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Hayley's experience
I was 16 when I first found out I was pregnant. I had been going out with my boyfriend for about a year, so I decided to tell him first and he was really pleased. I was really worried about telling my mum and dad. I didn’t live with my mum so I went to her house to tell her. My mum was fine with my situation and so I felt I should tell my dad. I don’t really talk much to my dad and after I told him he didn’t talk to me for 5 months.
At the time I lived with my boyfriend in a 1 bedroom flat but I had to move into a mum and baby unit to wait for a 2/3 bedroom flat. There were three mums and their children in one house; myself, another mum with her 1 year old girl along with a dad and his son in our house. I lived there for 10 months until my daughter was 9 months old.
When I moved into my 2 bedroom flat I didn’t know anyone from the area. I joined a young mum and baby group through Connexions which had recently started on Monday mornings. Before I went I was worried but once I got there everyone was really friendly and made me feel welcome.
I haven’t missed a group now and have made friends for life. I now have another daughter and I am really happy.
Laura's experience
I think that Connexions young mum and toddler group has been a huge amount of support to me. I started coming to the group when I was 19 years old and about 2 months pregnant.
When I first came into the group there were 2 girls, one was heavily pregnant and the other had a young child which was 3 months old.
I felt really shy and uncomfortable when I first went along because I didn’t know anyone, but they all turned out to be good friends and got me over my fears about having a baby. Any problems that I have had, I have been able to come to Connexions and get the help and support that I needed.
The group now has 14 babies and the group is a lot bigger then when I first started.
My baby is now a year old and I have now split with my child’s father. All the people at Connexions have made it a lot easier for me to cope. The girls go out together and we are a close group that talk about anything and everything. I look forward to every Monday.
Danni's experience
I found I was pregnant at the age of 15 after being with my boyfriend for 6 months. I was nervous about telling my mum but everything was all right. I am still with my boyfriend now and after 3 and half years we have our own flat together.
I started going to a young mum and baby group when I was 17 and my son was a year old. The first time I went I felt uncomfortable as it was such a big group of girls, but after a couple of visits it was really good.
I have been going for over a year now and I really enjoy it. It’s nice to be able to talk to people my age who have children.
Kirsty's experience
I was happy in a new relationship for 2 weeks when I found I was pregnant. By the time I had my 3 month scan my boyfriend had walked away. I was 18 in full time employment and living somewhere nice. I didn’t know what to do.
I decided to keep my baby, after all I was fine. I felt a bit alone but I knew I was capable; even during my pregnancy where I had a few complications, but I coped ok.
I got a brand new flat which was tough, but I saved up my money and made it my home. When I had my baby I was in labour for about 5 days and my sister supported me by being my birthing partner.
My first night on my own with my baby was terrifying. My baby was crying and I had to get up in the early hours of the morning and feed, but it was nice knowing we were together.
My baby was 3 months old when I was the first person at the mum and baby group at Connexions. Now, there are lots of girls in our predicament. The girls are all very understanding and we do things together, undertake courses and generally chat.
My baby is 2 years old now and Connexions have helped me cope with my baby, courses and general things. I have a partner who loves my baby and I go to college. My life is perfect.
Michelle's experience
When I found out I was pregnant I didn’t know what to do. I felt lonely but I saw a poster advertising a young parents group run by Connexions. I went along whilst I was pregnant and I met other young people in the same situation as me. The group helped me with housing and benefits and there was someone on hand to help me fill in any forms that I needed. When I had my daughter everyone was really helpful and they put me in contact with a charity that helps with nursery equipment. At the group we take English courses and there is a crèche available. The group is very sociable and I have made lots of new friends who all go out together. I appreciated the fact Connexions treated me as an individual.