Take a look at me now.

I used today's nap time to catch up on 16 & Pregnant (everyone deserves a lazy day, right?) and the episode from two weeks ago sparked this post. It wasn't my favorite or least favorite episode. In fact, I don't remember her name or much of the episode.. just that she was the one with an eating disorder, and that her relationship with her mother made me want to cry for her.

Anyway, the part where she was talking about going back to school.. Speaking of the things she knew everyone would be thinking.. reminded me of me. Reminded me of how I felt, and still feel about pregnancy at a young age.

Not only was this girl afraid of how her teachers would handle things (which I can relate to, after having a teacher mock me to her students..) but she was afraid people would think she was a 'slut'. As if she didn't have enough to worry about. I don't know anything about her other than what I saw, just as I don't know much about any other teen mom I see.. but one of the things that bugs me more than anything else is that stereotype.

Getting pregnant at a young age does NOT make someone a whore.
In fact, what gives anyone the right to judge someone else as a whore anyway?

I definitely wasn't. In fact, I was the 'unlucky' one that got pregnant because I was the exact opposite. Had I been promiscuous, my chances of becoming pregnant with Hallie, one of the loves of my life, would have been much less. If I had been sleeping around, I would have been on the pill. But, I wasn't. I was caught up in a moment, with my first love.

No offense to anybody on the pill, or that uses any other form of contraceptives.. I'm not against sex - your body is yours to do with what you please. And if that is the route you choose, good for you for realizing that actions have consequences, the miracle of life is far from the worst. I guess you could say I'm pro-dowhatyouwant,butpleaseeducateyourselffirst.


I could totally relate to and feel for that girl in those few moments, those glimpses into her most personal fears and thoughts. And it brought me back to '08. My senior year, my first pregnancy, the best un-planned event of my life. It brought me back to hiding my pregnancy, and graduating early - just to escape the belittling stares, and menacing words being said behind my back.

No girl should ever have to feel that way. No baby, no completely innocent, perfect angel should ever be a reason for shame - no matter the situation or age/look/background of the mother.

So, to those who whispered behind my back, bashed me, and laughed at my 'expense', thank you. Thank you for teaching me that no opinion could ever matter as much as those of my children. Thank you reminding me to not be judgemental when I see a young glowing face with a growing belly. Thank you for inspiring me to look into midwife/doula services.

Most of all, thank you for giving me the drive to prove you all wrong.

And finally, take a look at me now <3

This photo was taken by Kristen Charles Photography

www.kristencharlesphotography.com