing in the families & children of today will save at least 5 times that amount in fewer services needed in the future.

Young girl gives birth...

Guadalupe Gutierrez-Juarez Pleads Guilty: Sept 9, 2008.

There is a new development today in the disturbing case of the 37-year-old Fremont County man who was accused of raping a 10-year-old girl, who later gave birth. Guadalupe Gutierrez-Juarez pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to one charge of rape of his girlfriend's daughter.

Two felony counts of rape have been dropped in exchange for the guilty plea. He had been awaiting a trial on September 23rd, but will now await his fate once he is sentenced by a judge.

The girl's mother, Isabel Chasarez pleaded guilty last month to felony injury to a child for not getting her daughter the prenatal care she needed. She may be deported back to Mexico. It is still unclear to what will happen to the 10-year-old and her baby girl.

You can't fill every roll as a single parent...

"Single parents often feel very alone, almost like you're the only one in the world facing these particular problems and challenges. Although everyone does have their personal uphill battles, according to the US Census Bureau, in 2006 there were 12.9 million one-parent families in the United States. Of those, 10.4 million were single mothers. Assuredly, today there are millions more. So, the good news is that we really aren't alone. The bad news is, it's still a tough job fulfilling so many roles.

Is it really possible to be everything to your child or children? As a self-proclaimed workaholic and Super Mom, I wish I could say that it is indeed possible. Unfortunately, I'd be lying. Single parents do the best they can, but unless you're independently wealthy, have the patience of a saint, and the child-rearing knowledge of Dr. Spock, it's just not possible. The old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child" is so very true.

So how do you assemble this village? Where do you go and whom do you begin to trust?

Obviously, you're the major role model in your child's life. You try to be mother, father, educator, friend and everything else. But you need time for yourself and having another mentor for your kids can be beneficial for everyone involved.

For mother's who are raising children on their own, you can ask an uncle, grandfather, or male friend you trust to spend time with your kids at least once a week. Single dads can ask an aunt, grandmother or female friend. If your child has an opposite gender adult to spend time with and talk to, this can take some of the pressure off you, especially when it comes to answering questions you may not feel comfortable with. For example, single parents may have a hard time explaining body changes when their child starts going through puberty, especially if their child is the opposite sex.

Children also need a safe place for recreation after school and/or on weekends. One of the best places I've found is the local Boys and Girls Club. My kids have taken Tae Kwon Do classes, basketball, crafts, and many other classes through them. Churches are also good, especially for summer activities.

Never feel that you have to fill every role when it comes to raising your child. There are people and places that can offer help, guidance, support and a few hours of time off for you to relax."

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This story was written by Kelly Wallace. She is a single mother of 5 daughters ranging in ages from mid-20's to teens. She home schooled her last three from kindergarten up and feels it was one of the best decisions she ever made.

Time Square Can't Shine As Bright As You...

Brenden's Baby Calender...

January 27th, 2009- peed in his nana's pop.
March 10th, 2009 - weighs 14 lbs, 4 oz.
March 17th, 2009 - started on cereal.
March 21st, 2009 - put in his crib.
March 23rd, 2009 - rolled from tummy to back 3 times.
June 2nd, 2009 - weighs 17 lbs, 13 oz.
July 3rd, 2009 - 1st tooth.
July 16th, 2009 - 2nd tooth.
August 31st, 2009 - 3rd tooth.
September 8th, 2009 - 4th tooth.
September 13th, 2009 - sat up all alone from laying position.
September 15th, 2009 - weighs 21 lbs, 13 oz.
October 8th, 2009 - 5th tooth.
October 12th, 2009 - 6th tooth.

Juno - A Film About Teen Pregnancy

Juno is a sixteen year old who is faced with an unexpected pregnancy. The father is another teenager who she doesn't really consider her boyfriend. She wants it to go away like a bad dream, but she realizes she needs to take control of the situation. She seeks the help of her best friend Leah. She considers Woman's Help Center for what she calls "Speedy Abortion", but her friend Su-Chin, an anti-abortion protester, tells her just outside the clinic that the fetus probably has fingernails by now and Juno changes her mind. Together she and Leah find an ad in the Penny Saver from Mark & Vanessa Loring, who are desperate for a child.

Country vs. Teenage Birth Rate

Country vs. Teenage birth rate/1000 (15–19) in 2002

South Korea - 3
Japen - 4
China - 5
Switzerland - 5
Netherlands - 5
Spain - 6
Singapore - 6
Italy - 6
Sweden - 7
Denmark - 7
Solvenia - 8
Finland - 8
Luxembourg - 9
France - 9
Belgium - 9
Greece - 10
Cyprus - 10
Norway - 11
Germany - 11
Malta - 12
Austria - 12
Ireland - 15
Poland - 16
Canada - 16
Australia - 16
Albania - 16
Portugal - 17
Isreal - 17
Czech Republic - 17
Iceland - 19
Croatia - 19
United Kingdom - 20
Hungary - 21
Bosnia & Herzegovina - 23
Slovakia - 24
Latvia - 24
Lithuania - 26
Estonia - 26
New Zealand - 27
Belarus - 27
Russia - 30
Georgia - 33
Macedonia - 34
Armenia - 34
Romania - 37
Ukraine - 38
Saudia Arabia - 38
Bulgaria - 41
Chile - 44
Brazil - 45
United States - 55
Indonesia - 55
Mexico - 64
South Africa - 66
India - 73
Nigeria - 103
Niger - 233