Sister is pregnant at 16

gizmo111

ikkle87 wrote: »

She will get some support from her social worker hun who should be able to advise of any support groups etc in your area. Maybe your family could write a list of questions to ask, the midwife may also be able to help answer some of these.

The best thing you can do is support her, pregnancy can be a scary time at any age xx

Has she got a social worker and for what reason?
She won't be allocated a social worker just because she is pregnant.

ikkle87

gizmo111 wrote: »

Has she got a social worker and for what reason?
She won't be allocated a social worker just because she is pregnant.

In my area pregnant teens are given a social worker to help and support them. My cousin is 17 and pregnant and has been allocated a social worker purely because she is pregnant and under 18. Much to her disgust as she works hard, saves, doesn't drink/smoke etc. Never been in trouble or anything but they say due to her age she has to have an allocated social worker.

gizmo111

ikkle87 wrote: »

In my area pregnant teens are given a social worker to help and support them. My cousin is 17 and pregnant and has been allocated a social worker purely because she is pregnant and under 18. Much to her disgust as she works hard, saves, doesn't drink/smoke etc. Never been in trouble or anything but they say due to her age she has to have an allocated social worker.

On what legal basis - they can't just open a case due to age.
I'm very interested - what assessments etc are they doing?

Ravenlady_2

ikkle87 wrote: »

She will get some support from her social worker hun who should be able to advise of any support groups etc in your area. Maybe your family could write a list of questions to ask, the midwife may also be able to help answer some of these.

The best thing you can do is support her, pregnancy can be a scary time at any age xx

Does the OP's sister have a social worker?

Getting pregnant is not cause for being referred to SS, if it was they would have hit breaking point years ago.

Gillyx

She will need a lot of support and guidance. Is your mum happy to have your sister, her boyfriend and baby living with her? Would she prefer they moved out? If so they will need to think about what they want to do next. Are your sister or her partner working? She will more than likely be entitled to benefits too, so she'l need to find out about that. I think though if she is claiming Child Benefit for her child, then your mums child benefit for your sister will stop.

I think no matter what age you are, having your first child is life changing. I'm 23 and had my baby boy 3 weeks ago, and life has been a whirlwind ever since, I don't think I would have coped with it at 16, suppose I would have had to, but it has been so difficult, we have suspected reflux here and it is a nightmare. All of this stuff has to be pointed out to your sister, so I hope she has a supportive partner, I really don't know where I would be without my OH these past 3 weeks.

jokeyjo

my younger sister fell pregnant at 16 and we just said we where there for them both she moved into his flat and they had my nephew now nearly 16 yrs later are married with 2 more kids and still as happy as when they were first together i think its just a case of being there if they need you to listen and be a friendly shoulder

nikki&asha

Ok I fell pregnant with my first at 16. I instantly decided that I wanted the baby, so no one even discussed alternatives or how hard it would be properly with me. I went on to have my daughter (now 10) and love her so much. However - it has been very hard and I would never recommend it to any one. I am now 28 and my whole adult life has revolved around my daughter (and since last year my son), going out has been a nightmare - she will want to go out, try having a hangover with a toddler at 18 horrible! Holidays with mates managed one and cried all the time as i missed her so much - she was 5. didnt learn to drive until i was 22 as worked full time so no time or worked part time so no money! Finally got to Uni in 2007 so now starting to get a better wage finally.

Basically once that baby is here there is no spontaneous selfish adolescent me time at all. Baby sitters only last so long and have to be planned. Once you have the baby its for life - yes I know they grow up but the worrying about them doesnt go.

I had my son when I was 26. Its been amazing - i am emotionally and financially able to give him so much more. I thought I was grown up but Honestly, I lacked so much with my first. We muddled through and I was a good mum, but I am a better mum now as I am older and wiser.

So make sure she really understands what she is doing.

Nikki

Sorry typing is bad I have a toddler on my lap

Racheldevon

Hi,

One of the key places to get support from now until the child is 5 will be your local Sure Start children's centre (have a google online - every community has access to their services even if the actual building isn't in your area).

They offer free services to all families, but often have specific resources and workers for young parents. At the centre I run we offer the antenatal programme for young parents, various groups, family support if needed etc and a range of other services including counselling, so perhaps you could phone and go along with your sister to see what they offer

Best of luck

Racheldevon

Also, I forgot to mention, some areas have the 'Family Nurse Partnership' programme, but certainly not all areas - it's worth asking the midwife about this at the first appointment. It provides quite intensive support antenatally and until the child is approx 2.

thatgirlsam

Your sister should be allocated a named midwife from the teenage caseload in your local area - She (or he) will be able to give her info regarding local groups etc

There are some national organisiations to help too - Connexions provide support, practical help and advice - There is a number she can call, even text if she wants or they have a website

If you want the numbers you can PM me or look it up online

There is the young womans guide to pregnancy too, found on the Tommy's website

There is also the sexwise helpline which give confidential advice